Hole 7 at Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 430 yds
- Stroke index
- 7
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 39 yds deep × 38 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 · 430 yards
The plan for No. 7
The seventh hole at Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course) presents a deceptively challenging par 4 that demands both precision and power. This 430-yard straight test features a generous fairway that invites aggressive driving, but the real challenge lies in the approach to a small, well-protected green complex. With minimal hazards cluttering the landscape, golfers might expect an easier scoring opportunity, yet the compact putting surface requires pinpoint accuracy on the second shot. The absence of major water or sand features shifts the focus entirely to course management and iron play precision. What makes this hole memorable is its honest, straightforward design that rewards solid fundamentals while punishing any lapse in concentration, embodying the classic American parkland golf that has made Olympia Fields a respected championship venue.
Off the tee
The key to this hole starts with an intelligent tee shot that sets up the ideal approach angle. Target the center-left portion of the fairway to provide the best angle into the small green. A controlled drive of 250-270 yards leaves an optimal approach distance while avoiding any subtle fairway undulations that could create uneven lies. Resist the temptation to overpower this hole – accuracy trumps distance when the green demands precision.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole reveals its teeth. With a small green as your target, club selection becomes critical for proper distance control. Plan for a mid-iron to long-iron depending on conditions and pin position. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin placement, as the compact putting surface makes recovery shots extremely difficult. Pay attention to wind conditions, as they can significantly impact club selection on this exposed approach.
On the green
The small green demands respect and conservative putting strategy. Focus on lag putting to the center of the green, even from relatively short distances, as the limited surface area makes three-putts costly. Study the subtle breaks carefully during your approach, as seemingly flat putts can have more movement than expected. Pin positions in the corners or edges create particularly challenging scenarios where two-putting becomes the primary objective. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, making it more about avoiding mistakes than creating birdies. The primary reward comes from aggressive pin-seeking on the approach when conditions are favorable and you have a comfortable yardage. However, the small green severely punishes misses, making the conservative play to the center often the smartest choice. The scoring opportunity lies in executing two solid, unremarkable shots rather than attempting heroics. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should treat this as a two-shot par hole, focusing on finding the fairway with whatever club provides confidence and comfort. Aim for the largest part of the green on approach, accepting bogey as a reasonable score while avoiding the big numbers that come from short-siding yourself. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with driver off the tee to shorten the approach, but must maintain discipline on the second shot. The small green rewards precise iron play, making this an excellent opportunity to showcase course management skills. Consider the pin position carefully – attack only when you have full confidence in your distance control and the pin is accessible.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 7 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 7,933 sq ft
How did Hole 7 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 430 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 430-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 7?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 7?
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The green is large and can play quite long. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.
What's a good score on hole 7?
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This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.