The 18 most iconic holes in Open history as return to Portrush approaches

The Open Championship has seen some of the most incredible golf shots in history. If we were to build the most iconic 18-hole composite course using legendary Open moments, it would look something like this:

Front Nine:

1. St Andrews (1st, Burn) 

The historic first tee at the Old Course is where every Open at St Andrews begins. Tiger Woods’ dominant 2000 start and Rory McIlroy’s record-tying 63 in 2010 make it legendary. 

2. Royal St George’s (4th, Himalayas) 

Dustin Johnson’s infamous out-of-bounds shot in 2011 when he was in contention added to this hole’s drama.

3. Muirfield (9th, Briars Nose) 

This hole was pivotal in Phil Mickelson’s 2013 Open win, as he pulled off remarkable recovery shots.

4. Turnberry (16th, Wee Burn) 

Part of the famous “Duel in the Sun” in 1977, where Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus went head-to-head.

5. St Andrews (17th, Road Hole) 

Perhaps the most famous par 4 in golf, with legendary shots like Seve Ballesteros’ brilliant approach in 1984 and Jordan Spieth’s miraculous escape in 2015.

6. Carnoustie (18th, Home) 

Jean van de Velde’s infamous collapse in 1999 makes this one of the most dramatic closing holes ever.

7. Troon (8th, Postage Stamp) 

One of the greatest par 3s, famous for Watson’s hole-in-one in 1973 and Tiger Woods making a triple bogey in 1997.

8. Birkdale (16th, Barry Burn) 

Justin Rose’s incredible hole-out as a 17-year-old in 1998 is unforgettable.

9. Muirfield (18th, Home)

Where Nick Faldo won in 1992 with a brilliant display of precision golf.

Back Nine:

10. Royal Lytham & St Annes (18th, Home) 

Seve Ballesteros’ incredible recovery from a car park en route to victory in 1979 is legendary.

11. Royal Portrush (16th, Calamity Corner) 

One of the toughest par 3s in Open history, where players must navigate a huge drop-off.

12. Troon (11th, The Railway) 

Known for its difficulty, where Arnold Palmer carved out a famous par en route to his 1962 win.

13. Carnoustie (6th, Hogan’s Alley) 

Ben Hogan’s strategic mastery in 1953 cemented his legend.

14. St Andrews (2nd, Dyke)

Tiger Woods’ dominance in 2000, where he used strategic iron play to dismantle the course.

15. Turnberry (18th, Duel in the Sun Finish) 

Watson and Nicklaus’ incredible battle in 1977 makes this one of the most famous closing holes.

16. Royal Birkdale (1st, Opening Blow) 

A tough opening hole where Jordan Spieth’s incredible 2017 recovery began.

17. Royal St George’s (14th, Suez Canal) 

Where Greg Norman hit one of the greatest approach shots in Open history in 1993.

18. St Andrews (18th, Swilcan Bridge) 

Every Open legend has walked across this bridge, from Jack Nicklaus’ farewell in 2005 to Tiger Woods’ emotional 2000 win.

This 18-hole collection represents the best drama, shots, and moments in Open Championship history. Would you change any?