Hole 8 at Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 374 yds
- Stroke index
- 9
- Hazards
- 10 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 28 yds deep × 28 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 374 yards
The plan for No. 8
This mid-length par 4 at Baltusrol's Lower Course presents a deceptively straightforward challenge that rewards precision over power. With its straight layout and small green, the key to success lies in finding the optimal position for your approach shot and executing a controlled second shot to the compact target.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on positioning yourself for the optimal approach angle and distance. With no significant hazards mentioned in the immediate landing zone, focus on finding the center-left portion of the fairway, which typically provides the best angle to attack the small green. A smooth driver or strong 3-wood should leave you in prime position, but club selection depends on your comfort level and the day's conditions. The key is avoiding the temptation to overpower this hole – a controlled tee shot that finds the short grass sets up everything that follows.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot to this small green requires pinpoint accuracy and smart club selection. Given the compact target, take one more club than you think you need and make a smooth, controlled swing. The small green size means there's limited room for error, so prioritize the center of the green over attacking tucked pins. Pay attention to pin position – when the flag is near the edges of this small putting surface, the smart play is often to the middle of the green, accepting a longer putt rather than risking a missed green entirely.
On the green
The small green at the 8th creates interesting putting challenges, as even center-of-the-green approaches can leave you with meaningful putts. Focus on speed control, as the compact surface means you won't have excessive distances but will need to navigate subtle breaks. The green's size works in your favor for lag putting – getting close is often good enough to secure par. Read putts carefully, as Tillinghast's greens typically feature subtle contours that can influence ball roll more than they initially appear.
Watch for
- The 8th hole epitomizes A.W. Tillinghast's design philosophy of rewarding strategic thinking over brute force. At 374 yards, this par 4 offers a genuine scoring opportunity for players who can execute two solid shots. The straight layout re…
Hole 8 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,396 sq ft
How did Hole 8 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 374 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 374-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 8?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 8?
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The green is small and requires precision. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 8?
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This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.