Hole 14 at Pasatiempo Golf Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 429 yds
- Stroke index
- 7
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 41 yds deep × 25 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 429 yards
The plan for No. 14
At first glance, Pasatiempo Golf Club hole 14 appears deceptively straightforward, but this 429-yard par 4 harbors one of Dr. Alister MacKenzie's most cunning strategic features. The defining characteristic is a dramatic swale that cuts across three-quarters of the fairway, plunging deep into the landscape and creating a formidable strategic decision off the tee. This natural depression transforms what could be a routine mid-length par 4 into a thinking player's hole, where club selection and course management become paramount. The tee shot must either carry the swale or lay up short, with each option presenting distinct challenges for the approach to the small green. While it may not boast the visual drama of Pasatiempo's more famous holes, the 14th exemplifies MacKenzie's genius for incorporating subtle, strategic complexity that reveals itself through multiple plays.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy hinges entirely on the swale's position in the fairway. Most players have two viable options: lay up short of the swale with a controlled iron or hybrid, or attempt to carry it with driver or strong 3-wood. The conservative play involves hitting a mid-to-long iron to position your ball safely short of this hazard, typically leaving 150-170 yards to the green. For stronger players, carrying the swale opens up shorter approach shots but requires committed execution - any ball that finds this deep depression will create an extremely difficult recovery shot with an awkward stance and limited green to work with.
Approach & recovery
From the ideal position, whether short or beyond the swale, focus on the center of the small green rather than attacking pins. The compact target demands precision, and with limited bailout areas, missing the green can quickly turn par into bogey or worse. Club selection should favor taking enough club to ensure solid contact and proper distance control. If you've laid up short of the swale, expect to hit anything from a 6-iron to a hybrid depending on conditions and pin position.
On the green
The small green size makes distance control paramount on your approach shot. Once on the putting surface, focus on speed control as MacKenzie's subtle contours can create challenging two-putts if you're not careful. The green's compact nature means most putts will be relatively straight, but don't underestimate the importance of reading the grain and slope carefully. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision occurs on the tee shot. Attempting to carry the swale can significantly shorten your approach but comes with severe consequences for mishit drives. The reward of a wedge or short iron into the green must be weighed against the penalty of playing from an eight-foot-deep hazard. Conservative players who consistently lay up short and execute solid approach shots often score better than aggressive players who occasionally find the swale. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should almost always lay up short of the swale with a comfortable iron or hybrid, then focus on hitting the green with their approach shot regardless of pin position. This strategy eliminates the most penal outcome and keeps big numbers off the scorecard. **Low-handicap players** can consider carrying the swale when conditions are favorable and they're striking the ball well, but should have a clear bailout plan. Even accomplished players benefit from the conservative approach when wind or pressure situations make the carry attempt less certain. The beauty of this hole lies in its ability to reward strategic thinking over pure power, making it a true test of golf course management skills that exemplifies MacKenzie's architectural philosophy.
Hole 14 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,454 sq ft
How did Hole 14 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 429 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 429-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 14?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 14?
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The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.