No surprise to me the Ocean course at Kiawah Island was ranked the hardest course in the U.S. by Golf Digest.

I’ve played the course. First, it sneered at me as I strode up to the first tee. It landed a few early jabs, toying with me, then began to work effectively to the body, taking its time.

I was in danger before I made the turn, wobbly-kneed early on the back nine, and by the time I came dragging in – I refuse to tell you my scorecard – I was counted out.

What sets the Ocean course apart is the aesthetics of the layout, the sheer, raw beauty of Pete Dye’s layout, is in stark contrast to its difficulty. It’s like getting slapped around by Uma Thurman.

Some other weirdness on the list. They must like their golf hard in Hobe Sound, Florida – they have two on the list, Medalist and Loblolly.

TPC Sawgrass is No. 14. This is a mild mystery to me. Growing up in the area, I’ve played the Stadium course more than a few times, and I’ve played much harder. The island green does not strike fear into me as it does most others, and I’m certainly not a great golfer. Just make your normal swing, for god’s sake.

The Robert Trent Jones Trail has two on the list, which also includes one of my all-time, personal favorites, Moose Run outside of Anchorage, Alaska. Still, the muni across town, Russian Jack, is harder, especially in the spring when the greens are harder than anything NASA could dream up.

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