Hole 14 at Doral Golf Resort and Spa 'The Blue monster'
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 475 yds
- Stroke index
- 6
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 29 yds deep × 34 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 · 475 yards
The plan for No. 14
The 14th hole at Doral Golf Resort and Spa 'The Blue Monster' presents a deceptively challenging par 4 that epitomizes Dick Wilson's strategic design philosophy. At 475 yards, this straight hole demands both distance and precision from the championship tees that once tested PGA Tour professionals annually from 1962 to 2016. The tee shot requires careful navigation around mature palm trees that guard the fairway, creating visual intimidation and narrowing the landing area for aggressive drivers. What appears straightforward quickly reveals its teeth through the approach shot to a compact, well-defended green complex. The hole's understated elegance lies in its ability to punish poor execution while rewarding thoughtful course management, making it a true test of golf strategy on this legendary Florida layout.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy revolves around positioning yourself for the best possible approach angle to that small green. Driver is typically the play for most golfers given the hole's length, but club selection should factor in your ability to find the fairway consistently. Aim for the center-left portion of the fairway to give yourself the optimal angle into the green. The key is avoiding any trouble that might lurk in the rough or waste areas, as recovery shots from poor lies will make reaching the green in regulation extremely difficult. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to overpower the hole - course management is crucial on a layout that has tested PGA Tour professionals for decades.
Approach & recovery
Your approach shot to this small green demands precision above all else. Depending on your tee shot distance, you'll likely face anything from a long iron to a fairway wood for your second shot. The compact green size means there's little margin for error, so club selection becomes critical. Take one more club than you think you need and focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pins. The small target rewards conservative strategy - getting your ball on the putting surface should be the primary goal. Pay attention to wind conditions, as they can significantly impact club selection on longer approach shots.
On the green
The small green demands respect with your putter in hand. While specific break patterns aren't detailed, the compact size means that distance control becomes paramount. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with longer putts. Two-putting should be considered a victory on this green, especially if you've managed to find the putting surface in regulation. The key is reading the general slope and committing to your line - tentative putting on small greens often leads to three-putts. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities due to its straight layout and emphasis on precision. The primary decision point comes with tee shot strategy - whether to play aggressively with driver for a shorter approach, or take a more conservative club off the tee to ensure finding the fairway. Given the small green, the reward for aggressive play is somewhat limited, as even shorter approach shots require precision to find the target. The smart play typically involves accepting the challenge and playing within your abilities rather than forcing heroic shots. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus on keeping the ball in play off the tee, even if it means using a 3-wood or hybrid instead of driver. Your approach strategy should prioritize finding the green over attacking specific pin positions. Consider playing to the fat part of the green regardless of pin placement, and be satisfied with bogey as an acceptable score on this challenging hole. **Low Handicappers:** You have more options for aggressive play, but the small green still demands respect. Consider the pin position when planning your approach - if it's tucked behind trouble, play to the center of the green. This hole rewards patience and course management over raw aggression, even for skilled players. The 14th hole at the Blue Monster exemplifies championship golf design - it appears manageable but punishes poor execution. Success comes from playing within your abilities while maintaining the aggressive mindset needed to score on a course that has challenged the world's best players for over six decades.
Watch for
- Mapped bunkers guard landing areas and greenside recovery lines.
Hole 14 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,368 sq ft
How did Hole 14 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 475 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 475-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 one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 14?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 14?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.