Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/130253
iG1304-p 5/7/13 1:51 PM Page 1 FROM THE FRINGE COMPILED BY iG EDITORS Technological advances have seen designers lengthen golf courses across the world, but surely a 440-yard par 3 is a step too far? Not when the tee is perched on a mountain top and accessible only by helicopter. Welcome to the Extreme 19th at Legend Golf and Safari Resort, where being a bit wild off the tee takes on different meaning as lions, leopards and cheetah prowl the plains below. Beginning on top the majestic Hangclip Mountain in Limpopo Province and ending on a manicured green some 1,400 feet below, this hole is the longest, and most dramatic, par three in the world. It has lured some of the biggest names in golf, not least because the resort is offering a million dollars to the first person to score a hole in one. Ireland's Padraig Harrington, the threetime major winner, currently holds the world record with a par three made last year. The footage of the Irishman launching his drive off the mountain towards the putting surface with unerring accuracy, has become a YouTube sensation. (Ed Note: Visit www.insidegolf.ca to see video clip). That the man from Ballyroan is afraid of heights makes his feat even more impressive. Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, K J Choi, Trevor Immelman and many more have since tried and failed. The hole's designer, David Riddle, before construction, employed a local golf Talk About professional to strike balls off the top Hang Time, of Hangclip, while he stood in the scrubland below armed with a walkieBalls Here talkie and a hard hat, trying to Take 20 Seconds calculate where to put the green. To Reach The His friend first hit the ball. He waited. Green Nothing. After ten seconds he picked IMAGES COURTESY LEGENDS GOLF AND SAFARI RESORT The World's Most Extreme Par 3 up the walkie-talkie. "What happened?" said Riddle. "I've no idea – I hit it well and it was heading straight towards you?" said the pro. "Well it's not here…" Thud. The ball had taken 20 seconds to land. He knew then that it would be some hole. To play what they term "the Extreme 19th" costs around $250 USD pp (based on four golfers) including helicopter flight. Spotters then have the unenviable task of trying to locate where the errant tee shots end up. This unique hole is part of the Legends Golf & Safari Resort in South Africa which is comprised of 18 holes designed by 18 top golfers, including Padraig Harrington, Colin Montgomerie, KJ Choi, Retief Goosen, Justin Rose, Trevor Immelman,Vijay Singh... and Mike Weir. For more information, visit www.legendresort.com. 81