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No. 1 “THE POST”
A major championship challenge right out of the gate
495 Gold / 415 Black / 390 Green / 345 Blue / 310 Silver / Par 4
A major test out the gate, this dogleg left par 4 was lengthened to 495 yards. The challenge is not only off the tee but also in the approach shot. The front-right bunker is a visually intimidating sight for approach shots to front-left or back-right hole locations. The left bunker is positioned to gobble up errant shots aimed at the back portion of the green.
No. 2 “WINNING COLORS”
Lined with Kentucky hardwoods that delight the eye
530 Gold / 500 Black / 475 Green / 455 Blue / 410 Silver / Par 5
A slight dogleg left, this long par 4, challenges the players from the tee with a finger of Floyd’s Fork, a waterway that meanders through the front nine and borders the left side of the fairway. The green is well protected by three bunkers as well as Floyd’s Fork, which can attract any ball heading left of the green.
No. 3 “HONEST ABE”
Named after Kentucky's only President
210 Gold / 200 Black / 170 Green / 160 Blue / 115 Silver / Par 3
This is a challenging par 3 with Floyd’s Fork sweeping around to the right of the green, which is guarded by a large bunker to the right and smaller bunkers to the left and behind. The real danger at this hole is misreading the wind, which can push a shot to the right, where the ball can careen off the slope and into the hazard.
No. 4 “MINE THAT BIRD”
Short but sweet and birdie time
375 Gold / 350 Black / 325 Green / 300 Blue / 205 Silver / Par 4
The tee shot on this short par 4 will tempt players into an aggressive line and for the longest players the possibility of driving the green. Although a relatively short par 4 by today’s standards, this hole will still be a test for all players, as the green features significant movement and contours. Distance control is the key for approach shots to this green for those who lay back.
No. 5 “THE SUN SHINES BRIGHT”
Wide open sky and the only hole without a tree
460 Gold / 405 Black / 400 Green / 380 Blue / 305 Silver / Par 4
This is a challenging par 4 with a large fairway bunker on the right side that complements the three bunkers that line the left side of the landing area. Players will take caution to keep the ball in the fairway on this dogleg right. The green has a bunker positioned to grab errant shots to the right or short, and there is a closely mown collection area left of the green. This green allows for a back-right hole location, which is one of the most challenging on the course.
No. 6 “LONG SHOT”
Long odds for most with a huge payout
495 Gold / 475 Black / 450 Green / 420 Blue / 340 Silver / Par 4
This is one of Valhalla’s most difficult holes, demanding an accurate tee shot. For some players, this may require less than a driver from the tee as the aim is to get as close to Floyd’s Fork as the player dares. From here, players still face an approach shot of at least 200 yards to a challenging green complex with plenty of trouble. A deep bunker guards the left side of the green and a closely mowed collection area will grab shots to the right. This will be a difficult par.
No. 7 “GENUINE RISK”
An eagle is the dream but danger looms
600 Gold / 505 Black / 500 Green / 490 Blue / 460 Silver / Par 5
The seventh offers a definite risk vs. reward approach. There’s a split fairway here. The shorter route, to the left, shortens the hole by more than 50 yards. However, the landing area is only 26 yards wide and the entire fairway is surrounded by bluegrass rough and water to the right. The approach from this island fairway will be a carry of 210-230 yards, all over water. The fairway to the right is the longer, but safer route. With the water hazard skirting the front and the entire left edge of the green, it’s a brave player who attacks the green from any angle.
No. 8 “FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY”
Take it high and land it softly, like a butterfly with sore feet
190 Gold / 175 Black / 160 Green / 150 Blue / 130 Silver / Par 3
The eighth will require only a short- to middle-iron shot, but the green complex is extremely challenging, with the front protected by a deep bunker and a severe, closely manicured collection area. There also is a bunker to the left and another closely manicured collection area to the rear of the green. The green itself allows for multiple hole locations that will test the very best players.
No. 9 “TWIN SPIRES”
Savor the magnificent view of Kentucky architecture inspired by Churchill Downs
415 Gold / 410 Black / 385 Green / 400 Blue / 295 Silver Yards / Par 4
The beautiful tee shot at this uphill par 4 is challenged by three fairway bunkers bordering the right side of the fairway and two more to the left. The uphill approach to this green makes judging the yardage difficult, while the presence of one of the largest and deepest bunkers on the course looming just right of the green, does not ease the pain of missed shots.
