Windswept Royal Portrush Forces Calamity Corner to Reveal Challenges During Open Championship
Royal Portrush Golf Club's 16th hole, famously known as Calamity Corner, proved to be a challenging obstacle during The Open Championship 2019. The long par-3 hole, originally designed by Harry Colt, has been a significant test for golfers since its introduction in the 1951 Open.
The hole, measuring 236 yards, is situated at the highest point of the course and often faces into the wind, making it a formidable challenge for even the most skilled players. A deep ravine on the right side of the green forms a significant hazard, with any ball falling into this chasm potentially ending up 100 feet below the putting surface. The green, set diagonally from front left to back right, demands precise shot placement to avoid lengthy putts or recovery shots from the heavy rough on the right side.
On Thursday morning, the weather at Royal Portrush was squally and windy, adding an extra layer of difficulty to Calamity Corner. Jason Day, in a separate group, hit to the fringe on 16 and walked away with a par. However, Matt Fitzpatrick, Hideki Matsuyama, and Ryan Fox all ended up in a difficult position on the 16th hole.
Fitzpatrick, who managed to pitch straight into the hole, attributed his success on the 16th to a bit of luck. The ideal shot or bale-out area was left, but the wind and rain made it difficult to reach. Byeong-Hun An, playing in the same group as Nørgaard, also saw his ball fall into the native area 14 yards from the flag. Niklas Nørgaard, in a later group, found his tee shot falling into the ravine, requiring a deft scramble.
The 16th hole gave up 10 birdies, 53 pars, and 21 bogeys by 5pm. Shane Lowry, the eventual winner, navigated the hole effectively, recording three pars and a birdie throughout the tournament. In contrast, Rory McIlroy faced trouble, including a double bogey that seriously impacted his chances.
Calamity Corner's daunting nature can mentally challenge golfers. The hole's reputation for causing trouble has led to it being a crucial turning point in many tournaments, including The Open Championship, as it can significantly impact a golfer's chances of success. The 16th hole, known as Calamity Corner, had the fewest birdies (24) across four rounds in the 148th Open, underscoring its reputation as a challenging hole.
Golfers often find the long par-3 16th hole at Royal Portrush Golf Club, dubbed Calamity Corner, a significant test in their sport, as it requires precise shot placement to avoid hazards and challenging conditions. During The Open Championship 2019, Matt Fitzpatrick, Hideki Matsuyama, and Ryan Fox encountered difficulties on this hole, while Byeong-Hun An and Niklas Nørgaard experienced trouble with their shots landing in hazards.
