My Idea of the Perfect Nine

In honor of the TPC at Sawgrass and the most famous No. 17 hole, I thought I'd put together the nine holes in golf I personally would most like to play to see where I stand.

Clearly, the island green in Ponte Verda Beach, Florida is among them. For those who golf regularly, I need not explain what the presence of water 50 yards off the fairway can do to one's mind. Factor in a green surround by only water and I can only imagine I'd spray a few wayward.

I'm not a great golfer, a 12 handicap-ish with occasional flashes of brilliance, but capable enough that I don't think I'd wet myself on any of these holes, or so I think.

Here's my dream back nine:

17th at the TPC Sawgrass



As I said above, what golfer doesn't want to overcome their biggest demon - a target surrounded by water. What I always forget about the 17th at Sawgrass is that it's not that long. Just 132 yards. We're not talking about hacking away with a long iron here, just a 7-8-9 for us amateurs. If for some reason you're confused by the attention given to this hole, tune into some coverage of The Players Championship these weekend and watch professional after professional look like Johnny Wednesday Nigh Golf League.

16th Shinnecock Hills



Frankly, I'd settle for any hole on Shinnecock as the course should be near the top of any adventurous golfer's list. The 14th is a popular hole, but I'd rather battle the 16th. From the greens it's a Par 5 464-yards. For the big boys it's 542. Either way, a snowman on this uphill, bunker littered hole would be a dream come true.

17th at St. Andrews (Road Hole Bunker)



Every golfer worth his salt better make a trip abroad and play some links golf sooner or later, and if you're going to do that St. Andrews should be one of the first stops. I'm sure I'd eventually end up in the road side bunker on the 17th hole, but let's just say I lucked out - I think I'd still have to plant one in here and see how many swings it would take to get out.

12th at Augusta



Not only is it one of the more beautiful holes in the world, it's also deceptively challenging. Of course, I'm talking like I've been there before, but I've watched enough Masters to know that I'd shank one into the water. A par-3, 155 yards that owns everyone except the very best. Maybe if I had Jim Nantz whispering in my ear I could stick one. Actually, no one wants Jim Nantz whispering in their ear.

14th at Pebble Beach



Not going to lie, I'm mostly including this one because I dominated it on every video game. I have a feeling the real life trial wouldn't go as well. Tiger Woods Golf, give yourself a little power boost and the most demanding second shot in golf is nothing. Real life ... I'm going fishing.

11th at Augusta



Tough call between the 11th and 13th, but who would pass up this approach shot on the first leg of Amen Corner? I'd totally pull a Snedeker, but who cares. I'd make sure to take as much time walking this hole as is given. It doesn't get any better. Not to mention it provides you an angle of how you'll totally fail on the next hole as well. Bonus.

9th Royal County Down (New Castle)



Do I really need to explain this one? Look at the view. Not to mention the quality beverages you might have before, during and after your round.

18th at Kapalua



Basically could have picked any hole here ... you're in Hawaii. Does it really matter? But the 18th is really something else at Kapalua. I've wondered about the course here before, but never had the chance to play.


19th Home Course w/ Marisa Miller



This also shouldn't need much explanation. There's no better way to finish a round. It'd take a hell of a sandwedge to get out of this trap ... assuming you actually wanted to leave it.