Five key holes at Liberty National Golf Club, where the 12th Presidents Cup match play showdown between the United States and the International team tees off on Thursday:

- Hole 1 -

Par 4, 427 yards

The first shot players will face is probably the most intimidating on the course. A lake down the left side and punitive rough on the right leave little room for error off the tee. A long, narrow green is guarded by a stream on the left.

"Brutal" was South African Branden Grace's assessment.

"It will certainly sort the men out from the boys early on," added Aussie Marc Leishman.

- Hole 10 -

Par 3, 150 yards

A striking view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline lend a picturesque air. But tricky winds complicate a shot into a tiny green guarded by bunkers.

- Hole 12 -

Par 4, 325 yards

A driveable par 4, especially with the tees moved up, offers plenty of potential to swing a match. But going for it brings risk, with water down the right side of the fairway and trees and mounds to the left.

- Hole 14 -

Par 4, 490 yards

This imposing par 4 usually plays as the 18th at Liberty National, but comes into play earlier in a revamp aimed at showcasing the course's best holes in as many matches as possible.

Amid an array of grandstands and hospitality areas, in what figures to be a critical point for many matches, players have little room for error off the tee with New York Harbor on the right and bunkers threatening on the left.

- Hole 18 -

Par 3, 193 yards

Not every match will get there, but in those that do, the slightly uphill shot into a long green protected by bunkers begs for an aggressive attack that could go awry.

"I think it brings a different element to that finish," US team captain Steve Stricker said. "I think a little bit more nerve wracking for the players, I think, when it's going to come down to either tied or one-down or one-up kind of thing."

source: AFP