Hole 18 at Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 520 yds
- Stroke index
- 10
- Hazards
- 10 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 33 yds deep × 31 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 · 520 yards
The plan for No. 18
The closing hole at Baltusrol's legendary Lower Course presents a strategic finishing test that has challenged golf's greatest players in major championships. This straight par-5 offers multiple options for reaching the small green in regulation, but smart course management and precise execution are essential to avoid dropping shots when a tournament is on the line.
Off the tee
The tee shot sets up everything that follows on this hole. Focus on finding the center of the fairway with a controlled drive that leaves you in position for your preferred second shot approach. Driver is typically the right choice here, but consider a 3-wood if accuracy is more important than distance on a given day. The key is avoiding any trouble that could complicate your approach options and keeping the ball in play on the short grass. Target the middle of the fairway and commit to your swing. The straight layout means there's no need for creative shot-shaping - just solid contact and good direction will set you up perfectly for the approach phase.
Approach & recovery
Your approach strategy depends heavily on your position after the tee shot and your confidence level with longer clubs. Stronger players may have the option to reach the green in two with a mid-to-long iron, while others will be laying up for a manageable third shot. If going for the green in two, focus on the center of the putting surface - the small green size means precision is more important than being aggressive with pin-seeking. A shot that finishes anywhere on the green gives you a reasonable birdie opportunity. For the layup approach, position yourself about 100 yards from the green with a full wedge shot remaining. This gives you the best angle and distance for attacking the pin on your third shot while avoiding any greenside complications.
On the green
The small green at the 18th demands respect with your putting approach. Focus on speed control above all else, as the compact putting surface means distance control is critical for avoiding three-putts. Read the green carefully and give yourself the best chance by leaving uphill putts whenever possible. When the pin is tucked in a challenging position, aim for the fat part of the green and take your two-putt par. The small target means even tour professionals often settle for par here rather than risk a costly mistake.
Watch for
- The 18th hole at Baltusrol Lower Course is a classic A.W. Tillinghast design that rewards strategic thinking over pure power. At 520 yards, this par-5 finishing hole offers scoring opportunities for players who execute properly, while punis…
Hole 18 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 6,206 sq ft
Course and tournament history
Historical context for the course and venue. Each entry identifies the event or course it describes.
2005 · Jack Nicklaus
(Photo by PGA of America via Getty ... August 10, 2005 in Springfield, New Jersey. The plaque commemorates the famous 1-iron that Jack Nicklaus hit to secure his win in the 1967 U.S..
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How did Hole 18 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 520 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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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?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered.
How big is the green on hole 18?
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The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 18?
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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.