Hole 13 at Bethpage State Park (Blue Course)

With no significant hazards listed, the tee shot strategy centers on positioning for the ideal approach distance. Most golfers should consider a controlled driver or strong 3-wood to leave a comfortable wedge or short iron into the green. The target line runs straight down the fairway, but focus on the center-right portion to provide the best angle into the small green. Avoid the temptation to overpower this hole – position trumps distance here.

The approach shot is where this hole can make or break your score. With a small green as the target, precision becomes paramount. A wedge or short iron should be the preferred club for most players, prioritizing accuracy over aggressive pin-hunting. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small target leaves little room for error. The elevated nature of many Bethpage greens means you may need to account for additional carry distance.

True to Bethpage's reputation for "tame" greens, the putting surface shouldn't present extreme breaks or slopes. However, the small size means any approach shot that misses the green will likely result in a challenging up-and-down. Focus on lag putting to ensure you don't three-putt away your birdie opportunity. Pin positions near the edges of this small green can be particularly tricky, so conservative putting strategy often pays dividends.