The key holes at Carnoustie

The Open Championship gets underway on Thursday at one of the most difficult courses on the championship’s rota – Carnoustie. We take a look at the key holes which could see the Claret Jug won or lost.

Hole 6 (Hogan’s Alley) – Named after the legendary Ben Hogan who won the Open Championship in 1953, this menacing par-5 is where Carnoustie starts to come into its own. Wind direction is normally against the player, adding extra distance to an already lengthy hole. Out of bounds is a constant threat on both the drive and the second shot, with a relatively straightforward approach to an undulating green the only reprieve. If a player leaves Hogan's Alley with a five, they'll be pleased.

Hole 16 (Barry Burn) – At 248 yards, you might wonder if its even possible to make par at this infamous par-3. That was certainly the case for Tom Watson in 1975, who failed to card a three throughout the tournament. A prevailing wind usually blowing against the player, along with significant hazards at the front of the green, means Barry Burn’s reputation as one of Carnoustie’s toughest holes is justly deserved. 

Hole 18 (Home) – And you thought the 16th was hard! The final hole at Carnoustie, Home, is potentially the most difficult finishing hole in tournament golf – fairway bunkers line the right-hand side of the fairway, whilst the burn awaits for any drives to the right or left of the hole. The burn then snakes devilishly back round in front of the green, waiting to collect any mishit approach shots. Jean Van De Velde will have plenty of advice to offer on how not to play this hole; he carded a seven in 1999 after finding the burn, leading to Paul Lawrie winning the tournament in a play-off.

As for our tip of the week, keep an eye out for Sergio Garcia, who is looking to go one better than his 2007 showing, after losing in a play-off to Padraig Harrington.