The ‘really hard’ UK course which Tiger Woods said was ‘unfair’ and one of the most challenging he’s ever played see more 👇 👇

The ‘really hard’ UK course which Tiger Woods said was ‘unfair’ and one of the most challenging he’s ever played see more 👇 👇 

If conditions are calm and the wind and rain steer clear, low scoring is almost a formality. During the 2022 Open at St Andrews, baked-out conditions coupled with light winds saw Cam Smith shoot 20 under.

The year prior, at Royal St George’s, Collin Morikawa sealed victory at 15 under. In 2016, Henrik Stenson won The Open at 20 under after going head-to-head with Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon.





However, when wind and rain are involved, the Open Championship can show its teeth. During the 2024 edition, which Xander Schauffele won, harsh weather wreaked havoc, as some of the world’s best players missed the cut. What’s more, Royal Troon’s 11th hole was deemed the “hardest” hole ever seen at a major championship.

Another Open Championship venue that has proven to be a stern test over the years is Carnoustie. Francesco Molinari won the 2018 Open at the famous Scottish course, finishing at eight under, two shots clear of a four-way tie for second. 15-time major winner Tiger Woods was one shot further back on five under.

Carnoustie also hosted the Open in 2007 and 1999, and Woods shared a strong view on the course before the event 18 years ago.

Speaking on his experience in 1999, Tiger claimed Carnoustie’s set-up was unfair. “I think they probably learned a lesson,” he said before the 2007 Open.

“It was hard. It was really hard. I’ve never played a golf course as hard as that golf course was set up – and as unfair as it was set up as well.

“I remember number six, stepping off the fairway nine yards wide in a lay-up area. That’s not a really big lay-up area when you have to hit a four-iron. I think it’s a great golf course. I played two Scottish Opens there (1995 and 1996), and I thought it was one of the best golf courses I’ve ever played.”

Woods finished in a tie for seventh in 1999 at a remarkable 10 over. Scot Paul Lawrie (six over) would win the title after beating Justin Leonard and Jean van de Velde in a playoff.