The air feels heavier here, as if the course itself is testing your resolve. Standing on the tee of the 17th at Bethpage Black, you face a par-3 that is both beauty and beast. The green is perched like a fortress, daring you to challenge its defenses.

The 4th hole at Bethpage Black stands as one of the most feared par-5s in championship golf, a 515-yard examination that separates pretenders from contenders. This iconic hole has humbled professionals and amateurs alike.

The 8th hole at the Olympic Club’s Lake Course is a demanding par-3 that tests both accuracy and nerve. Playing uphill, the green is well-protected by deep bunkers and subtle slopes that challenge even the best short-game players. With towering trees framing the hole, the 8th is a classic example of Olympic Club’s ability to blend beauty with relentless difficulty.

Standing on the 9th at Pebble Beach, it feels as though the earth has paused just for you. The mountains rise, the ocean stretches, and the seagrass sways in rhythm with the breeze. And above it all, the sky paints a new masterpiece with every passing moment.