NGLA's 8th - Bottle

[Kyle Harris]

Having never seen it, let alone play it, I can't comment fully.

This hole looks like a boatload of fun to play, though. Where did the idea come from?

Is it original?

Was it copied elsewhere?

[Bill Gayne]

Copied from the 12th hole at Sunningdale (Willie Park) per The Evangelist of Golf. I haven't seen the hole either but it certainly looks like fun on paper.

[Peter Galea]

Yeah, it's scary fun. The "bottle hole" will command all your attention.
Do a search on it, as it was recently discussed.

[mike_malone]

I have proof that it is just toooo easy. I birdied it.

[George_Bahto]

I like to ask players who have played National, which is their fav hole.

Most times they have a difficult time answering to just a single hole - I can’t answer the question myself. Too many good ones to pick from.

I usually ask them to consider the question with: “exclude the Redan.” That makes it a bit easier.

As a rough guess I would say 75% pick the 8th, the Bottle hole.

The hole plays fun but add to it. That the f/way bunkering is so beautiful, especially late in the afternoon. Then looking toward the green you have another “set’ of picturesque bunkers.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Kyle,

If I had to play three holes, a par 3, a par 4 and a par 5 from one golf course, for the rest of my life, #8 at NGLA would be my choice for the par 4.

It's not just the drive that's fun, challenging and full of options, but, the approach, depending on where your drive ends up, and the hole location, can be frightening.  

The flag can look likes it's suspended in space, off the green, intimidating the best of golfers.

And, should you miss the green, recovery is a challenge.

It's one of the most enjoyable holes I've ever played.

Throw in a nice wind that usually sweeps the golf course and you have all of the ingredients for spectacular golf.

It's pure genius.