Hole 9 at Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 205 yds
- Stroke index
- 15
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 31 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 3 · 205 yards
The plan for No. 9
This classic A.W. Tillinghast par 3 presents a deceptively challenging test at the turn, where precise club selection and committed execution are essential for scoring success. At 205 yards to a small green, this hole demands respect and rewards those who trust their yardage and swing with confidence.
Off the tee
Club selection is paramount on this lengthy one-shotter. Most golfers will need anything from a mid-iron to hybrid depending on conditions and pin position. The key is committing fully to your club choice - indecision leads to poorly struck shots that miss the small green entirely. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the compact putting surface leaves little room for error. Take note of wind conditions, as they significantly impact club selection on this exposed hole. A smooth, controlled swing tempo is crucial - trying to force extra distance often results in mishits that find trouble around the green.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach shot, making execution even more critical. The straight target line simplifies alignment, but don't let that fool you into complacency. Focus on a clean strike and trust your distance control. The small green means there's little margin for error in terms of both direction and distance - shots that come up short or long will leave challenging recovery shots. Pay attention to the firmness of the green, as this will affect how your ball reacts upon landing.
On the green
The compact putting surface at the 9th demands precision but also rewards good iron play with manageable birdie opportunities. While the green shape details aren't specified, typical Tillinghast greens feature subtle undulations that can be tricky to read. Focus on getting your first putt close to the hole, as three-putting from anywhere on this small green would be particularly costly. Study the green's general slope and grain during your approach to better judge your putting line.
Watch for
- The 9th hole at Baltusrol's Lower Course exemplifies Tillinghast's genius for creating memorable par 3s that test every aspect of your iron play. Despite the absence of major water hazards or bunker complexes, this hole's challenge lies in …
Hole 9 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,461 sq ft
How did Hole 9 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 205 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 205 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How big is the green on hole 9?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.