The narrowest hole in golf is debatable.
It depends on various factors like the course, the specific hole, the time of year, which tees you’re playing and the definition of narrow. However, one of the narrowest holes on a professional golf course is the 9th hole at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, which measures only 22 yards wide at its narrowest point. This hole is famous for its extreme difficulty due to its narrow fairway and deep bunkers, and it has been the cause of many players struggling to make par or better.
Olympic Club Country Club in San Francisco
The 9th hole at the Olympic Club Country Club in San Francisco has a rich history in the world of golf. The hole was originally designed by golf course architect Sam Whiting and opened for play in 1927. At that time, the hole played as a par-4, measuring just 360 yards from the back tees.
In 1955, the club’s board decided to reconfigure the course, and Robert Trent Jones was brought in to redesign the layout. Jones decided to transform the 9th hole into a par-3, measuring 160 yards from the back tees, and he also introduced the now-famous “Cypress Tree” that guards the left side of the green.
The U.S. Open
Over the years, the 9th hole at Olympic Club has become known as one of the most challenging holes in golf. Its narrow fairway, deep bunkers, and sloping green have caused many players to struggle, particularly during major championships held at the course, such as the U.S. Open. The hole has been the site of many dramatic moments in golf history, including when Jack Fleck defeated Ben Hogan in a playoff to win the 1955 U.S. Open, and when Scott Simpson defeated Tom Watson to win the 1987 U.S. Open.
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