Hole 18 at Pasatiempo Golf Club

Par 3 • 169 Yards • Santa Cruz, California

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Challenging

Alister MacKenzie's brilliant 18th hole at Pasatiempo stands as one of golf's most dramatic finishing holes, defying convention with its stunning par-3 design. Recently restored by Tom Doak's Renaissance team, this signature hole features yawning bunkers spilling into the forested barranca, creating the course's most memorable approach shot.

Tees:

169y164y88y

Green:30y × 27y

4 Bunkers dogleg

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Pasatiempo Golf Club

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 169 yds
Green: 4296 sq ft
Bunkers: 4
Course Slope: 140
Course Rating: 72.3

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Hole 17

Par 4 • 371y

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Recommended Gear

Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This dramatic 169-yard finishing par 3 demands precision over power. With no fairway landing zones, your tee shot must carry directly to the green, making club selection and accuracy paramount for a successful finish to your round.

hazard warning

Navigate the treacherous bunker complex that defines this MacKenzie masterpiece. With bunkers positioned at 154, 183, and 189 yards, these restored hazards spill into the barranca and create the most dramatic approach shot on the course - missing short or left will find sand or worse.

approach

Aim for the heart of the generous 4,296 square foot green measuring 30 yards deep by 27 yards wide. The green's substantial size provides margin for error once you clear the fronting hazards, so don't get too cute with pin-seeking on this demanding finishing hole.

green

Take advantage of the green's 30-yard depth by playing to the center-back portion when the pin is tucked near the hazards. This Tom Doak restoration maintains MacKenzie's original strategic intent while giving you room to work with once on the putting surface.

tee shot

With the furthest bunker at 189 yards, most players will need a mid to long iron depending on conditions. Factor in the elevated tee and potential wind off the Pacific when making your club selection for this signature finishing hole that few par 3s can match.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 169 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 18?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 18?

Key hazards include: 4 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 18?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 18?

This hole is a solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.

Can I practice hole 18 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Pasatiempo Golf Club. You can play this exact par 3 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →