The Wild Story Behind Shinnecock’s Most Feared Par-3 I The Hole At I Golf Digest
The par-3 11th hole at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is one of the most famous and challenging holes in U.S. Open history. With the 2026 U.S. Open returning to Shinnecock Hills, Golf Digest Architecture Editor Derek Duncan explores the history, architecture, and strategy behind one of the course’s defining championship tests.
Welcome to THE Hole At, Golf Digest’s golf course architecture series, where Derek Duncan uncovers the hidden stories behind the most fascinating holes in golf.
In this episode, Derek takes a deep dive into the iconic 11th hole at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, a dramatic uphill par-3 that has challenged golfers for more than a century. From its origins at one of America’s oldest and most celebrated golf courses to its evolution through multiple U.S. Opens, the 11th hole reveals how golf course architecture can influence strategy, shot-making, and championship outcomes.
As the world’s best players prepare for the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, Derek examines the design decisions, architectural history, and strategic features that make the 11th hole one of the most respected par-3s in championship golf. Learn how William Flynn’s influence helped shape Shinnecock Hills and why this famous hole could once again play a pivotal role during the U.S. Open.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:40 Uphill Par-3s
1:47 How To Play No. 11
4:23 No. 11’s U.S. Open History
6:59 Shinnecock’s Original Routings
11:15 William Flynn’s Design
13:50 No. 11’s Creation
15:36 Conclusion
17:13 Future Episode Suggestions
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Topics covered:
• Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
• 2026 U.S. Open
• Shinnecock Hills 11th hole
• Golf course architecture
• Golf course design
• U.S. Open history
• Championship golf strategy
• Derek Duncan
• Golf Digest
Love you guys <3
Loved it!
4th hole at RCD!
last time i played that hole I hit a great 7 iron, a great bunker shot, a great chip, and a great putt for bogey. It is a beast. No room for error.
What do you want to see next? Drop any episode suggestions or golf holes you'd like us to explore right here and we'll look into them!
Surrey heathland courses maybe the three ws woking west hill worplesdon
8:49 Why you flipping me off, man?
Such a brilliant little beast of a par 3! Reminds me of the 12th at Durban Country Club, known as the Prince of Whales (i think because he surrendered to the hole after 16 strokes or so haha)… Short in length, long on danger haha
I remember Goosen's birdie in the '04 final round. He pulled an iron that rolled along the contour and inside the leather. A rare time he got animated knowing he got away with one. Yet another time when it wasn't in the cards for Phil.
The road hole at the Old Course
Made par here, no big deal
“Shinnecock Hill’s”?