Augusta National has wrapped up the Masters Tournament for the PGA Tour players this month, but the Tour pros will now move to a new destination: Harbour Town Golf Links. It’s finally time for the PGA Tour signature event, RBC Heritage. The likes of defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Ludvig Aberg, and Rickie Fowler, among many others, will be eyeing for the win. For many golfers, some of the RBC Heritage holes might be a nightmare. And the holes themselves are the greatest explanations for this. Here are five of the most difficult holes at the RBC Heritage.

Hole 14, par-3, 192 yards

In 2016, having made a birdie on the 14th, Carl Pettersson couldn’t help but say, “Brutal hole, just brutal.” But the hole remained notorious in the following years as well. For instance, in 2021, the 14th hole was the 24th hardest par 3 on the PGA Tour, and it became the eighth most difficult in 2022. In the following year, the players improved their performance on the hole. Then, the hole ranked the 89th most difficult out of 288 par 3 holes. But what makes the par-3 hole 14 so tough?

Well, it’s the presence of water on the right side of the hole, as it leads most players to aim for the left edge of the green or just off it. This strategy, however, is a challenge, as chipping and putting can be risky due to the green’s slope towards the water. Sounds menacing? Well, the other holes are just as notorious.

Hole 8, par-4, 473 yards

The 8th hole at Harbour Town is traditionally regarded as the most difficult on the course, thanks to a challenging dogleg-left approach shot to a narrow green with water lurking on the left side. Unlike some other holes with water hazards, this par-4 hole is somewhat mitigated by a stretch of sand beside the green, offering players a slight reprieve. But the challenge isn’t over, as the longest par four on the course may appear straightforward at first glance, but it conceals complexities that test even the most amazing golfers.

Once players reach the 300-yard mark, precision becomes crucial for a clear shot to the small, minimally defined green. Drives that veer right off-center must contend with a large live oak situated in a sandy waste area, adding to the difficulty. Even scoring a par on hole 8 is amazing, thanks to its combination of water hazards, strategically placed trees, and a demanding green.

Hole 18, par-4, 472 yards

Undoubtedly, the 18th hole at Harbour Town is one of golf’s most iconic finishes, featuring the Harbour Town Lighthouse standing proudly behind the green. The golfers aim for a wide landing area that extends into Calibogue Sound, but the long approach to the flag presents its own challenges. For instance, there is ample bailout space to the right, and the seemingly innocent mounding can be deceptive, causing many golfers to lose a par.

After 17 holes of tight play, the sight of the 18th hole’s 90-yard wide Pete Dye fairway, jutting out into the marsh can be jarring. After four rounds of controlled swings, the idea of swinging freely feels uncomfortable, especially with the vast landing area that can make any miss look foolish. For a quick comparison, in 2016, the hole yielded birdies at only a 6 percent rate, making it the Tour’s 10th toughest par-4.

Hole 3, par-4, 469 yards

Hole 3 presents a significant challenge for golfers, with trees lining both sides of the fairway, making a straight shot from the tee essential. Additionally, a large bunker guards the front of the green, accompanied by three additional bunkers positioned to the right. While a medium to short iron is typically sufficient for the approach, the small green can be difficult to hold, adding to its difficulty.

At first glance, the bunker, nearly the same size as the green, captures most of the attention. However, the true hazard lies in a deeper bunker located at the right-center of the green, which features a grass face that conceals the sand from view. Undoubtedly, fans will be lying to see how the golfers will play at the par-4 hole 3 at the upcoming RBC Heritage.

Hole 13, par-4, 373 yards

The par-4 hole is celebrated as one of America’s great non-drivable short par 4s and requires careful placement, as both distance and line must be meticulously calibrated to ensure an unobstructed approach free from tree limbs. Additionally, the broad slopes of the landing area create challenging lies, making it difficult for players to find a flat stance, even from the preferred spots.

But there are more challenges on this 373 yards. For instance, hole 13 demands precision and punishes careless shots. To successfully make the hole, the golfers must position their tee shot on the right side of the fairway to set up an iron approach between two large oaks. However, the challenge still doesn’t end there. The golfers must also contend with a large cypress tree and a banked bunker that guards the front of the green before they can secure their par.

Looking at all these holes, what predictions do you have for the 2025 RBC Heritage? Let us know in the comments section!