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A survey of golf course reviews has narrowed down the 10 hardest courses to play in the United States of America.
Premium golf apparel brand Galvin Green analyzed keywords related to difficult golf courses, such as 'improved' and 'elevation change,' in TripAdvisor reviews written by average golfers at more than 800 courses in the US.
For those with at least 50 reviews, they looked at the average number of keywords indicating difficulty in each review to determine which course Americans found most difficult. Here are the top ten.
10 Champions Club at Summerfield
Rounding out the top 10 is The Champions Club in Summerfield, Florida, which sports an average of 0.943 tag keywords per review.
The Champions Club course is celebrated for its challenging layout, with narrow fairways and well-placed hazards that require precision and strategy.
They offer a par-72, 18-hole course designed by Tom Fazio, along with a full driving range, putting green, and a newly installed cutting area.
It has 53 reviews, including 50 keywords. Overall, it has a 4 star rating.
9 PGA West Pete Dye Stadium Golf Course
In ninth place is the PGA West Pete Dye Stadium Golf Course in California. It has an average of 0.944 telltale keywords included in each of its 178 TripAdvisor reviews.
The course is rated 4.5 stars overall, with the word 'strength' appearing 33 times, and the word 'fast vegetables' appearing 17 times.
It is a popular course known for its difficult design, providing the toughest test in golf.
At 7,300 yards, the Pete Dye Stadium Course has the highest stroke (76.1) and slope (150) ratings of any course in the PGA West, however, with five sets of tees, the Stadium Course is 'playable' throughout skill levels.
8 Tot Hill Farm Golf Club
Tot Hill Farm Golf Club in North Carolina takes eighth place, with 0.956 keywords per update on average. The course has 68 TripAdvisor reviews, including 65 difficulty-related keywords.
This North Carolina gem is known for its rugged terrain and dramatic elevation changes, but this course is not for the faint of heart. The word 'challenge' appears 20 times among the reviews, with an overall rating of 4 stars.
Architect Mike Strantz intended Tot Hill to be a bucket list golf experience, and he nailed the challenge factor to the tee.
7 Shell Landing Golf Course
Next is Shell Landing Golf Course in Mississippi, with an average of 0.963 keywords used per review.
Water hazards and strategic layups present a great challenge for golfers of all skill levels on this course. The word 'challenge' appeared the most, being included in 19 reviews. In total, it has 52 keywords spread across 54 reviews, and an average of 4.5 stars.
Its challenge doesn't come at a bank-breaking price as green fees start at $62.
6 Wentworth Golf Club
With an average of 0.982 keywords per TripAdvisor review, Wentworth Golf Club in Florida is ranked sixth.
Known for its tight fairways and small greens, the course has 55 reviews, containing 54 keywords. With a total rating of 4 stars, accuracy and careful planning are essential to get a low score on this property.
Steve Smyers, the mastermind behind the Tampa gem Old Memorial, has gone above and beyond with this championship golf course that winds beautifully in a natural, dynamic environment teeming with wildlife.
5 Cinnabar Hills Golf Club
In fifth place is Cinnabar Hills Golf Club, California, with a difficulty-related keyword average of 0.984 per 61 reviews. The course combines natural beauty with serious design.
The variety of holes and tricky greens make it a favorite among skilled golfers looking for a challenging round, with the most common keyword among reviews being 'challenge,' appearing 11 times.
The course, which presents a wonderful combination of quality golf and spectacular views, was designed by award-winning architect John Harbottle III.
4 Stone Ridge Golf Course
Arizona's Stone Ridge Golf Course is ranked fourth, with an average of 1 keyword used per review.
It offers a unique challenge with its elevation changes and rugged terrain; golfers need to bring their A game to navigate this course's tricky layout.
The keyword 'fast green' appears six times, while 'elevation change' appears 11 times. Overall, it is rated 4 stars, with a total of 74 reviews.
Course designer Randall Heckenkemper said: “StoneRidge is one of the most beautiful and challenging projects I have ever done. This golf course is a desert/mountain course hybrid, with beautiful desert views and dramatic elevation changes.
But many times on mountain golf courses, the shots are too difficult, making the course lose its appeal. That's why we've taken care to examine the layout of each hole on this course and make changes that will help StoneRidge be more player-friendly, while still providing challenge and beauty. It's a solid course and one that I'm very excited to complete.”
3 Wine Valley Golf Course
Next on the list is Wine Valley Golf Course in Washington, with 1.088 keywords used per review on average.
Famous for its extreme conditions and spectacular views, it has 80 reviews on TripAdvisor, including 87 keywords.
Its wide fairways can be deceiving as the course requires precision with its artistic bends and undulating greens, with the term often used in reviews being 'challenging.'
Dan Hixson's impressive design unfolds on a grand scale, playing over the hills in the shadow of the Blue Mountains.
Their promise is that each hole will pay for multiple lines of play, guaranteeing a fun round for every golfer and a real challenge for those who seek it.
2 Bethpage Black
In second place is Bethpage Black, with an average of 1.112 keywords per update.
New York municipal golf course has a total of 107 reviews, with 119 keywords included.
Bethpage Black is notorious for its difficulty and has hosted several major tournaments, including the US Open.
Its reputation for punishing roughs and fairways makes it a favorite among golfers looking for a tough challenge, with the most common keyword in reviews being 'difficult.'
1 TPC Tampa Bay
At the top of the list is TPC Tampa Bay, located in Florida, with an average of 1.2 keywords related to difficulty per review.
The course is known for its challenging layout, pushing golfers to their limits with its strategic design and natural obstacles.
Overall, it has a 4.5 star rating, with 105 reviews containing 126 keywords. The term 'fast green' appears the most, being used in 22 reviews.
The stunning course passes through natural wetlands, cypress heads and bays, providing the perfect backdrop for outstanding golf if you're up for a challenge.
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