After the horror of the Amen Corner at the Augusta National as part of the first major, we are now at the next checkpoint of the season, which is the PGA Championship. Even though the course, tournament, and players’ rosters might have changed, the increased difficulty will still be a challenge to overcome for the players.

Until last year, scrambling has been the key to overcoming the obstacles at Quail Hollow, but will that be the same this year, too? Well, time will tell about it. However, if there is anything certain about the four days of the tournament, it is misery for players that will be increased extensively at the toughest five holes of the course.

To clinch the Wanamaker Trophy, the golfers will have to strategically overcome the obstacles of the five holes. These holes can be the break or make for anyone. So let’s take a look at the toughest holes at Quail Hollow.

5 toughest holes at the PGA Championship

Hole 14

Just like fans surrounding the hole to witness the key moment, the greens at the 14th are surrounded by hazards. With water hazard and a bunker on the left, another bunker on the right, and the final two bunkers just before the greens start at the extreme right, only precision could help the golfers make a par or better score. The par 4, 344-yard holes might have average under par score, but for Scottie Scheffler it is in the caution list due to its strategically placed hazards.

With 22 bogeys and 5 double bogeys in account, the World No.1 has shared about the holes that will be most thought of for him. When asked about the holes at the recent pre-tournament press conference, he said, “14. I would say, depending on the pin position, that would be the one that takes the most thought.” While with the toughest holes, many golfers might take care of the fairway shots, for Scheffler, it is the 14th green that would take most of his thoughts.

Hole 11

Unlike the 14th, the par-4 462-yard hole hasn’t been generous to get the average score below par. The average score at the 11th has been 4.243, all thanks to the four bunkers strategically placed at the landing points. Well, not just around the greens, but on the fairway as well. Starting with the tee shot, the players will have to keep the hazard in mind and set the greed aside to record a par or better score. Otherwise, the result will be adding names to the list of either the 77 bogeys or the 4 double bogeys list.

Hole 16

Well, just like the Amen Corner at the Masters for the PGA Championship, it’s the Green Mile at Quail Hollow that’s the holes to look out for. The treacherous long stretch of 1254 yards starts with the 16th hole par-4 of 529 yards. The stretch has recently been increased by 20 yards. Even though the length might feel daunting, in reality, it is shorter as it runs downhill. For the fact, it has become even tougher for the golfers. Until 2023, before the lengthening, it was among the toughest holes with a 4.27 scoring average. Now in 2025, the list has increased with 72 bogeys and 9 double bogeys in total to add +0.283 to the average.

Hole 17

As we come closer to the end of the course, the difficulty for the player will increase. Having the final holes as the “Green Mile,” it can be called the tough mile. If you are still thinking why, then take a look at the stats of hole 17th, which has more double bogeys than birdies on a par-3, 190-yard hole. With a scoring average of 3.309, the hole has recorded 97 bogeys and 23 double bogeys, which is higher than 22 birdies. But for the fact, there is still a tough hole left to challenge the skill set.

Hole 18

In any course, it is the final hole that is considered the make-or-break for the golfers. But for the Quail Hollow, the final hole of the Green Mile is the definite game changer. The par 4, 494 yard hole surrounded by creek is what makes it among the most challenging holes at the tour. Supporting the fairway from the left side, the creek on the greens is joined by a bunker on the right, which leaves just precision as the option for players.

But, the fact is, on average, 48 balls per tournament end up on the creek, and only 13 birdies are recorded from 272 scores. Even the four-time winner, Rory McIlroy, has recorded one over in 2021 and two over in 2024 to clinch the title. So, for players to get through the obstacle isn’t easy.

With the toughest holes of the tour coming in as a challenge at the PGA Championship, will the golfers be able to glide through? Who will be the one taking over the challenge with efficiency? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.