The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool has provided plenty of drama, from amateur Christo Lamprecht's surprising lead to the collective struggles on the daunting 17th and 18th holes. These final two holes have proven to be a significant test for even the most seasoned professionals.

The 17th, a new par-3 playing at 138 yards, demands pinpoint accuracy. Anything less than a perfect tee shot risks landing in one of the strategically placed bunkers surrounding the green. The swirling winds at Hoylake only amplify the difficulty.

The 18th, a lengthy 599-yard par-5, presents its own set of challenges. Multiple out-of-bounds areas and a narrow tee shot lined by hospitality tents require careful navigation off the tee. Further bunkers await on the approach, adding to the pressure.

Several prominent golfers fell victim to these treacherous closing holes. Lucas Herbert carded a triple bogey on the 17th after his tee shot sailed over the green, while Phil Mickelson also struggled to escape the bunkers. Rickie Fowler suffered a triple bogey on the 18th after hitting out of bounds twice. Justin Thomas endured a disastrous quadruple bogey, further jeopardizing his chances in the tournament.

Even those who managed to avoid major disasters found the holes demanding. Rory McIlroy celebrated his par save on the 18th with a fist pump, a testament to the difficulty of the challenge. While some players, like Brooks Koepka, embrace the difficulty, the consensus is that these holes are a formidable test of skill and nerve.

As the tournament progresses, the 17th and 18th holes will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role, shaping the leaderboard and determining the eventual champion. The ability to navigate these challenging closing holes will be crucial for any golfer hoping to lift the Claret Jug.