18 signature holes for a PGA Tour signature course

Holes 4 and 5

Hole 4: Par 4 – Cypress Point #17

On the 3rd you couldn’t afford to miss left. Here at the 4th, you can’t afford to miss straight. As a recreational golfer, you’ve had run ins with the occasional lonely tree sprouting from the middle of the fairway. I’m guessing you take the same approach I do, aiming right at it and relying on an inability to hit the ball dead straight. That’s definitely the game plan off the tee at Cypress Point’s signature hole. A tangled grove of cypress trees looms in the center of the fairway, adding a dark centerpiece to an otherwise idyllic oceanside setting. It’s like something out the Brothers Grimm, only instead of luring in Hansel and Gretel this ominous copse lures in unsuspecting, seemingly innocent tee shots. 

Hole 5: Par 3 – Shinnecock Hills #7 

One of the rare golf course features that requires an advanced degree in civil engineering to comprehend, the redan green is truly a must for any signature course. If you managed to escape the fairy tale forest at Cypress Point, you probably think there isn’t a par 3 in the world that can scare you. To be fair, this one doesn’t look so menacing from the tee. But if you watched this year’s U.S. Open, you’ll feel the sweat building on your neck as you stand over the ball. Fun fact: Redan greens were invented by Satan. That’s not true, but they sure seem demonic. Think of a table with two inches sawed off of the back left leg. Now, imagine trying to land a golf ball on it. Bunkers protect the left side, forcing players to come in from the right, making it next to impossible to stop the ball where you need it to be.