Hole 14 at Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 407 yds
- Stroke index
- 6
- Hazards
- 2 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 37 yds deep × 30 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 · 407 yards
The plan for No. 14
Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside) hole 14 epitomizes the unpredictable nature of authentic links golf, where the ever-present coastal wind transforms this 407-yard par 4 into a different challenge each round. The straight layout may appear straightforward, but the wind's whims dictate everything from club selection off the tee to approach shot strategy. On calm days, this hole rewards aggressive play toward the small green, but when the Georgia coast unleashes its fury, golfers find themselves gripping longer irons where wedges once sufficed. The compact green demands precision, as there's little margin for error around this target. This is proper links golf at its finest, where reading the wind becomes as crucial as reading the putting surface.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy must begin with a careful wind assessment - this is proper links golf where conditions dictate club selection more than yardage books. On calm days, a driver or 3-wood can set up an ideal approach distance, but when the wind is up, consider scaling back to a long iron or hybrid for better control. Target the center-left portion of the fairway to create the best angle into the small green. The straight layout allows for aggressive play off the tee, but remember that positioning trumps distance when approaching such a compact target.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot to this small green requires surgical precision, especially when coastal winds are swirling. Depending on wind conditions, you might find yourself hitting anything from a comfortable 7-iron to a gripped-down 5-iron on the same day - this is the essence of Seaside golf. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small target leaves little margin for error. Take extra time to read the wind direction and intensity, as gusts can easily push approach shots off the putting surface.
On the green
The small green demands respect with your putter selection and read. Coastal winds can affect even short putts, so pay attention to grain direction and any subtle breaks. With limited green space, distance control becomes paramount - leaving yourself long putts on this compact surface can lead to three-putts. Focus on getting your approach shots below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are always preferable on smaller greens. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a subtle risk/reward proposition through club selection and target choice. The reward for aggressive play comes from shorter approach shots into the small green, but the risk lies in the wind's ability to turn a well-struck shot into trouble. The smart play is often the conservative one - taking less club off the tee for better position and more club on the approach for better control against the wind. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus on finding the fairway with a controlled tee shot, even if it means hitting 3-wood or hybrid. From there, aim for the center of the green with whatever club gets you there comfortably, adding extra club for wind resistance. Two-putt pars are excellent scores here. **Low Handicappers:** Use your course management skills to play the percentages based on wind conditions. On calm days, you can be more aggressive with driver and attack pins. When it's windy, show patience and play to the fat part of the green. Your short game skills around this small target will be crucial for scrambling when approaches miss their mark. The 14th hole at Seaside embodies the strategic elements that made Bobby Jones declare this course "one of the very best" - it's a hole where thinking trumps power, and adaptability determines success.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 14 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,148 sq ft
How did Hole 14 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 407 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 407-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: water in play.
How big is the green on hole 14?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.