Is the Road Hole the most famous hole in golf?

[Michael Whitaker]

On ESPN's broadcast Curtis Strange asked, "Is the Road Hole the most famous hole in golf?"

If, yes... why? The hotel? The bunker? The road?

If, no... what hole is more famous and what makes it so?

[Jason Way]

Here in the States, an argument could be made that Amen Corner at Augusta, and particularly the 12th, are more famous than the Road Hole.  Primary reason for that would be that Augusta is on TV every year, and the TV coverage pounds that hole into the public consciousness.

[Jim_Kennedy]

Here in the states the MFH would be the 17th at Sawgrass, I think.

[BCrosby]

The 12th at ANGC.


Bob

[Patrick_Mucci]

Mike,


You could make a solid case for that.


I think it's the collection of the individual features and there interaction with each other.


The blind tee shot, shed, angles, hotel, wall and unique green and surrounds all combine to make it unique.

[Joe Zucker]

I'm another vote for the 17th at Sawgrass.  It is instantly recognizable and I can't tell you how many times people have told me a course is good because it has an island green.  While it may not be the best hole in golf, it sure seems like it is the hole the dreaded "public" knows best.

[Brent Hutto]

It may be the most famous Par 4 in the world.

[Pete_Pittock]

18 at Pebble Beach. More snow-bound northeners are watching more TV in Jan/Feb than in late spring.

[Gib_Papazian]

You could easily argue the Road is also the world’s most butt-ugly hole in championship golf. I cannot think of any hole that better illustrates the architect’s lament that “If I built a hole like that today, I would be fired.” Maybe # 1 North Berwick would get an honorable mention, but once you get to the putting surface, it looks reasonably thought out. The Road Hole starts out crossways over a silly wall, followed by a green jammed up against pavement - with a nearly vertical, sod-faced bunker.

Only an idiot would design a ziag-zaggy, ocular offense like that mess and try to pretend it is anything but a complete abortion. The most famous hole in the Open Championship Rota would be derisively dismissed as a disfigured curiosity if not for being golf’s sacred cow. I am not saying I would change it any more than I would rip down the wall at North Berwick,  but .. . . . . ..           

[Erik Mosley]

Thinking about this from my wife's perspective (someone who will casually look up at the tv if golf is on, but won't watch it for any long period - which unfortunately is the majority of the country), I think 18 at Pebble Beach is the most famous for the general public living in the US. 


Despite how famous the Road Hole is, it only gets shown on tv here once every five years - unless you're a big golf fan getting up early to watch the Dunhill on Golf Channel of course.  Everybody knows Pebble Beach and Augusta (but the casual golf fan might recognize Pebble more due to the views).  Sawgrass 17 may be as recognizable, but I think a lot of people will just say "that island hole" without knowing where it actually is.  Would 16 at TPC Scottsdale make a run at the Top 10 most famous in the US?  Perhaps when the stadium is up at least.   


That being said, most famous hole for the general public outside the US (which obviously consists of a much larger population and therefore is probably the most famous)? I'd have to agree with the Road Hole. 

[Phil Young]

I would venture that probably just as many average golfers in the U.S. know the term "Redan" as they do the "Road Hole"... The irony being that they haven't the faintest idea where it originated or even of North Berwick...

[Brent Hutto]

I've had non-golfers ask me if I've ever played "that island green" at TPC Sawgrass. I've also had non-golfers ask me specifically about the 16th at Cypress Point. And millions of golfers and non-golfers alike could practically draw you a picture from memory of "#12 At Augusta".


Which tells me that photogenic Par 3's involving carries over water are by far the most well-known golf holes in the world. Honorable mention to Par 5's along the ocean at Pebble that happen to be the 18th hole of a major championship venue.


By comparison, familiarity with the Road Hole or any other Par 4 without water is on a whole different order of magnitude IMO.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Brent,

I think you make a reasoned reply.

It would seem to depend upon who you ask, the television viewing audience or serious golfers.

I think you might get different answers from each faction.

If your question was confined to those in the U.S. I guess that the 17th, at TPC, 18th at PBGC or 12th at ANGC might get the majority of votes, but, there's a large contingent of TV viewers and serious golfers who reside elsewhere.

[David Royer]

I happened to catch Geoff Hackleford's comments about the road hole bunker changes. I've never been to TOC. Are the changes in depth, size, catchment area?  All f the above?  How does the depth at Old Mac compare?  Thanks

[Michael Whitaker]

Augusta's 12th... Sawgrass 17th... Pebble's 18th... one thing they all have in common is they are featured (and glorified) on extensive golf telecasts EVERY year. Also, during those telecasts they are featured in special segments on their creation, beauty, significance, etc.


It's hard for the Road Hole to compete with that when it is only shown on TV every five years!

[Mark Pavy]

Ahhhh, but have you considered the most "well-known" hole in golf may actually be.....the 19th hole!

[Alex Miller]

Things have obviously changed in terms of my golf knowledge, but 9 year old me declared to my non-golfer playing parents that "this is the most famous hole in all of golf" when we stopped at Pebble Beach on our trip around the 17 mile drive and walked out toward the 18th green.


In many ways I was wiser then, so I'll stick with that as my choice.

[Donovan Childers]

You ask people from all around the  world, who play golf, have played it, or watched it on tv , or none of the above, you will get more 17 at sawgrass. They may say that island hole or something similar, but that is the most well know hole in golf.

[Tim Leahy]

I think the 18th at the Old Course might be more famous than the 17th because of the iconic bridge and clubhouse.
For me:
1. Pebble 18
2. ANGC 12
3. TPC 17
4. Old Course 18

[Tom_Doak]

Honestly, I don't think the 12th at Augusta is anywhere close to as famous as the Road Hole or the 18th at Pebble Beach.


Yes, it's had more television exposure than the others because The Masters is on TV every year.  But it's in the middle of a bunch of other bright green holes, and it's not like they do a special feature on the terrors of the 12th on every broadcast.


I think a lot of people know the name of the Road hole even if they don't have a clue what it's like.  Does that count, or not?  If it does, then the 17th at the TPC is probably in the discussion, too.

[Kalen Braley]

Brent beat me to the punch.
 
It depends on who you ask....  The average muni playing Joe who watches golf on Sundays, or one who works in the actual golf industry who is much more familiar with a course like North Berwick or Royal County Down.....

[Bob Montle]

Years ago, before I had ever visited Scotland, I lived in Michigan and spent winter evenings with my friends playing dice golf on hand-painted 1mm = 1yard course layouts.  The one hole which we all agreed we wanted to play someday was the Road Hole.  The only other hole which came close was #8 at pebble.

Today, after three visits to Fife, the Road Hole still stands out in my memories. 

[Jeff Taylor]

"Here in the states the MFH would be the 17th at Sawgrass, I think."
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[/size]There are many that would agree that it is a MFH.[/color]

[Jason Topp]

It is fun to watch the players hit fairway woods and long irons into the green today.

[Andrew Simpson]

Most enjoyable/memorable birdie in my life was 1 iron, 5 iron and a 10 footer on 17 at TOC.
I can't see a short iron into the others being as memorable.
Now a birdie in 17 at Pebble?!