Hole 13 at Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 168 yds
- Stroke index
- 18
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 35 yds deep × 35 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 · 168 yards
The plan for No. 13
The shortest hole at Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course) hole 13 proves that distance doesn't diminish difficulty on this storied championship layout. This deceptively challenging par 3 stretches 168 yards to a small, well-guarded green that demands precision over power. While the handicap rating of 18 might suggest an easier hole, the compact target and subtle green contours require careful club selection and committed execution. The straight-forward design eliminates excuses – it's simply about hitting the right shot under pressure. With minimal room for error around the green complex, this tee shot separates confident iron players from those who struggle with accuracy, making it a memorable test of nerve on one of Illinois's most prestigious courses.
Off the tee
Club selection is paramount on this hole - the 168-yard distance typically calls for anything from a 7-iron to a 5-iron depending on wind conditions and pin position. Focus on smooth tempo over power, as the compact green rewards accuracy over distance. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small target leaves little margin for error. Take one extra club and make a controlled swing rather than forcing a shorter iron.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach shot. The key is committing fully to your club selection and target line. With the green's small size, even well-struck shots that miss the target can leave challenging recovery shots. Pay close attention to wind direction and green firmness - a small green plays even smaller when conditions are firm and fast.
On the green
The compact putting surface likely features subtle breaks that can be deceiving. With limited green space, lag putting becomes crucial - focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive. Short putts are often more challenging on smaller greens due to the pressure of knowing you should make them. Take time to read the green carefully, as even small breaks are magnified on shorter putts. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision involves pin hunting versus playing to the center. While the absence of major hazards might tempt aggressive play toward tucked pins, the small green size makes center-green strategy the percentage play. The reward for precision is a legitimate birdie opportunity, but the risk of missing the green entirely often outweighs the potential gain of getting close to difficult pin positions. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Always play to the center of the green regardless of pin position. Take an extra club to ensure you reach the putting surface, and focus on smooth tempo. Accept that par is an excellent score on this hole, and don't let the short distance fool you into thinking birdie should be automatic. **Low-Handicap Players:** Can be more aggressive with pin hunting, especially when the pin is in the center portion of the green. Still exercise caution with extreme pin positions - the small green size means even good swings can miss the target. Use this hole as a scoring opportunity while respecting its subtle difficulty. The elevated handicap rating of 18 suggests this hole plays tougher than its yardage indicates, making course management and realistic expectations key to avoiding big numbers on what should be a scoring hole.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 13 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 6,948 sq ft
How did Hole 13 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 168 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 168 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 13?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
How big is the green on hole 13?
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The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 13?
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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.