Hole 15 at Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 567 yds
- Stroke index
- 6
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 31 yds deep × 26 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 567 yards
The plan for No. 15
The 15th at Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course) presents a classic risk-reward par 5 that epitomizes championship golf design. At 567 yards, this straight-away hole invites aggressive play while demanding precision from the historic venue that has hosted multiple major championships. The generous fairway encourages drivers to take aim, but strategic positioning becomes crucial for the approach into the small, well-protected green complex. Without significant hazards cluttering the landscape, golfers must rely on course management and club selection to navigate this deceptively challenging hole. The compact green rewards accurate iron play and punishes wayward approaches, making this a true test of skill where birdies are earned through smart strategy rather than overpowering the course's elegant design.
Off the tee
Your opening shot should prioritize finding the fairway center, establishing the foundation for a manageable second shot. Driver is typically the right choice for most players to maximize distance down this lengthy hole, but accuracy remains paramount. Focus your target line down the middle of the fairway, avoiding any temptation to cut corners or chase extra distance at the expense of position. The straight layout means you can be aggressive with your line while maintaining control.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot strategy depends entirely on your driving distance and skill level. Longer hitters may have an opportunity to reach the green in two, but the small target makes this a high-risk proposition requiring precise distance control. Most players should consider a conservative layup to their preferred wedge distance, typically leaving 80-120 yards for the third shot. When laying up, position yourself in the center of the fairway to provide the best angle to attack any pin position on the small green.
On the green
The small green demands accuracy and careful speed control on your approach. Once on the putting surface, focus on lag putting to avoid leaving yourself lengthy comeback putts. Without specific hazards around the green, missing slightly long or short shouldn't result in penalty strokes, but the compact target means precision is still essential. Pay attention to subtle breaks that may be more pronounced on a smaller putting surface. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes with your second shot. Attempting to reach this green in two offers birdie or eagle potential but risks missing the small target entirely. The reward is significant, but the conservative play of laying up typically provides better scoring opportunities for most golfers. Consider your current round momentum, comfort level with long approaches, and the specific pin position when making this decision. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus on three comfortable shots rather than forcing distance. Use your most reliable fairway wood or hybrid for the second shot, laying up to a distance where you're confident with your wedge play. The lack of hazards means bogey should be your worst-case scenario with smart course management. **Low-Handicap Players:** Evaluate the risk/reward of going for the green based on your lie and the pin position. When the flag is accessible, this represents a legitimate birdie opportunity. However, don't hesitate to lay up when conditions or pin placement make the small green too challenging a target. Your short iron accuracy should make birdie very achievable with the conservative approach. This hole rewards patience and precision over power, making it an excellent scoring opportunity for players who resist the temptation to force aggressive shots and instead rely on solid course management principles.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 15 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,721 sq ft
How did Hole 15 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 567 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 567 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 15?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5.
How big is the green on hole 15?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 15?
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This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.