Tournament: Evian Championship – Evian Resort Golf Club, Evian-les-Bains, France
Hole: 16th – Par 3, 155 Yards
Architect(s): Cabell B. Robinson – 1998
Steve Smyers and European Golf Design (redesign) – 2013

Architectural Summary:

The final par three at Evian Resort Golf Club measures 155 yards and plays to a well-protected green that will require accuracy and distance control. From the elevated tee, club selection will be critical as competitors play over undulating terrain and two small ponds with waterfalls fronting the green in addition to the two deep greenside bunkers behind the green. Direction and strength of wind can greatly increase the difficulty of the hole as the green is more wide than long, which places a further premium on finding the green. Players will typically look to use a 5-7 iron unless playing with the wind, where a shorter iron or wedge will be required. Competitors missing long and finding either of the bunkers will be faced with a difficult bunker shot back towards the water with the green sloping away. The green itself measures 39 yards wide by 14 yards deep at its narrowest point and slopes from back-to-front with two “bowls” on the left and right as well as a small “false front” feature. The right-to-left angle of the green can cause the putting surface to be perceived as very narrow, almost like a mirror image of the 12th hole at Augusta National. The most difficult pin placements will be found towards the front of the green, both right and left, as players will have to decide to challenge the water or not.

Statistical Analysis:

We expect the 16th hole of the Evian Championship will play slightly over par during the 2016 tournament due to the hole’s length and abundance of hazards surrounding the green as well as some wind and rain in the forecast.

Fun Facts:

• 2015 Evian Championship victor Lydia Ko became the youngest women’s major winner at 18 years, 4 months and 20 days after her six-shot triumph.
• Lydia Ko looks to defend her title this week and join multiple winners of the event: Ai Miyazato (2009, 2011), Helen Alfredsson (1994, 1998, 2008), and Annika Sörenstam (2000, 2002).
• Overlooking Lake Geneva, Evian Resort Golf Club is at an average elevation of approximately 480 metres (1,575 ft) above sea level.