Calamity Corner: A Title with Significance
The par-3 16th hole at Royal Portrush, known as Calamity Corner, stands out as a distinctive challenge, testing the skills of top golfers around the globe.
Players facing this daunting hole must tee off over a deep chasm—a striking aspect of the Dunluce Links Course. The fairway curves from left to right, leading to an elevated green positioned perilously close to a steep drop-off.
If a shot veers to the right on this 153rd Open hole, it may plummet 40 to 50 feet into dense rough. To have a shot at making par on this 236-yard hole, players like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler must steer clear of the chasm.
The infamous nature of the 16th has led to fewer birdies recorded during the 2019 tournament. Golf legends have shared their mixed feelings about tackling this hole; Tiger Woods, for instance, concluded concisely, calling it “hard” during his 2019 interview. With three Open titles under his belt, Woods still wrestles with the obstacles presented by Calamity Corner.
Even though Woods managed to score par twice at the hole, other golfers have voiced their opinions on navigating Calamity Corner. Jason Day humorously advised, “Anything up and to the left – don’t miss it short right – you’re doing ok.” Meanwhile, Patrick Reed described it as “set for drama,” while Tony Finau emphasized its difficulty due to the forced carry on the right side.
The latest competitors will tackle this demanding hole on Thursday, July 17. While Woods will not participate this year due to an Achilles injury, reigning champion Xander Schauffele, along with McIlroy and Scheffler, will lead the 156-player field at Royal Portrush.
As they approach this challenging hole, Portrush head professional Gary McNeill noted, “It’s a difficult hole from the Championship tee—236 yards over a deep chasm to a small target.” He suggested that players would be fortunate just to finish with par, given its potential to ruin a round.
