Five KEY HOLES that could DECIDE the 2021 US Open Championship

The South Course at Torrey Pines will play host to the US Open this week, where many players will be hoping for glory in the third men's major event of the year.

Although the venue is used for the Farmers Insurance Open, the South Course will be playing slightly tougher in true US Open fashion.

There are many holes that could prove to be turning points in what will be a dramatic and exciting week, so we have picked out five holes that we think will be pivotal in deciding this year's winner.

Hole 3 - Par 3 - 195 yards

This hole is simply brilliant and it is one of the most scenic holes on the course. The players will hit downhill towards the green with the Pacific Ocean in the background.

This challenging par-3 is similar to the seventh 7th hole at Pebble Beach, except this green is extremely wide and has a large bunker at the front that will punish any shots that fall short of the putting surface.

Hole 6 - Par 4 - 515 yards

This hole has been converted to a long par 4 for this week and it is important that the tee shot avoids the bunkers on the lefthand side of the hole.

A long iron is likely to be required to the putting surface, which is protected by bunkers on both sides. Players will be more than happy with a par here at the start of their round.

Hole 12 - Par 4 -  501 yards

The 12th hole is arguably the most difficult one that the players will face on the South Course. There are bunkers on each side of the fairway that need to be avoided due to the length of the hole.

A solid tee shot will be needed to reach the green in two shots and this was evident in 2008, as the scoring average on this hole was over 4.5.

Hole 13 - Par 5 - 612 yards

On this hole, it can require up to a 240-yard carry to reach the fairway and clear a large canyon, which would be an almost impossible task for most amateur golfers.

It will be very tough to reach the green in two shots, even for the biggest hitters in the field. The green is elevated and features deep rough and bunkers which make the approach even harder. 

Hole 18 - Par 5 - 568 yards

This is one of the most exciting final holes that we have seen at a US Open. If you find the fairway bunkers to the left or the right-hand side, it is nearly impossible to reach the green in two shots.

A large pond protects the green on this hole which has seen so many incredible moments, including when Tiger Woods holed a fantastic putt to force the playoff with Rocco Mediate in 2008.

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