Hole 13 at National Golf Links of America
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 174 yds
- Hazards
- 5 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 36 yds deep × 52 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 3 · 174 yards
The plan for No. 13
The 13th hole at National Golf Links of America presents a deceptively straightforward par 3 that demands precision over power. At 174 yards, this straight shot to a small green requires careful club selection and committed execution. The intimate green complex rewards accurate tee shots while punishing wayward attempts with challenging recovery situations. C.B. Macdonald's architectural genius shines through in the hole's elegant simplicity, where the absence of dramatic hazards places premium emphasis on shot-making and green reading. The compact putting surface demands not just finding the target, but positioning the ball in the correct quadrant for a realistic birdie opportunity. This National Golf Links of America hole 13 exemplifies the course's philosophy that great golf holes don't always need elaborate features—sometimes pure, honest golf strategy creates the most memorable challenges.
Off the tee
Club selection is paramount on this straight par 3, with most golfers requiring anything from a mid-iron to long-iron depending on wind conditions and pin position. The target line should favor the center of the green, as the small putting surface leaves little margin for error on either side. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to attack specific pin positions - the green's compact size means even center-struck shots will leave reasonable birdie putts. Wind assessment is crucial here, as the exposed nature of many holes at National Golf Links can significantly affect ball flight.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, the tee shot serves as your approach. The key is committing fully to your club selection and trusting your yardage. Take one extra club if you're between distances, as being short of this small green often leaves more difficult recovery shots than being slightly long. Aim for the fat part of the green and let your natural shot shape work within the target area. The straight layout eliminates the need for complex course management - simply execute a solid iron shot with proper trajectory.
On the green
The small green demands respect with your putter, as three-putts can quickly turn scoring opportunities into dropped shots. Read putts carefully, as subtle breaks can be deceptive on smaller putting surfaces. Focus on lag putting to the correct quadrant of the green rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Speed control becomes critical - firm greens typical of championship courses like National Golf Links mean approach putts that race past the hole can leave challenging return putts on the compact surface. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a classic risk/reward scenario where aggressive pin-hunting can yield birdies but conservative center-green play ensures pars. The absence of hazards means the primary risk is missing the green entirely, leading to potentially difficult up-and-downs. Smart golfers will assess their confidence level and current round momentum - if struggling with iron play, aim for the middle and take par gladly. When striking the ball well, this becomes an excellent birdie opportunity that can provide crucial momentum. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should focus entirely on finding the green with a comfortable club, ignoring pin positions and aiming for the center. Take an extra club to ensure clearing any front trouble and focus on solid contact over distance control. A bogey here isn't devastating given the scoring opportunities elsewhere. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with pin positions, especially when the flag is accessible. Use precise yardages and factor in green firmness to attack specific quadrants. This becomes a hole where good players expect to make birdie, making par feel like a missed opportunity. Trust your iron play and commit to your target line - indecision leads to poor swings on straightforward holes like this. The 13th at National Golf Links rewards patience and precision, offering a brief respite from more demanding holes while still requiring full concentration and proper execution.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 13 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 10,852 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about National Golf Links of America — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Official & tour
Tour & network videos
Official coverage mentioning National Golf Links of America.
Inside Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg | 3 Key Holes
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Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured National Golf Links of America. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
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How did Hole 13 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 174 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 174 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 13?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 13?
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The green is large and can play quite long. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.
What's a good score on hole 13?
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This hole is a solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.