Hole 14 at Standard Country Club, The
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 486 yds
- Stroke index
- 2
- Hazards
- 7 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 31 yds deep × 21 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 · 486 yards
The plan for No. 14
The Standard Country Club's 14th hole presents a deceptive challenge that has tested golfers for decades at this prestigious Louisville layout. This straight 486-yard par 5 demands precision over power, as the absence of traditional hazards shifts focus entirely to course management and execution. The tee shot opens to a generous fairway that invites aggressive play, but the hole's true test emerges in the approach to a small, subtly contoured green that punishes anything less than surgical accuracy. With its number-two handicap ranking, this hole rewards strategic thinking and precise iron play. The clean, hazard-free design creates a pure golf experience where club selection and distance control become paramount, making it a memorable test of skill that separates good rounds from great ones.
Off the tee
Focus on finding the center of the fairway with your most reliable tee shot. Given the hole's straight layout, driver is likely the play for longer hitters, but don't force it if you're not confident with the big stick. A well-struck 3-wood or hybrid that finds the fairway center is far more valuable than a wayward driver that leaves you scrambling from rough or trees. Aim for the middle of the landing zone and let the hole's length work in your favor for the remaining shots.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot strategy depends heavily on your distance remaining. Longer hitters may have a chance to reach in two, but the small green makes this a risky proposition unless you're hitting a shorter iron. Most players should focus on advancing the ball to an ideal wedge distance - typically leaving yourself 80-120 yards for the third shot. Position this layup shot in the center of the fairway to ensure a clear angle to the pin. Avoid getting too aggressive and leaving yourself an awkward distance or angle.
On the green
The small green size means precision is paramount on your approach shot. Focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pins, especially if they're tucked near edges. Once on the putting surface, take time to read the subtle breaks - smaller greens often have more pronounced slopes that can fool you. Lag putting becomes crucial here, as three-putting from long range can quickly turn a scoring opportunity into a bogey. ## RISK VS REWARD The main risk/reward decision comes on the second shot for longer players. Going for the green in two offers birdie or eagle potential but brings bogey into play with the small target. The conservative play of laying up to your favorite wedge distance virtually guarantees a look at birdie while minimizing big numbers. Given the hole's high handicap ranking, the percentage play usually wins out here. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Higher handicap players** should embrace the three-shot approach without hesitation. Use your most reliable clubs off the tee and for the layup, prioritizing accuracy over distance. Focus on leaving yourself a comfortable full wedge for the third shot rather than trying to get too close with the second. **Lower handicap players** have more options but should still respect the small green. If you can reach with a mid-iron or less, the risk may be worth it. Otherwise, work backwards from your ideal approach distance to plan your layup. Your superior short game skills give you more flexibility in pin hunting, but don't get overly aggressive early in the hole. The key to mastering this hole is patience and precision - let the par 5 length work for you while respecting the challenge that small green presents.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 14 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,660 sq ft
How did Hole 14 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 486 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 486 yards, Reachable in two for longer hitters. Consider laying up short of hazards if going for it is risky.
How difficult is hole 14?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: 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 a reachable par 5 with eagle chances for longer hitters. Birdie is very much in play here if you can set up a good approach.