Forget pitch and putt: this tee-off point on top of a 430m mountain in South Africa is the hardest golf shot in the world, and more than $1 million US awaits the player who can score a hole in one.

Ever wanted a hole that would bring even the pro's down to the level of mortal men? Try this hole in South Africa for size.

Players must take a helicopter to the top to play the longest (and highest) par three on the planet.

Taking the shot also requires courage; a player needs to teeter terrifyingly close to the edge of the mammoth hillside.

Indeed, the Extreme 19th Hole is so high the ball takes almost 30 seconds to reach the ground.

Channel Nine cricket commentator Mark Nicholas recently joined an elite list to have the shot in just three swings.

"It was awesome, riveting and phenomenal," he said. "It's like the end of the world when you get up there, and it's an awful lot of fun.

"It's such an adrenalin rush taking the helicopter up and then rushing back down."
The hole is based at the Legends Golf and Safari Resort, within the Entabeni Safari Conservancy in South Africa's north-eastern Limpopo Province.

The other 18 holes were designed by world golfing legends, including Trevor Immelman, Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington and Australia's Robert Allenby.

A round of golf (including a buggy and lunch) will set you back R450 ($A70).
The Extreme 19th costs R6700 ($A1060) per four ball, that includes helicopter ride, souvenir cap and glove and a DVD of you playing the hole.

So far, no one has even come close pocketing the million-dollar prize, but Harrington became the first golfer to conquer the hole within par.

Harrington said: "This is the type of innovation and excitement we need to get more people playing golf.

"There aren't many new innovative ways to play the game, but this is certainly one of the best.

"I think this hole is awesome; I love the whole experience, the helicopter, the views, the drama and having the green be in the shape of Africa.

"And now I've got bragging rights over all the other professionals who have played this and not managed to make a three. I love everything about it."

Making the shot: The ball takes 30 seconds to reach the green as it falls 400m through the air

It is both the longest and the highest par-three on the planet.

To launch the hole (which does not form part of the round), double Open champion Padraig Harrington and fellow pro Raphael Jacquelin, from France, were drafted in to give it their best shot.

Incredibly, they both managed to hit the green, but a hole in one was beyond even their illustrious reach.

Click here to see the YouTube video of Padraig Harrington playing the hole.

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