The 18th is one of the most recognizable holes in golf. The Royal & Ancient Golf Club sits at the end of the fairway, and the Swilken Bridge and burn sit at the front. The tee shot plays to Grannie Clark's Wynd, and the road is in play on this hole. The out-of-bounds down the right side is a concern, but the fairway is fairly wide open.
The approach is complicated by the Valley of Sin, a deep depression short of the green, which acts a biarritz for those running the ball up to the green.
"Terrific finisher and much more satisfying than just another long par four hole. Birdie is a real possibility, but the player is far from guaranteed a par, as Doug Sanders can attest, thanks to the terrific green contours that Old Tom Morris instilled in the Home Green when he built it in 1869. The finest finishing holes provide for this type of two stroke swing. Most players will leave the course in a good mood, eager to return. Also, making a three here with the onlookers ringing the green is a tremendous thrill, as it is likely to be the greatest number of people most golfers play in front of in their life."