160 bogeys in four days,only 8 birdies
The most arduous hole on this year’s Korea Professional Golf (KPGA) Tour that made players sigh was the 16th hole (par 4, photo) at Namseoul CC in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, where the GS Caltex Maekyung Open was held in May.
according to KPGA on the 29th, the average number of strokes at the 16th hole at Namseoul CC was 4.55, with the fewest birdies and the most double bogeys and triple bogeys among all holes in the 22 KPGA tour competitions held this year.During the first to fourth rounds of the GS Caltex Maekyung Open, there were only eight birdies from this hole. There were 160 bogeys, 21 double bogeys, and 9 triple bogeys.
This hole, which is 535 yards (approximately 489 m) long, was operated as a par 5 hole until the 2016 tournament, but was changed to a par 4 hole in 2017, increasing the difficulty. The average score for the 16th hole was 4.68 strokes in 2021, 4.58 strokes in 2022, and 4.54 strokes last year. Because the hole was long, the green hit rate for hitting the green with the second shot was only 19.38%. Kim Hong-taek (31), winner of this year’s Maekyung Open, saved par in all of these holes from the first round to the final four rounds and did not lose a single stroke. Weekend golfers do not have to face as much difficulty on this hole as professional players. This is because both the White Tee and Blue Tee holes are operated as par 5 holes during normal times when no tournaments are held.
The next most difficult holes after the 16th hole at Namseoul CC were the 9th hole (par 4, 444 yards) and the 11th hole (par 4, 501 yards) at woojeong Hills CC in cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, where the Kolon Korea Open was held in June. The average strokes for the two holes were 4.49 strokes and 4.44 strokes, respectively. the easiest hole was the 9th hole (par 5, 547 yards) in Seonsan, Gumi Golfzon County, Gyeongbuk, where the Golfzon-Toray Open was held in September, and the average score was 4.28. During the four days of the tournament,27 eagles and 255 birdies were made in this hole.
Reporter Lee Heon-jae [email protected]
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How can amateur golfers improve their performance on challenging holes like the 16th at Namseoul CC?
Interview on the Challenges of the 16th Hole at Namseoul CC: The Toughest Challenge on the KPGA Tour
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, everyone! Today we’re diving into a fascinating topic within the world of golf. Joining us is Dr. Jake Lee, a golf performance expert and former professional player, who has studied course design and player performance for years. Let’s talk about the infamous 16th hole at Namseoul CC, which has garnered a reputation for being the most challenging hole on the Korea Professional golf (KPGA) tour.Dr.Lee, thanks for joining us!
Dr. Jake Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here and discuss such an intriguing topic in the golfing world.
Editor: so,the 16th hole at Namseoul CC has been making headlines following the GS Caltex maekyung open,where we saw 160 bogeys and only 8 birdies over four rounds. How does one hole manage to be such a game-changer for professional players?
Dr.Lee: It’s a combination of factors, really. The hole is 535 yards long and has been a par 4 as 2017, which dramatically increased it’s difficulty compared to when it was played as a par 5. Long holes naturally present challenges, and the average score of 4.55 at the 16th demonstrates just how taxing it can be, especially for professionals who are expected to perform at high levels.
Editor: That certainly explains the struggle! I also noticed that the green hit rate wiht the second shot was only 19.38%. Why is hitting the green ther such a challenge?
dr. Lee: The distance combined with the layout and potential hazards makes it tough to find the green. For professional players, accuracy is key, but with a hole like this, even slight errors can lead to tough lies or more challenging shots. The pressure to perform can also weigh on players, adding to the difficulty.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see how mental and physical challenges intertwine.The statistics show that Kim Hong-taek, the winner of this year’s Maekyung Open, managed to save par on all four rounds. What set him apart on this hole?
Dr. Lee: Kim’s mental strength and strategic play are crucial. He likely focused on course management,choosing the most effective paths to avoid trouble.His ability to maintain composure under pressure, while others faltered, showcases the importance of mental resilience in golf, especially on demanding holes like the 16th.
Editor: Given that weekend golfers don’t face the same level of difficulty, what advice would you give them to approach tough holes like this?
Dr. Lee: Great question! For amateur players, it’s essential to play within their means. Understanding their own capabilities and adjusting their strategy—like choosing appropriate tee boxes or focusing on accuracy rather than distance—can make a big difference. Practicing good course management and maintaining a positive mindset will help them tackle challenges without the added pressure professional players face.
Editor: Those are excellent insights, dr. Lee. It’s fascinating how much goes into mastering a course. As we wrap up, what do you think the implications of statistics like these have on the future of golf courses in designing tough holes?
Dr. Lee: It’s crucial for course designers to consider player experience alongside challenge. Creating holes that push players technically and strategically is notable, but we must also ensure that the game remains enjoyable. Striking a balance is key—making sure we challenge the pros while still allowing amateurs to enjoy the sport.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your expertise and insights into one of the KPGA Tour’s most challenging elements. It’s been a pleasure!
Dr. Lee: Thank you for the discussion! I always enjoy delving into the strategic aspects of golf.