No. 10 “BIG RED”
Aptly named after Secretariat, the long-distance thoroughbred beyond compare
595 Gold / 555 Black / 520 Green / 475 Blue / 410 Silver / Par 5
The 10th is a double-dogleg par 5 with a fairway bunker on the right side of the driving zone and deep rough and trees to the left. The undulating, two-tiered green is protected by a large, deep bunker guarding the front. Distance control on the approach is a must, as shots missing long will make par extremely difficult and shots coming up short will find the front bunker.
No. 11 “HOLLER”
How locals would describe this small valley and what you'll do if you make an ace
210 Gold / 200 Black / 190 Green / 165 Blue / 150 Silver / Par 3
This par 3 will require a middle- to long-iron shot. The shallow green features a slight false front with one bunker bordering the front of the green and one bunker behind the green. Accuracy will be a must, as shots carrying too far to the left will bound down the hillside, making par a difficult task.
No. 12 “STING LIKE A BEE”
It'll jump up and bite you if you're not careful
490 Gold / 445 Black / 420 Green / 385 Blue / 330 Silver / Par 4
This par 4 has been an extremely challenging hole in every spectator event at Valhalla. The difficult driving area leaves players with an approach shot of 170-190 yards to an elevated green. The green is punishing to errant shots, with one of the deepest bunkers on the course to the right and gnarly bluegrass rough to the left.
No. 13 “THE LIMESTONE HOLE”
A not so distant island embedded and surrounded by our treasured limestone
355 Gold / 350 Black / 325 Green / 285 Blue / 210 Silver / Par 4
The shortest par 4 at Valhalla, No. 13 has seen its fair share of excitement over the years. A series of six bunkers on the left of the driving zone must be avoided. The "island" green is one the most spectacular on the course, built up nearly 20 feet on large boulders. Since the green is almost completely surrounded by water, accuracy with controlled spin is a must for this hole.
No. 14 “ON THE ROCKS”
Sits on top of a limestone bluff with a view that's worth the climb
255 Gold / 215 Black / 165 Green / 155 Blue / 135 Silver / Par 3
The longest par 3 at Valhalla, this hole features a two-tiered green with two bunkers in front and two behind. Shots played from either of the two rear bunkers will make for a challenging up-and-down, as the green slopes from back to front. This hole demands proper club selection.
No. 15 “JULEP”
The Derby's favorite cocktail and Jack's favorite hole
435 Gold / 410 Black / 380 Green / 350 Blue / 290 Silver / Par 4
This is one of the most scenic holes at Valhalla, with Brush Run Creek running down the right side. The landing area is framed by deep bluegrass rough to the left and a large bunker to the right. However, the green, like the fairway, is skirted by Brush Run Creek, leaving little room for error to the right.
No. 16 - "HOMESTRETCH"
It's time to ask for more and finish strong
515 Gold / 440 Black / 400 Green / 355 Blue / 315 Silver / Par 4
This difficult par 4 is a slight dogleg to the right with Brush Run Creek guarding the entire right side. Any tee shot missing right will leave a player either a blocked shot to the green or having to deal with the creek. This has proven to be one of the most difficult holes at Valhalla because of the challenging green complex, which features two bunkers in front and a severe drop-off to a closely manicured chipping area to the right. This hole provides a wonderful, natural amphitheater for great spectator viewing.
No. 17 - "STRAIGHT UP"
As straightforward as it can get … just the way we like our bourbon
475 Gold / 430 Black / 390 Green / 360 Blue / 280 Silver / par 4
The tee shot at this uphill par 4 must find the fairway, thus avoiding the bunkers on the left and right. The green is well protected by two bunkers to the left and a closely mown chipping area to the right and rear. This is a wonderful hole to view the action.
No. 18 “PHOTO FINISH”
A champion is revealed from a unique golf experience you can only find in Kentucky
575 Gold / 540 Black / 480 Green / 440 Blue / 395 Silver / Par 5
The 18th has proven to be a great finishing hole. This par 5 has a large fairway bunker to the left of the landing zone and a spectacular water feature on the right. Most players can reach this hole in two but must avoid the bunker guarding the front of the green as well as the smaller pot bunker on the left. The green complex is unique – offering three distinct putting areas shaped like a horseshoe, which provides a wonderful reminder of the equine heritage found in Kentucky.
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