00:00 – Intro
00:11 – British Open 2025: Is the First Tee Shot the Hardest in the Open Championship?
01:29 – Calamity Corner: The Brutal Beauty of Royal Portrush’s Par 3
1. British Open 2025: Is the First Tee Shot the Hardest in the Open Championship?
The first tee at Royal Portrush could be the toughest in Open history. With out-of-bounds on both sides, tricky bunkers, and a steep uphill layout, players face immense pressure. Rory McIlroy’s 2019 disaster and Shane Lowry’s strategy highlight the challenge. Learn why this hole is iconic, the course name debate between ‘British Open’ and ‘Open Championship,’ and how pros navigate the hazards. Tips from the course guide and historical context make this a must-watch for golf fans.
Key takeaways: Out-of-bounds on both sides, bunkers blocking fairway, uphill play, and the legacy of past struggles. The course’s unique design and name controversy add layers to the tournament’s intrigue.
Whether you’re a golfer or a fan, this video breaks down the psychology, strategy, and history behind the most daunting opening hole in Open Championship history.
2. Calamity Corner: The Brutal Beauty of Royal Portrush’s Par 3
Explore the infamous Calamity Corner at Royal Portrush Golf Club, the 236-yard par-3 that challenges even the best golfers. Discover the history, strategy, and the unique features that make this hole a true test of skill. From the treacherous ravine to the slick green, learn why this hole is feared and respected in the golfing world. Join us as we analyze player experiences and strategies to conquer this brutal yet beautiful hole.
One, British Open 2025 is the first he shot the hardest in the Open Championship. Two, Calamity Corner, the brutal beauty of Royal Portrait’s par three. One, British Open 2025 is the first he shot the hardest in the Open Championship. The most nerve-wracking moment in any round of golf is often that very first he shot. A moment that sets the tone for the entire day. Imagine the pressure. Every golfer, whether seasoned professional or beginner, feels that surge of anticipation as they step up to hit. This isn’t just idol talk. Even the pros are affected. At the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrait, Rory Mroy experienced this firsthand when his initial tea shot went out of bounds. He later admitted that the overwhelming pressure and the unexpected ovation from the crowd caught him off guard. I remember the ovation I got on the first tea on Thursday, Mroy recalled, explaining that he hadn’t been prepared for the emotional intensity of the moment. That day, his round got off to a rocky start with a quadruple bogey 8, a reminder that even the greatest players can struggle under such pressure. And this is the part most people miss. The opening hole at Royal Portrait is arguably the toughest in the entire open roa. Here’s why. It measures 421 yards from the Championship T and is tightly controlled by out-of- bounds lines on both sides, although there is a narrow 70-yard gap between. Two, Calamity Corner. The brutal beauty of Royal Portrait’s Par 3. Brace yourself for the drama at Calamity Corner. The stunning yet treacherous par three at Royal Portrait. Portrait, Northern Ireland. The very name of this hole sends shivers down the spines of golfers at the 153rd British Open. Calamity Corner, the 236yard par 316th hole is a spectacle of natural beauty and strategic challenge shaped by the relentless forces of wind, water, and the genius of designer Harry S. Colt. It’s visually daunting, admits JJ Spawn, the recent US Open champion. The wind can turn this into a nightmare. Making par here consistently will put you ahead of the pack. That’s why they call it calamity corner. Expect some chaos. And this is the part most people miss. The real trouble starts when you miss the green to the right. Golfers unlucky enough to land there will be hunting for their ball in the dense rough at the bottom of a 50-foot ravine. The penalty, a blind shot to a slippery green from thick grass. Data experts Shot Scope found that this scenario led to a bogey or worse 65% of the time. Darren Clark, the 2012 Open Champion and longtime portrait member, sums it up perfectly. There’s no place like it. It’s brutal and beautiful, often simultaneously. Perched at the highest point of the course, Calamity Corner is exposed to the full force of the Atlantic winds. During the 2019 championship, it yielded a mere 24 birdies, the lowest of any hole. To the left of the green, a swale known as Bobby Locks Hollow offers some respit. Named after the legendary golfer who managed to get up and down from this spot all four days during the 1951 Open. It’s a tricky bailout area. A good lie here is a matter of luck with tight lies or thick rough making it tough. That’s a solid aim spot, notes Graham McDow, 2010 US Open champion and local to Wrathmore Golf Club. Depending on the wind, you might need anything from a three iron to a driver. It’s a brutal hole. But here’s where it gets controversial. While short par 3es are usually the stars of major tournaments, lengthy par 3es have been stealing the show lately. At the US Open, the par 38 at Oakmont was stretched to a record 301 yard. Think of the 12th at Augusta, the postage stamp at Royal Trune, or the 17th at TPC Sawrass, says John Rom, a two-time major champion. Short par 3s can lead to birdies or big numbers, making them more interesting. Long par 3s, where the main challenge is distance, lack that variability. There’s a consensus that Calamity Corner’s challenge has been slightly reduced over the years due to increased hitting distances. To restore its former glory, a new backt was added ahead of the 2019 Open, extending the hole by about 30 yards. In 2019, it lived up to its name, playing as the third hardest hole with only 41% of players hitting the green in regulation. Shane Lowry navigated it brilliantly, recording three pars and a birdie on route to victory. Paul McInley, former European Rder Cup captain and now an analyst, praises Colts designs for their strategic options. Calamity Corner is even more fearsome now that it’s the 16th hole, he says. Coming so close to the end of the round, caution is key. And that caution extends to the green, which is 39 yd deep and set diagonally. Just finding the putting surface is half the battle. Ask Rory Mroy, who hit the green in regulation during his opening round in 2019, but for putted his way to a double bogey. It’s called Calamity Corner for a reason. What do you think? Is the challenge of Calamity Corner fair, or does it push the limits of what’s reasonable in golf? Share your thoughts in the comments.
