There is no question that America has some of the greatest golf destinations in the world, but where can you find the toughest golf course in America as rated by the USGA? Look no further than the Ko'olau Golf Club on the island of Oahu. The Ko'olau Golf Club has a slope of 152 and a rating of 75.7. No other golf course in the country even comes close to reaching this level.

The golf course is not long by modern standards at only 7,310 yards from the back tee, but the deep ravines that meander through the golf course make this a challenge. The golf course opened in 1992 and it took the USGA several trips to finally arrive at the slope rating. The maximum allowed by the slope system is 155 and officials from the USGA could have easily rated the golf course into the high 160's.

Hawaii is known for its lush tropical rain forests and dramatic elevation changes, but the thing that makes this golf course so challenging are the forced carries over very deep ravines. There are a total of ten forced carries from the tee, and from the white tees each of these carries is over 115 yards. When the USGA looked at topographical maps of the golf course they realized the ravines had been greatly underestimated. It turns out the ravines were so deep the survey team merely measured from the edge of the ravine to the tops of the trees. Many of the ravines are more than 100 feet deep.

Sometimes it is tough to keep your mind focused on the task at hand and the 6th hole is considered the most difficult hole on the front nine. This par-4 measures 435 yards from the back tee but placement off the tee is more important than distance. There is a ravine that runs down the right side of the hole and must be avoided. Once in the fairway the work is not over as you have to cross the ravine again to reach the green. The green on this hole has several tiers, so be sure to check the pin placement to hit the right level.

The key to playing Ko'olau Golf Club is hitting the ball into the fairways. With so many ravines and tropical rain forests, having a shot to the green can be an accomplishment. Few golf courses actually suggest you bring at least one ball for every stroke of your handicap, but that is the case on this golf course. I might even consider bringing a few more!

If the golf course hasn't beat you up enough in the first 17, the 18th hole will give you another shot to the head. On this hole you will have carry a ravine not once but twice in order to reach the green. Be careful as there are 22 bunkers that make this hole even more of a challenge.

Playing Ko'olau Golf Club is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and for most players once is more than enough. I'm sure Dick Nugent didn't originally intend to build such a difficult golf course, but that's exactly what he ended up with. Playing tough golf courses can be draining both emotionally and physically, so perhaps you'll only need to play this golf course once - just to say you have.

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