Golf is a game of precision, patience, and occasionally, pure chaos. Believe it or not, some of the world’s best golfers have had rounds so disastrous that they’ve recorded double-digit scores on a single hole. While the average golfer might cringe at a triple bogey, PGA Tour professionals have faced moments so brutal that they’ve etched their names into the history books—for all the wrong reasons. But here’s where it gets fascinating: these aren’t just tales of frustration; they’re lessons in resilience, humility, and the unpredictable nature of the sport. Let’s dive into the nine highest scores ever recorded on a single hole in a PGA Tour tournament, and trust me, you won’t believe some of these stories.
1. Kevin Na: 16 (2011 Valero Texas Open)
Imagine starting a hole at -1 and ending it at +11. That’s exactly what happened to Kevin Na on the par-4 9th hole at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course. After slicing his tee shot into the woods, Na found himself in a nightmare scenario, taking 12 strokes just to escape the thicket. He finished the hole with a 16 and carded an 80 for the round, missing the cut despite three birdies on the back nine. But here’s the kicker: Na’s meltdown wasn’t just a personal low—it became a viral moment in golf history.
2. Gary McCord: 16 (1986 FedEx St. Jude Classic)
If you’ve seen the movie Tin Cup, you’ll recognize the inspiration behind Gary McCord’s infamous 16 on the par-5 16th hole at Colonial Country Club. After hitting a tree off the tee, McCord faced a 209-yard shot over water—a shot he failed to execute five times in a row with his 4-iron. With only one ball left, he switched to a 3-iron, set up a 25-foot putt, and finally ended the ordeal. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was McCord’s collapse a result of poor decision-making, or was it simply a cruel twist of fate?
3. Ed Oliver: 16 (1954 Bing Crosby Pro-Am)
The 16th hole at Cypress Point is iconic, but for Ed Oliver, it was a nightmare. Battling 50 MPH winds, Oliver became the first golfer to record a 16 on this par-3 hole. While the exact details of his struggle are unclear, it’s safe to assume he sent a few balls into the Pacific Ocean before moving on. And this is the part most people miss: Even the most picturesque holes can turn into a golfer’s worst enemy under the right conditions.
4. George Bayer: 17 (1957 Kentucky Derby Open)
George Bayer holds the distinction of being the only golfer to record a 17 on a single hole in PGA Tour history. Frustrated with his play on the par-4 17th at Seneca Golf Club, Bayer decided to chip his way down the fairway with a 7-iron, ultimately carding a 17. His temper tantrum earned him a 30-day suspension, later reduced to probation and a $200 fine. But here’s the question: Was Bayer’s meltdown a moment of madness, or a reflection of the immense pressure golfers face?
5. John Daly: 18 (1998 Bay Hill Invitational)
John Daly’s aggressive style made him a fan favorite, but it also led to his downfall on the par-5 6th hole at Bay Hill. Attempting to clear a 320-yard hazard, Daly sent five balls into the water, turning a -2 start into a +11 finish for the hole. But here’s where it gets thought-provoking: Is Daly’s all-or-nothing approach a testament to his courage, or a recipe for disaster?
6. Willie Chisholm: 19 (1919 U.S. Open)
Willie Chisholm’s name might be forgotten, but his score of 19 on the par-3 8th hole at Brae Burn Country Club lives on. After shanking his tee shot into a valley, Chisholm struggled to recover, taking 19 shots to finish the hole. And this is the part most people miss: Chisholm’s story is a reminder that even the best golfers can have days so bad they’re lost to history—except for this one score.
7. Dale Douglass: 19 (1963 Bing Crosby National Pro-Am)
Dale Douglass shares the record for the most shots on a hole in PGA Tour history. On the treacherous par-4 at Pebble Beach, Douglass sliced his drive onto the beach and took 19 shots to finish the hole. But here’s the controversial question: Could modern equipment and course management have prevented such a collapse?
8. Hans Merrell: 19 (1959 Bing Crosby National Pro-Am)
Hans Merrell’s 19 on the 16th hole at Cypress Point is the highest score over par in PGA Tour history. After landing on a beach, his next shot ended up in a plant, where he took five swings before declaring it unplayable. But here’s where it gets interesting: Merrell’s ordeal highlights the fine line between perseverance and futility in golf.
9. Ray Ainsley: 19 (1938 U.S. Open)
Ray Ainsley’s 19 on the par-4 16th at Cherry Hills could have been avoided if he’d known the rules. After his ball landed in a creek, Ainsley repeatedly tried to hit it out of the moving water, only to be informed by a rules official that he could have taken a drop. And this is the part most people miss: Even professionals can be blindsided by the rules, turning a bad situation into a historic disaster.
Honorable Mention: Tommy Armour’s 23
While not officially recognized, Tommy Armour’s alleged 23 on the par-5 17th at the 1927 Shawnee Open is the stuff of legend. Reports claim he hooked 10 tee shots out of bounds, though historians agree he “only” shot an 11. But here’s the question: Does the legend of Armour’s 23 overshadow his three major wins and 25 PGA Tour victories?
These stories aren’t just about high scores—they’re about the human side of golf. What do you think? Are these moments of failure a stain on a golfer’s legacy, or do they make their successes even more impressive? Let us know in the comments!
