A Hole of His Own.

Herb Kohler, 60, has played golf on some of the best courses in the world, and that makes it hard for him to decide on a favorite hole. "There are so many that I like," says the head of the diversified manufacturing company best known for its plumbing and kitchen products. He's particularly fond of a few at Cruden Bay in the British Isles, but notes that Pine Valley has several that stand out. And then there's the spectacular 8th at Pebble Beach, and the rugged 16th at Cypress Point. But when push comes to shove, the 16-handicapper selects a hole that lies just across the street from the headquarters of the $2.5 billion Wisconsin firm that bears his family's name. "It's the 15th on the Meadow Valley's course at Blackwolf Run," he says. "And it's not only because our company happens to own that track. I truly believe it is one of the greatest holes in golf, and also one of the toughest."

The 15th is a brutal par-three that has been appropriately named Mercy. "It measures only 103 yards from the front tees, which makes it one of the shortest holes in golf," Kohler explains. "And the distance from the backs is 227 yards, which makes it one of the longest. You can hit either a pitching wedge or driver depending on where you play from and how hard the wind is blowing."

But distance isn't the only thing that makes No. 15 so challenging. "Basically, you are hitting from one plateau, where the tees are, to another plateau, where the green is," Kohler says. "And your ball has to carry a deep valley that is filled with different type of vegetation." Then there is the green. "At 17,000 square feet, it's one of the largest you will ever see," he adds, "but that doesn't mean it's easy to putt. We have a fairly deep, vertical swale running right through the green from front to back, and if you don't hit the right quadrant, you can have big problems putting." There aren't any bunkers guarding the landing area, but any shots that go left, right, or long can be swallowed up by the valley.

"It's a very scary hole," says Kohler, who usually plays from either of the two middle tees, which measure 160 yards and 196 yards. "That's why we call it Mercy. If you get your ball on the wrong side of the swale, it can be really hard, and you're happy walking off with a five."

Kohler has had more than his share of fives on the 15th, but is happy to report that he has recorded a few twos as well. "But it really doesn't matter what I get," he says. "It's a beautiful hole that is as difficult and fun as any I have ever played."

John Steinbreder is a senior writer for Golf Week and Golf and Travel magazines and is the author of five books, including Golf Courses of the U.S. Open.