Hole 18 at Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

Par 3 • 204 Yards • Bethesda, Maryland

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Brutal

The 18th hole at Congressional's Gold Course represents the culmination of Devereux Emmet's classic 1924 design, serving as a demanding par-3 finale that has tested golfers for nearly a century. This challenging closer features strategic bunkering and water hazards that demand precision under pressure. A true test of nerves to finish your round at this storied venue.

Tees:

204y174y149y102y80y

Green:38y × 25y

3 BunkersWater dogleg

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Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 204 yds
Green: 4895 sq ft
Bunkers: 3
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 134
Course Rating: 73.2

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Hole 17

Par 4 • 407y

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Recommended Gear

A hybrid or long iron makes this long par 3 far more manageable off the tee.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 204-yard par-3 demands precision over power. With no fairway at the 250-yard mark, focus on accurate distance control rather than trying to overpower the hole.

hazard warning

Three strategically placed bunkers guard the green at 183.6, 191.7, and 219.5 yards. The bunker at 219.5 yards is particularly dangerous as it sits beyond the pin, catching shots that fly the green.

approach

Target the center of this compact 4,895 square foot green measuring 38 yards deep by 25 yards wide. The relatively small target area leaves little room for error on approach shots.

tee shot

Club selection is critical on this hole - take one extra club to ensure you clear the front bunkers at 183.6 and 191.7 yards, but be cautious not to fly the back bunker at 219.5 yards.

green

With the green measuring just 25 yards wide, lateral misses will be severely penalized. Focus on hitting to the fat part of the green rather than attacking difficult pin positions.

train this shot at home

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

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Scoring Tip

On long par 3s, hitting the green is a win — don't be afraid to take one extra club and aim center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 204 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 18?

This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3, water in play.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 18?

Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers; water at 165.8 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 18?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

What's a good score on hole 18?

This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.

Can I practice hole 18 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 →