Hole 13 at Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

Par 3 • 150 Yards • Bethesda, Maryland

Enhanced Content

Moderate

The 13th hole at Congressional Country Club features the course's distinctive "bicycle seat shaped green" that has challenged golfers since the Rees Jones redesigns. This 165-yard par-3 presents a deceptively narrow target that widens dramatically from front to back, creating strategic pin placement opportunities. The final par-3 on the Blue Course maintains the Jones family's signature ridge-to-ridge design philosophy while offering multiple tiers for championship drama.

Tees:

150y142y127y118y102y

Green:26y × 27y

1 BunkerWater dogleg

Loading map...

Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Play This Course at Home

Practice Congressional Country Club (Gold Course) Year-Round

Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.

Browse Launch Monitors & Simulators

Amazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 150 yds
Green: 3968 sq ft
Bunkers: 1
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 134
Course Rating: 73.2

Navigate

Back to Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)View Full Scorecard

Recommended Gear

Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

Shop Irons →

Strategy Tips

tee shot

At 150 yards, this par 3 requires precise club selection and accuracy over distance. The bicycle seat-shaped green demands a well-struck iron that can hold the putting surface.

green

Target the wider back portion of this uniquely shaped green. With dimensions of 26y x 27y and 3,968 square feet, the green narrows significantly at the front but opens up toward the back, providing a larger landing area.

hazard warning

Beware of bunkers positioned at 131.3 yards from the tee. These greenside hazards guard the narrow front entrance to the green, making precision essential on your approach.

approach

With no fairway landing zone available (0 yards from tee), this is a direct carry shot to the green. Focus on smooth tempo and solid contact rather than trying to overpower the shot.

green

The compact green dimensions of 26y x 27y leave little room for error. Club up if between distances and aim for the center-back of the green to avoid the narrow front section and surrounding hazards.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

See launch monitors & simulators

Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

Play Congressional Country Club (Gold Course) from Your Living Room

Launch monitors and simulators now include real course data. Practice your strategy on every hole before your round — or just for fun.

Compare Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 150 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?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 13?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker; water at 47.6 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 13?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

Where is the best miss on hole 13?

If you're going to miss the green, favor the left side. The right (water) brings more trouble into play and makes recovery difficult.

What's a good score on hole 13?

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.

Can I practice hole 13 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Congressional Country Club (Gold Course). You can play this exact par 3 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →