The key holes at Carnoustie

Well this week we have The Open from Carnoustie and we are running a few promotions to run during the week. The last time it was there was in 2007 when Padraig Harrington came from six shots behind Sergio Garcia to win in a playoff. Interestingly it is the longest course on The Open roster, yet none of the previous winners have been renowned for their long distance.

They have had the same dry conditions and I know that one of the players nearly drove the burn on 18 which is a 450-yard hole! Let's take a look at the key holes which could see the Claret Jug won or lost.

Hole 6 (Hogan’s Alley) – Named after the legendary Ben Hogan who won the Open Championship in 1953, this menacing par-5 is where Carnoustie starts to come into its own. Wind direction is normally against the player, adding extra distance to an already lengthy hole. Out of bounds is a constant threat on both the drive and the second shot, with a relatively straightforward approach to an undulating green the only reprieve. If a player leaves Hogan's Alley with a five, they'll be pleased.

Hole 16 (Barry Burn) – At 248 yards, you might wonder if its even possible to make par at this infamous par-3. That was certainly the case for Tom Watson in 1975, who failed to card a three throughout the tournament. A prevailing wind usually blowing against the player, along with significant hazards at the front of the green, means Barry Burn’s reputation as one of Carnoustie’s toughest holes is justly deserved.