Since The Wachovia Championship’s inception in 2003, its last three holes have proven to be the most difficult closing stretch on Tour. Now, two weeks after chasing for the Green Jacket, Tour players arrive at Augusta in Charlotte, NC to the challenge ‘The Green Mile’. 

No, not the American drama from the 90’s starring Tom Hanks. Rather, The Green Mile refers to three finishing holes at Quail Hollow that have Brandt Snedeker and the rest of the Tour saying, "it’s got to be one of the toughest stretches in golf."

Beginning with the 16th hole , players will have to hit a series of exacting tee shots. At this first of 3 challenging holes, 315 yards off the tee a bunker on the left pinches in, protecting the fairway, creating a strategic angle. While the right part of the fairway slides off to the rough, making it difficult to hold an approach to the narrow green.

The signature hole on the course, 17, is not quite the island green will see next week at Sawgrass. Still, Mickelson points out "17 and 18 are two of the toughest holes you’ll ever see, and to put them back-to-back is very difficult". Since last year, the margin for error on the hole has actually been reduced. By lowering the right side of the green it has "made it a little easier with regards to hitting a shot in there, landing on the green and not going off into the water on the left side." Rory Sabbatini commented. Regardless, a 200-yard tee shot over a water hazard wrapping around an undulating green slanting towards the water will create a difficult challenge even for a pro. 

Saving the most difficult for last, the 478 yard, par 4 finish proved as the most difficult hole on the course in 2007; and the fourth most difficult on the PGA Tour. A tight drive will have to navigate the meandering creek on the left and avoid bunkering on the right. Following, an uphill approach to a small green will likewise need to avoid the same creek and a set of bunkers right.

Quail Hollow has been a great addition to the Tour over the past five years. The traditional feel of the course has a strategic simplicity offering risk-reward scenarios on numerous holes. There is potential to capitalize early which is good, since last year The Green Mile offered a meager 13 birdies on Sunday.

Although it will sound like a contradiction, the course played as one of the toughest layouts in 2007 yet at the same time offered the most birdies and eagles of any top 20 course. That is simply the beauty of strategic design. Its about creating a challenge. A course with incredible depth and variety.  And Geroge Cobb, landscape architect turned golf course designer, with help from Plamer and Fazio, has done just that. 

Through the undeniable temptation to feather shots around the tree lined Quail Hollow’s risk reward layout, this weekend we can be sure that birdies and eagles will be up for grabs in the early going. And come the The Green Mile – they’ll be needed.