[Golfers' Bucket List⑪] Winged Foot Golf Club "The Tough Course Chosen by Woods"

1923 Tillinghast-Designed 'Daijeongwon Style', Hosted 6 US Open Majors, Notorious 'Massacre Course', Key Moments at Holes 16-18

'Notorious Difficult Course' Winged Foot Golf Club Hole 9 Overview

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "It competes with Oakmont for the number 1 and 2 hardest courses."

The 'resurrected golf emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) also shakes his head at this course. The 11th destination on the is the Winged Foot Golf Club, a course that even world-class players find challenging. It was where Woods was cut from a major for the first time since his professional debut at the 106th US Open in 2006. That same year, Phil Mickelson (USA) missed out on the 'Career Grand Slam' after making a double bogey on the final 18th hole (par 4) on the last day, dropping to a tie for second place.

Located in Mamaroneck, New York, USA, it is a members-only club with a total of 36 holes across the East and West courses. The tournament is held on the West course. Designed by Albert Tillinghast in 1923 and renovated by Gil Hanse in 2017, it is praised for its "impressive and spectacular hole layout." It consistently ranks within the top 10 of the top 100 golf courses in the United States as selected by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. It is the world's best parkland-style course.

Winged Foot Golf Club Clubhouse

Players face a par 70 at 7,477 yards, while amateur golfers play at par 72. It is famous as a tournament course. The US Open has been held here six times: in 1929, 1959, 1974, 1984, 2006, and most recently last September. Major events such as the 1997 PGA Championship, the US Women's Open in 1957 and 1972, the US Amateur in 1940 and 2004, and the US Senior Open in 1980 have also taken place here. At the 1974 US Open, Hale Irwin's winning score soared to 7 over par 287, leading to the term 'Winged Foot Massacre.'

In the first round, notably, not a single player scored under par. In 1984, only two players?Fuzzy Zoeller (USA) and 'The Great White Shark' Greg Norman (Australia)?managed under par. At the 2006 US Open, Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) won with a score of 5 over par. At this year's US Open, 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA) recorded 6 under par over four days, securing a 6-stroke victory. He was the only winner under par. Matthew Wolff (USA), known for his 'twist swing,' finished second at even par.

The 9th hole (upper) and the 12th hole are the only two par 5 holes at Winged Foot Golf Club. Photo by Golf Digest

Winged Foot's notorious reputation begins with its 'ant waist' fairways. The fairways are only about 20 yards wide, and stepping off them leads immediately into thick rough. The rough deepens progressively from 5 cm to 10 cm to 15 cm, making it increasingly difficult to approach the green as tee shots become less accurate. The greens, guarded by bunkers of various shapes, are naturally as smooth as 'glass plates.' The undulation is severe. Although there are only two par 5 holes?holes 9 and 12?'reaching the green in two' is impossible. The 9th hole is threatened by seven bunkers surrounding the green, and the 12th hole stretches 633 yards.

Holes 16 through 18 are the decisive stretch. The 16th hole hides its green at a sharp 90-degree left turn at the end. The 17th hole bends to the right, and the final 18th hole turns left again. Players walk the course with the help of their caddies instead of riding carts. Exceptions are made for golfers over 70 years old or those requiring medical assistance. Dress code is conservative. Work clothes, shorts, and sportswear are not allowed. All types of torn clothing are prohibited.

Shirts with collars must be worn with belts. Hats must be removed in the clubhouse and on the terrace. Sneakers and sandals are only permitted in the pro shop. Mobile phones must be set to silent or vibrate. Drones are not allowed to operate. There is a practice green and a driving range with a maximum distance of 210 yards. Overshooting the nets is strictly monitored. Violations can be reported to staff. For long hitters, using a driver is impossible.