Pga Tour Confidential

Van Sickle: Let's take a look at the best and worst holes at Pebble Beach, along with your favorite spots. I vote for number 7 as the best hole. There isn't a better 100-yard hole in golf.

Anonymous Pro: I wish the 7th could switch spots with number 17. The 7th would instantly become one of the most memorable holes in golf. The 7th is the shortest par-3 I've played in all my years on Tour, and it's one of the best.

Hack: I love the 7th. You feel as if you can almost dip your toes into the Pacific, and you'll probably see a couple of sea lions on your right.

Garrity: I can't pick just one, but I'll take that cliffside run of 6 through 10 as one of the best stretches in golf. The approach shot over the chasm on number 8 is just about the most thrilling shot in golf.

Hack: If you've ever hit that second shot, you know why it's the best hole at Pebble. The ball hangs in the air forever.

Anonymous Pro: My favorite hole is number 8. I agree—the second shot is so demanding. You can't go long, right is dead, and left is no bargain. Into the wind, we don't play a harder par-4 all year. You're hitting from a hanging lie to a green the size of an ashtray with a pothole in front. It's made for a seven- or eight-iron in, not a three-iron.

Bamberger: This is so unoriginal, but I don't see how you couldn't choose number 18. The drama at 18 builds up over the first three shots and determines whether you're making a 4 or a 6, possibly even a 3. The tree in the fairway is another illustration of how the sum is greater than the parts. Who, today, has the nerve to plant a tree in the middle of the fairway? It's iconic, it's fun, it's weird and it works.

Van Sickle: What about the worst hole? I nominate number 1.

Bamberger: To be announced on the 1st tee of the Open at Pebble and you see a guy out there with a 22-degree hybrid, that's not exciting.

Hack: I hit five-iron off that tee—that's all you need to know.