Hole 13 at Oakland Hills Country Club (South Course)

Par 3171 Yards • Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

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Challenging

The 13th hole at Oakland Hills' legendary South Course stands as a testament to championship golf, where even Tour professionals struggle to find birdies on what should be a scoring opportunity. This demanding par 3 has tested the world's best players through decades of major championships, requiring both precision and nerve from its elevated tee.

Tees:
171y154y152y131y
Green:29y × 27y
7 Bunkers dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par
3
Yardage
171 yds
Green
4801 sq ft
Bunkers
7
Course Slope
135
Course Rating
75.5

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

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This compact 171-yard par 3 demands precision over power. With no fairway width measurements and a relatively small green measuring just 28 yards by 27 yards (4,801 sq ft), club selection and accuracy are paramount.

hazard warning

Three bunkers guard the green complex at distances of 184.2, 184.3, and 155.8 yards from the tee. The bunkers positioned at 184+ yards suggest they protect the back portion of the green, while the 155.8-yard bunker likely guards the front approach.

approach

Target the center of this 4,801 square foot green rather than chasing pin positions. The green's dimensions of 28 yards by 27 yards create a nearly square target, making distance control more critical than left-right precision.

green

With the green measuring 28 yards deep and 27 yards wide, there's limited margin for error on approach shots. A miss long could find the bunkers at 184+ yards, while coming up short risks the front bunker at 155.8 yards.

tee shot

The absence of a defined landing zone (0 yards from tee) confirms this is a direct shot to the green. Focus on smooth tempo and solid contact rather than trying to overpower this 171-yard hole.

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.

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Scoring Tip

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 171 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: heavily bunkered.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 13?

Key hazards include: 7 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 13?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

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 Oakland Hills Country Club (South 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

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