CARNOUSTIE, Scotland -- The 17th is difficult enough, but playing into the wind during Thursday's first round made it nearly impossible.
To get home in two shots was quite a task, and most players were probably happy to leave with a bogey.
"I hit a really good 2-iron that went 180 yards," said Greg Norman of his approach. "A lot of players are simply not able to reach the green in two."
The hole was the site of several disasters, including a triple-bogey 7 by defending champion Mark O'Meara. Derrick Cooper, a long-time European PGA pro who has just one title in his career, shared the lead at even par late in the day until he also made a 7 at the 17th.
For the day, the 17th ranked as the second hardest hole behind only the par-4 ninth. No. 17 played to an average of 4.615 and yielded more double-bogeys (12) than birdies (eight). There also were nine scores of triple bogey or higher.