The 18th at Le Golf National
Golf was centre stage at the recently concluded Olympic Summer Games and the men and women were tested to the max with Scottie Scheffler and Lydia Ko taking the gold medals on the men’s and women’s divisions respectively.
The host site is a familiar one to golf enthusiasts – Le Golf National - L’Albatros Course. The layout hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup matches and the 2022 World Amateur Team Championship.
Golf returned to the Olympics in 2016 after being outside the games since 1904.
The finishing hole is an exacting challenge. Bunkers and rough line the right side of the fairway, while water hugs the entire left side.
Players opting to avoid the water on the left can easily find a series of bunkers on the right side that are quick to insert themselves into the process.
The second shot at the 18th is unquestionably fraught with trepidation. Water must be avoided left and players who find anywhere but the fairway on the right side will need to determine if they can successfully flight their golf ball to a safe landing.
The putting surface is massive – the second largest on the golf course and includes an array of demanding pin positions.
No event is ever truly over until play concludes at this devilishly demanding hole.