Hole 18 at Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)

Par 5 • 520 Yards • Springfield, New Jersey

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Challenging

Baltusrol's legendary 18th hole stands as one of golf's most storied finishing holes, where Jack Nicklaus struck his famous 1-iron in 1967 to clinch the U.S. Open. This demanding par-5 finale has witnessed countless dramatic moments on A.W. Tillinghast's masterful Lower Course. The hole epitomizes championship golf at its finest.

Tees:

520y511y477y423y

Green:31y × 32y

10 BunkersWater dogleg

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Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 520 yds
Green: 6206 sq ft
Bunkers: 10
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 139
Course Rating: 73.9

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Hole 17

Par 5 • 570y

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Recommended Gear

A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.

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Strategy Tips

hazard warning

This hole presents an extreme challenge with no traditional fairway landing zones. The fairway width measures 0 yards at both 200 and 250 yards, indicating a severely constrained or potentially forced carry situation that demands precise course management.

tee shot

With no viable landing zone from the tee (0 yards available), this par 5 likely requires a strategic layup or forced carry over hazards. Consider club selection that ensures you can reach safe ground beyond the initial obstacles.

approach

Navigate carefully around the bunker positioned at 259 yards - this hazard sits in the typical second shot landing area for longer hitters attempting to reach this 520-yard par 5 in two shots.

approach

Two greenside bunkers guard the approach at 474 and 491 yards, creating a narrow window for shots into the green. These hazards are positioned to catch both aggressive second shots and conservative third shots on this par 5.

green

The generous green measures 6,206 square feet (31x32 yards), providing a substantial target once you navigate the approach hazards. Use this large putting surface to your advantage by aiming for the center and letting the size work in your favor.

train this shot at home

This 520-yard par 5 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

Scoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

At 520 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.

How difficult is hole 18?

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

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 18?

Key hazards include: 6 greenside bunkers; water at 309.3 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 18?

The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.

What's a good score on hole 18?

This hole is a solid birdie opportunity with smart layup strategy. Most golfers can reach in three. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge.

Can I practice hole 18 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course). You can play this exact par 5 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 →