America’s most iconic golf holes feature stunning designs, strategic challenges, and rich histories that have defined the sport. Discover the 10 most memorable holes that every golf enthusiast should experience.
_______________________________

Signature Golf Holes: The 10 Most Iconic Challenges in American Golf

For golf enthusiasts, certain holes transcend the game to become legends in their own right. These signature challenges combine breathtaking scenery, architectural brilliance, and historical significance to create unforgettable moments in American golf. From coastal cliffs to mountain landscapes, these iconic holes have tested the skills of professionals and amateurs alike, becoming bucket-list destinations for players around the world. Join us as we explore the ten most memorable golf holes that have shaped the American golfing landscape.

America’s Most Legendary Golf Holes

The greatest golf holes aren’t simply about distance or difficulty—they tell stories. Each of these iconic challenges represents a perfect marriage of natural landscape and human creativity, where course designers worked with the environment to craft moments of both beauty and strategic depth. What makes these holes truly special is how they’ve become ingrained in golfing culture, often serving as the backdrop for historic tournaments and career-defining shots.

While our Blue Ridge Mountain setting at Burlingame offers its own spectacular golf experiences, these national treasures represent the pinnacle of American course design. From Augusta’s flowering azaleas to Pebble Beach’s crashing waves, these holes showcase the incredible diversity of America’s golfing landscape.

The Island Green: TPC Sawgrass, 17th Hole

Perhaps no hole in America creates more drama than the infamous 17th at TPC Sawgrass. This par-3 features a small green completely surrounded by water, creating a psychological challenge that far exceeds its modest 137 yards. The island green has claimed countless victims during The Players Championship, with even the world’s best golfers finding the water with alarming frequency. What makes this hole special isn’t just the all-or-nothing shot it demands, but how it democratizes the game—both professionals and weekend players face the same heart-pounding experience as they stand on that tee box.

Amen Corner: Augusta National, 12th Hole

The 12th at Augusta National—a seemingly simple 155-yard par-3—has altered the course of Masters tournaments for decades. What makes “Golden Bell” so treacherous is the swirling wind that dances through the Georgia pines, combined with Rae’s Creek guarding the front of the green and three strategically placed bunkers. This hole embodies the subtle genius of designer Alister MacKenzie, who created a challenge that requires perfect distance control and unwavering confidence. The beauty of the flowering azaleas only adds to its iconic status as part of the famed Amen Corner sequence.

Cliffside Wonder: Pebble Beach, 7th Hole

At just 106 yards, the 7th at Pebble Beach Golf Links is the shortest hole on the PGA Tour—yet one of the most photographed in the world. This downhill par-3 sits on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Pacific Ocean, with waves crashing below and winds that can turn a simple wedge shot into a nerve-wracking challenge. The hole perfectly captures California coastal golf, where the natural beauty is as much a part of the experience as the game itself. The tiny green seems to float above the ocean, creating a breathtaking moment that represents golf at its most picturesque.

The Blue Monster: Doral, 18th Hole

The finishing hole at Doral’s Blue Course earned its “Monster” nickname through decades of dramatic tournament finishes. This long par-4 features water all along the left side with bunkers guarding the right, creating a formidable challenge that has determined championships and broken hearts. What makes this hole special is how it balances risk and reward—aggressive players can challenge the water to set up easier approaches, while more conservative routes require longer second shots. The stadium-like setting around the green creates a theatrical atmosphere that has produced some of golf’s most memorable finishes.

Plan Your Golf Journey

While experiencing these iconic American golf holes might require travel across the country, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer their own unforgettable golfing experiences. At Burlingame Country Club, our championship course provides mountain vistas and strategic challenges amid 3,000-foot elevations. Whether you’re planning to check these famous holes off your bucket list or looking to enjoy our own spectacular mountain golf, remember that these signature experiences are what make golf more than just a game—they create memories that last a lifetime.

Contact our golf professionals today to learn more about membership opportunities at Burlingame Country Club or to arrange a special golf experience in our mountain paradise.