Hole 13 at PGA WEST (Norman course)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 216 yds
- Stroke index
- 4
- Hazards
- 9 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 46 yds deep × 28 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 3 · 216 yards
The plan for No. 13
The 13th hole at PGA WEST's Norman course presents a deceptively challenging par 3 that demands precision over power. At 216 yards, this mid-length one-shotter requires golfers to navigate to a small, well-guarded green that punishes anything less than committed swings. The hole's straight layout may appear straightforward, but the compact target creates an intimidating visual from the tee box. Without major hazards to complicate club selection, success hinges entirely on distance control and accuracy to find the putting surface. This strategic par 3 exemplifies Greg Norman's design philosophy, where subtle challenges test every aspect of a player's short game arsenal and mental fortitude.
Off the tee
Your tee shot is everything on this hole. Club selection is critical – most golfers will need anywhere from a 5-iron to a hybrid depending on wind conditions and pin position. Take one extra club and swing smoothly rather than forcing a shorter iron. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small target leaves little room for error. Focus on a controlled, balanced swing that prioritizes accuracy over distance.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot serves as your approach. The key is playing to the fat part of the green and accepting a longer putt rather than attacking tight pin positions. Pay close attention to wind direction and strength, as it will significantly affect club selection at this distance. A shot that comes up short or long will leave you with difficult chips or pitches to save par.
On the green
With a small green, two-putt pars should be celebrated here. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with longer putts. The green's compact size means most putts will have relatively subtle breaks, but pay attention to the overall slope and grain direction. Position yourself below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are always more manageable on smaller targets. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers little in terms of risk/reward decisions – it's purely about execution. The reward comes from making solid contact and finding the green in regulation. The risk lies in trying to be too precise with pin-seeking shots when the percentages favor playing to the center of the green. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Take plenty of club and aim for the center of the green every time. Don't worry about pin position – focus on making solid contact and getting the ball airborne. A bogey here isn't a disaster given the difficulty level. **Low-Handicap Players:** You can be more aggressive with pin position, especially when it's in the center or front portion of the green. Still respect the small target, but your improved ball-striking allows for more precision. Consider the scoring average on this hole and play accordingly – sometimes par is a great score. The Norman course's 13th hole exemplifies strategic golf course design, where the challenge comes not from obvious hazards but from the demand for precise execution under pressure.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 13 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 6,028 sq ft
How did Hole 13 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 216 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 216 yards, most golfers will need a fairway wood or hybrid to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 13?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3, water in play.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 13?
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Key hazards include: water at 153.5 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 13?
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The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 13?
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This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.