Hole 13 at Valhalla Golf Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 355 yds
- Hazards
- 7 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 29 yds deep × 27 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 · 355 yards
The plan for No. 13
Known as "The Island" or the "Limestone Hole," Valhalla Golf Club hole 13 stands as the signature par 4 on this legendary PGA Championship venue. From an elevated tee near the clubhouse, this 355-yard hole presents one of golf's most dramatic visual challenges with its famous island green perched atop limestone rocks. The tee shot from one of the course's highest points offers breathtaking views, but the real test comes with the approach shot to the small, isolated green surrounded entirely by water. This iconic hole demands precision over power, where even tour professionals like Tiger Woods have faced its unforgiving nature. The combination of elevation change, water hazard, and tournament history makes this Valhalla's most memorable and photographed hole.
Off the tee
From the elevated tee, golfers enjoy a commanding view but must resist the temptation to be overly aggressive. The tee shot plays downhill to a generous landing area, making distance control crucial for setting up the optimal approach angle. A driver or 3-wood should comfortably reach the landing zone, but the key consideration is leaving yourself with a comfortable yardage for the approach shot. Target the center-left portion of the fairway to open up the best angle to the island green. Avoid getting too far right, as this can create a more challenging angle over the water. The elevated tee position means the ball will carry further than normal, so factor this into your club selection.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot to the island green is where this hole earns its reputation as one of golf's most demanding par 4s. Club selection is absolutely critical - you must commit fully to your yardage and account for the elevated green position. The small target demands precision, and with water surrounding the entire green, there's no bailout area. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the putting surface is small enough that even a center hit gives you a reasonable putt. Take one extra club to ensure you clear the water and limestone rocks fronting the green. The elevated position can create swirling winds, so pay careful attention to conditions and don't be afraid to take two extra clubs if needed.
On the green
The small, elevated green at the 13th creates unique putting challenges. The limestone foundation means the green drains exceptionally well but can play firm and fast. Most putts will have subtle breaks influenced by the green's position atop the rocks. Focus on speed control above all else, as the consequences of running a putt off this green are severe. When the pin is tucked near an edge, lag putting to the center becomes the smart play. The elevated position can create optical illusions, so trust your read and commit to your line. Getting down in two putts from anywhere on this green represents excellent putting. ## RISK VS REWARD The 13th hole presents a unique risk/reward scenario where the reward isn't about gaining strokes, but rather about avoiding disaster. The conservative play is to aim for the center of the green with every approach shot, accepting a longer putt in exchange for finding the putting surface. The aggressive play involves attacking tucked pins, but the penalty for missing is severe - likely a penalty stroke and a difficult up-and-down. Even professional golfers often play conservatively here, understanding that par is an excellent score. The hole's design rewards precision over power, making course management more important than aggressive play. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicap Players:** Should focus on precise yardage control and committing fully to club selection. Consider the wind conditions carefully and don't be afraid to aim away from sucker pins. Your short game skills give you confidence to be slightly more aggressive, but respect the severity of missing the green. **High Handicap Players:** Play this hole extremely conservatively. Use one or even two extra clubs on the approach shot to ensure you clear the hazards. Aim for the absolute center of the green regardless of pin position. Consider laying up to a comfortable wedge distance if your approach shot would be from an uncomfortable yardage. Remember that making bogey here while avoiding the big number is a victory. The key to conquering Valhalla's island green lies in respecting its challenge while maintaining confidence in your execution. This hole has humbled many great players throughout major championships, making it a true test of both skill and mental fortitude.
Watch for
- Sand 1 (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
- Sand 2 (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
- Sand 3 (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
- Sand 4 (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
- Sand 5 (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
- Sand 6 (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
- Sand 7 (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
- Water (greenside) influences line and recovery options.
- Woods (greenside) influences line and recovery options.
Hole 13 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,288 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Valhalla Golf Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Valhalla Golf Club. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
Can We Make Cut @ Valhalla?! (2024 PGA Championship)
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How did Hole 13 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 355 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 355-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 13?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 13?
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Key hazards include: water at 315.6 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 13?
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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 13?
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This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.