Hole 13 at Forest Dunes Golf Club

Par 4 • 373 Yards • Roscommon, Michigan

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Moderate

Known as "Waterloo," the legendary 13th hole at Forest Dunes is widely regarded as one of the best golf holes in the country. This Robert Trent Jones masterpiece presents a strategic challenge that has earned its fearsome reputation among golfers who dare to take it on.

Tees:

373y342y300y255y

Green:29y × 24y

11 BunkersWater dogleg

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Forest Dunes Golf Club

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 373 yds
Green: 3928 sq ft
Bunkers: 11
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 142
Course Rating: 74.8

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Strategy Tips

hazard warning

This hole presents an extreme challenge with no fairway landing area - the fairway width measures 0 yards at both 200 and 250 yards from the tee, indicating water or other hazards completely cross the playing corridor.

tee shot

With the landing zone starting at 0 yards from the tee and no fairway width available at normal driving distances, this appears to be the famous 'Waterloo' 13th hole requiring a precise carry over water to reach the green or a safe layup area.

approach

At 373 yards for a par 4, this hole demands strategic course management - consider laying up short of the hazard then playing a mid-iron approach rather than attempting the heroic carry with your driver.

green

The green measures 29 yards by 24 yards (3,928 sq ft), providing a reasonably sized target for your approach shot, but precision is still crucial given the water hazards surrounding this famous hole.

hazard warning

Multiple bunkers are strategically positioned around the green area, so even if you successfully navigate the water hazard, ensure your approach shot finds the putting surface rather than the surrounding sand traps.

train this shot at home

This 373-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

When water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 373-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 13?

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?

Key hazards include: fairway bunkers at 2318549.7-2318691.5 yards; water at 2318650.6 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.

Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 13?

Aim for the left side of the fairway when possible. Missing right (water) brings more trouble into play.

What's a good score on hole 13?

This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Forest Dunes Golf Club. You can play this exact 373-yard par 4 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 →