Sergio Takes On Africa's Extreme 19th

Flagstick Golf Magazine · December 3, 2008

I started a thread the other day over at Golf Discussion Board GolfWRX.com about the Extreme 19th golf hole that was built in Africa. The thread (seen here) has quickly gained more than a 1000 views, many of them speculating about the ability of anyone to reach the green on a hole that is probably one of the most radical the world has ever seen (see the first post on that forum thread for details).

Well, save the speculation - I have the answer. The signature golf course at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort has many high profile "designers", top golf professionals like Trevor Immelman, Vijay Singh, and Padraig Harrington who created holes at the top-end course.

Among that illustrious grouping is Sergio Garcia, who just dropped in to inspect the 16th hole, the one he was responsible for. While he was there he took the Extreme 19th hole challenge as part of an exhibition event.

Garcia, whose visit comes on the heels one by the contestants of the Miss World pageant, heartily approved of the finishing touches on his hole but was eager to test out the Extreme 19th - a fearsome par three playing 361 metres from a 400 metre high tee to a green in the shape of Africa.

After taking the helicopter ride to the tee on 19 (the only way to get there) Sergio knocked 6 balls from the tee in to what seemed like infinity. He hit driver for each shot.

"This is truly unique," Garcia exclaimed after the challenge. "I have never seen a hole like this and it's a great challenge. I'm so glad I made par with one of my balls and my competition ball just missed the green and I managed to make a bogey. What a hole...what a view...what a resort."

P.S. LG Skins Game winner K.J. Choi visited yesterday - I will update you on how his attempt at the 19th went in a post tomorrow.

The Signature Course will open to the public in March 2009. More info...www.legendgolfsafari.com

(Photos courtesy of Azalea Group)

www.flagstickeditorsdesk.blogspot.com

Tupperwolf · December 3, 2008

Wow.... driver off a mountain!

That first pic gives some realistic perspective to the tee shot.. it does look like it would take a big hit to reach that green. Not straight down like some of the other pics seemed.

So Sergio hit six balls and made par with one.... This does not bode well for an amateur to hit a hole in one for $1 million bucks.

xxio · December 3, 2008

He missed the green because he was using that new Burner for 09 :) His R7 Limited would've gotten him closer.

Viking Golfer · December 4, 2008

He missed the green because he was using that new Burner for 09 :) His R7 Limited would've gotten him closer.

I agree, and his old Tour Burner Tp would have given him an ACE! :golfer: ................. :clapping: ............... :drinks:

50jay · December 4, 2008

How long do you really need to hit it to get it on the green? How much distance does the elevation gives you??

Jay L.

PurePursuit · December 4, 2008

I want to see the pitch mark.

InTheHole · December 4, 2008

C'mon, we all know 3-wood is the answer. That way he can remove his driver in favor of an extra wedge.

Anyone know how Anthony Kim faired?

Titleist1455 · December 4, 2008

that hole is just a little bit ridiculous. i mean, cool idea, i guess. but i'm just not that intrigued by it...

acantrell · December 4, 2008

Wow.... driver off a mountain!

That first pic gives some realistic perspective to the tee shot.. it does look like it would take a big hit to reach that green. Not straight down like some of the other pics seemed.

So Sergio hit six balls and made par with one.... This does not bode well for an amateur to hit a hole in one for $1 million bucks.

I don't know why everyone is so impressed. I'm pretty sure I've seen Jack Hamm do this plenty of times. Although, he scaled the mountain with his bag on his back like a real man instead of taking a helicopter like this chump Sergio. POW!

Titleist1455 · December 4, 2008

Wow.... driver off a mountain!

That first pic gives some realistic perspective to the tee shot.. it does look like it would take a big hit to reach that green. Not straight down like some of the other pics seemed.

So Sergio hit six balls and made par with one.... This does not bode well for an amateur to hit a hole in one for $1 million bucks.

I don't know why everyone is so impressed. I'm pretty sure I've seen Jack Hamm do this plenty of times. Although, he scaled the mountain with his bag on his back like a real man instead of taking a helicopter like this chump Sergio. POW!

Jack Hamm would hit the ball into orbit from that tee box. BOOOOMM!!