The PGA Championship returns to Valhalla for the first time in ten years this week, and anticipation is certainly growing ahead of the second major of the year.
Scottie Scheffler, unsurprisingly, is well-fancied to secure his third major title after winning his second green jacket last month.
Rory McIlroy is the most likely PGA Tour star to threaten after picking up his fourth victory at the Wells Fargo Championship last week. Xander Schauffele and Max Homa also stand a chance of pushing toward the top of the leaderboard.
The Louisville venue is known for its length, and players will be tested on several long par 4s.
However, after McIlroy sealed a one-shot victory on 16 under in 2014, there are opportunities to score this week. Here, The Golfing Gazette has taken a look at the five easiest holes at Valhalla, which players could really take advantage of.
5. No. 9, Par 4, 415 yards
The last hole on the front nine, known as the ‘Twin Spires’, is an uphill par 4, which is challenged by bunkers on both sides of the fairway.
The green is one of the most undulating on the course, but due to the hole’s relatively short yardage, players are able to attack the putting surface with a wedge in hand.
During the 2014 PGA Championship, the ninth was ranked the fifth easiest hole on the course and had a scoring average of 3.921 [NBC Sports].
No.10, Par 5, 590 yards
Straight after the 9th, the par 5 tenth, nicknamed ‘Big Red’, is a mammoth start to the back nine but one the world’s best will look to score well on.
The likes of McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Scheffler will fancy their chances of reaching the par 5 in two should they get a good drive away.
In 2014, it was ranked the fourth easiest hole on the course and had a scoring average of 4.817.
No. 7, Par 5, 597 yards
Another huge par 5 nicknamed ‘Genuine Risk’ is an excellent opportunity for a birdie on the front nine.
By driving to the left, players can shorten the hole by nearly 50 yards, making a play to the green more than realistic. However, sending the ball left brings a 26-yard landing area into play, which is guarded by thick rough and water.
Braver players could be rewarded here with the 7th ranked the third easiest hole on the course in 2014 with a scoring average of 4.766.
No. 4, Par 4, 372 yards
A short par 4, nicknamed ‘Mind that Bird’, is an early chance for players to get under par.
When the tee is moved forward, there’s every chance of the bigger hitters driving the green and setting up an eagle chance. Ranked the second easiest hole in 2014, the 4th had a scoring average of 3.731.
It’s a hole that will have to be taken advantage of, particularly over the weekend.
No. 18, Par 5, 570 yards
The finishing hole is typically the easiest hole at Valhalla and provides players with a genuine chance of birdie, which could set up an enthralling end to the championship.
Most players can reach in two but will have to be wary of a large bunker in front of the green.
In 2014, the 18th had a scoring average of 4.49.
READ MORE: Here are three veterans who could win the PGA Championship this week
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