18th Hole Earth Course

Stretching over 650 yards from the championship tees, the 18th hole is a true test of skill and strategy. The hole plays uphill from tee to green, with a meandering stream coming into play for the first, second, and often third shots.

A narrow fairway flanked by bunkers and water hazards demands precision off the tee, while the well-protected green challenges even the most skilled approach shots.

❝The 18th is a true test of your game. You have to think strategically about every shot, especially with the water lurking around. It can make or break your round.❞
Rory McIlroy

❝The 18th is one of those holes that can change your entire tournament. It’s reachable in two, but you have to be smart about your layup and approach.❞
Tommy Fleetwood

❝This hole encapsulates everything about golf—strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. You need to stay calm and focused to finish strong.❞
Martin Kaymer

❝I’ll never forget my approach during the 2013 tournament. It’s a hole that demands precision, and when you get it right, the rewards are incredible.❞
Henrik Stenson

Rory McIlroy's Incredible Approach (2019)
During the first round of the 2019 DP World Tour Championship, Rory McIlroy stunned spectators with an extraordinary 3-wood shot from 281 yards. Despite facing an uphill lie, McIlroy executed a perfect approach that landed on the green, showcasing his exceptional skill and daring.

Henrik Stenson's 'Shot of the Year' (2013)
In 2013, Henrik Stenson secured his Order of Merit victory with a breathtaking 3-wood approach shot that landed just 6 inches from the hole. This shot was later awarded the European Tour's "Shot of the Year" and is commemorated by a plaque on the fairway.

Tommy Fleetwood's Masterclass (2022)
During the 2022 tournament, Tommy Fleetwood demonstrated his expertise on the 18th hole. His strategic play and precise shot-making served as a masterclass for aspiring golfers, highlighting the importance of course management on this challenging finishing hole.

Club Selection:
• Tee shot: A 3-wood or rescue club is often the safest choice for amateurs, aiming to find the widest part of the fairway.

• Second shot: For most players, a carefully placed hybrid or mid-iron is ideal for the layup.

• Approach: Club selection is crucial, typically requiring an extra club due to the uphill nature of the shot.

Aim & Execution:
• Tee shot: Aim for the left side of the fairway to avoid the deep bunkers on the right.

• Layup: The left side of the fairway is safer but leaves a longer approach. The right side is riskier but offers a shorter approach over less water.

• Approach: Target the correct portion of the sloping green, accounting for the uphill lie.

Mental Approach:
• Stay focused and avoid the "hit and hope" mentality, especially on the layup shot.

• Assess risk vs. reward carefully, particularly when deciding whether to go for the green in two.

Additional Tips:
• Be aware of the back-to-front slope of the green when putting.

• Consider the greenside bunkers as a safe bailout area if attempting to reach in two

The 18th hole on the Earth Course is described as "a strong finishing hole" and a "treacherous par 5" that has tested even the best golfers in the world. This suggests that players consider it to be a challenging hole.

The hole is designed to provide a dramatic finish to the DP World Championship, offering a significant challenge for professional players in the tournament.
The description of the hole's features, including its uphill layout, meandering stream, and the need for careful shot placement, implies that players often rate it as a difficult hole.

The fact that the hole has seen both memorable eagles and balls in the water suggests that players view it as a risk-reward hole with significant challenges.

Handicap: 5
Favourite Course: Pebble Beach Golf Links
My 'Expert' areas: USA, UAE, South Africa, Mauritius
Best trip I've done: Monterey, California
Where my next trip is to: New Zealand

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