Photo by Wikimedia Commons, CC by 1.0
Golf has long been a sport defined by skill, technique, and precision, but in recent years, it has increasingly become a game of strength and power.
Advances in technology—particularly in golf balls and clubs—have played a significant role in this shift towards a more force-driven style of play. However, the physical strength of players has also been a key factor, with weight training in the gym becoming nearly as essential as time spent practicing on the course.
Bryson DeChambeau is perhaps the biggest exponent of this ‘power golf’, as he can easily strike the ball over 400 yards. But this is not a new phenomenon, with the likes of Tiger Woods and even Rory McIlroy having previously played a role in taking the sport in this direction.
The longest par three golf hole in the world is the ‘Extreme 19th’ at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort in South Africa, where the tee is 400m above the green, which itself is 395 yards (360m) away. A par is quite an achievement on this hole, with a hefty drive required to get close to the green, even taking into account the elevated height of the tee box.
The rise of power players has also led to an increase in the size of golf courses and holes. To accommodate these heavy hitters, courses are stretching to unprecedented lengths. We’ve examined some of the longest holes globally, with the five listed below posing challenges that might even test the likes of DeChambeau.
The UK’s longest golf hole is the par six third hole at Westray Golf Club in the Orkney Islands, measuring a hefty 738 yards (675m), although this is not quite long enough to break into our top six.
6. 13th at TPC Colorado, USA – 773 Yards (707m)
TPC Colorado is seemingly like any other course until you reach the iconic 773-yard 13th that incredibly remains a par five despite being the longest hole on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Players on that tour will tee up at the hole when contesting the TPC Colorado Championship – a tournament that has been won in the past by world number 32 Will Zalatoris, who has enjoyed a breakthrough year on the PGA Tour in 2021.
Remarkably, this is not even the longest hole in the United States, but more on that later.
5. 15th at Penati, Slovakia – 783 Yards (716m)
You might expect the longest hole in Europe to be situated in Great Britain or Spain, or perhaps in Scandinavia – all places that have a rich golfing heritage. Surprisingly, however, the title belongs to Slovakia. The par-six 15th hole at Penati Golf Resort stretches an astonishing 783 yards, making it the continent’s longest.
This is not just a long hole, it is also a beautiful location to play golf, as the course was built based on plans by Nicklaus Design – the company founded by the legendary Jack Nicklaus.
4. 18th at Theodora Golf Club, Romania – 803 Yards (734m)
Next stop on our golfing adventure is Romania, where we arrive at the 18th hole of Theodora Golf Club. Aptly named ‘The Long Way Home’, this final challenge beckons tired golfers to summon their last reserves of energy before finding solace in the clubhouse.
At a colossal 803 yards, this par six will push your endurance and precision to the limit as you fight to keep your scorecard intact.
3. 12th at Meadow Farms Golf Course, USA – 841 Yards (769m)
The 12th at Meadow Farms Golf Course in Virginia takes the honour as the longest hole in the United States, with the monstrous par six totalling 841 yards.
As if the challenge of the distance wasn’t enough, reaching the green brings its own test—a picturesque yet daunting water hazard guarding your approach. It’s hardly the sight you want after navigating nearly half a mile of fairway.
2. 7th at Satsuki Golf Club, Japan – 964 Yards (881m)
The Sano Course at Satsuki Golf Club stretches an incredible 964 yards and plays as a par seven. While the extra strokes in the par offer some slight relief, the challenge remains formidable—especially considering that every par three on the course exceeds 170 yards.
The course is so big it has been made a par seven to give players at least half a chance of taming it. It’s definitely not the place to mishit your tee shots.
1. 3rd at Gusan Country Club, South Korea – 1,097 Yards (1,003m)
We remain in Asia to find the longest golf hole in the world and the only one that totals above 1,000 yards – the iconic third at Gunsan Country Club in South Korea, a par seven hole which measures an awesome 1,097 yards.
Unsurprisingly, the hole is a par seven and is also stroke index one, but if the length of the hole was not frightening enough, then you may want to bear in mind that it is also surrounded by water.
