Hole 18 at Southern Highlands Golf Club
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 622 yds
- Stroke index
- 5
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 36 yds deep × 35 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 622 yards
The plan for No. 18
Southern Highlands Golf Club's finishing hole presents a formidable 622-yard par 5 that demands both power and precision to close out your round in style. This straight-away layout may appear deceptively simple from the elevated tee, but the absence of significant hazards places premium emphasis on course management and execution. The generous fairway invites aggressive tee shots, yet strategic positioning becomes crucial for setting up the ideal approach angles to the compact green complex. With its handicap-5 rating, this closing hole rewards bold play while punishing wayward shots through subtle undulations and strategic bunkering. The small target green demands pinpoint accuracy on approach shots, making this Southern Highlands Golf Club hole 18 a memorable finale that separates champions from contenders.
Off the tee
Your opening shot sets the tone for the entire hole. With the straight layout, aim down the center-left portion of the fairway to give yourself the best angle for your second shot. Driver is typically the right choice here given the hole's length, but ensure you're committed to a smooth, controlled swing. The key is finding the fairway - accuracy trumps distance on this hole. A well-struck 3-wood that finds the short grass is infinitely better than a wayward driver that leaves you scrambling.
Approach & recovery
For most golfers, the second shot becomes a strategic layup rather than an aggressive attempt at the green. Position your ball in the optimal landing zone, typically around the 100-150 yard range, leaving yourself a comfortable wedge or short iron into that small green. Choose your layup club based on your most confident approach distance - some players prefer a full wedge, others a controlled 9-iron. The straight layout allows you to be aggressive with your line, but respect the green's size by ensuring you have your favorite approach yardage remaining.
On the green
The small green demands precision on your approach shot. Focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pins, especially on your third shot. The putting surface likely features subtle breaks that can be deceiving, so take time to read your lines carefully. On a finishing hole, steady two-putts are golden - avoid leaving yourself lengthy comeback putts by being conservative with your first putt's pace. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes on your second shot. Longer hitters might be tempted to take on the green in two, but the small target makes this a low-percentage play for most golfers. The reward of a potential eagle must be weighed against the risk of missing the green and facing a difficult up-and-down. Generally, the smart play is laying up to your preferred wedge distance, giving yourself the best chance at birdie while virtually guaranteeing no worse than par. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Play this hole in three conservative shots. Use driver if you're comfortable, otherwise tee off with your most reliable club. Lay up to a distance where you feel confident hitting the green, even if that means a longer third shot. Focus on avoiding big numbers rather than chasing birdies. **Low Handicappers:** You have more options to be aggressive, potentially going for the green in two if conditions favor it. However, course management still reigns supreme - assess your lie, the pin position, and your current round situation before deciding. A closing birdie through smart play is often more valuable than a risky eagle attempt that could result in bogey or worse. The 18th at Southern Highlands rewards patience and precision over power. Trust your strategy, execute your shots with confidence, and you'll walk off this challenging closer with a score you can be proud of.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 18 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,241 sq ft
How did Hole 18 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 622 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 622 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 18?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, water in play, heavily bunkered.
How big is the green on hole 18?
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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 18?
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This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.