Hole 14 at National Golf Links of America
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 365 yds
- Hazards
- 2 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 41 yds deep × 45 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 4 · 365 yards
The plan for No. 14
The 14th hole at National Golf Links of America stands as one of C.B. Macdonald's most celebrated original designs, showcasing his architectural genius beyond the famous template holes. This deceptively challenging par 4 stretches 365 yards through classic links terrain, demanding both precision and course management. The tee shot must navigate the strategic positioning that sets up the crucial approach to a small, well-defended green complex. What distinguishes this hole is Macdonald's masterful use of natural contours and subtle hazards that punish wayward shots while rewarding thoughtful play. The green's compact size amplifies the importance of accurate iron play, making club selection critical. As the notable original design among the National's collection of famous replicas, the 14th exemplifies why this Southampton masterpiece remains a pilgrimage site for serious golfers seeking authentic strategic architecture.
Off the tee
The key decision off the tee centers on club selection and target line rather than maximum distance. With the hole measuring 365 yards, many players can reach the green with a driver, but this aggressive approach comes with significant risk given the small target. A more prudent strategy involves hitting a fairway wood or long iron to position yourself in the optimal approach distance range - typically leaving yourself with a comfortable short iron to the green. Focus your target line down the center of the fairway, as the straight layout doesn't favor either side. The absence of significant hazards means your primary concern should be finding the short grass and leaving yourself with a clean lie for your approach shot. Wind conditions will play a major factor in club selection, so assess the conditions carefully before making your decision.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot represents the hole's defining challenge, with the small green demanding pinpoint accuracy. Your preferred angle should be from the center of the fairway, where you'll have the best view of the pin position and the clearest path to the target. Given the green's compact size, club selection becomes crucial - it's better to be slightly long with a controlled swing than to come up short with an aggressive shot. Pay careful attention to pin position, as the small green leaves little margin for error. When the pin is tucked behind a bunker or near an edge, consider aiming for the center of the green and taking your two-putt par. The risk/reward calculation heavily favors the conservative approach on this hole, especially given its reputation as one of National's more demanding scoring opportunities.
On the green
The small green at the 14th requires exceptional putting precision and careful green reading. With limited surface area, even slight misreads can leave you with challenging recovery putts. Focus on getting your first putt to the hole with proper pace, as three-putts can quickly derail your score on this compact surface. Pay attention to subtle breaks and grain patterns that may not be immediately obvious. The green's size means that most putts will be relatively short, but don't let this fool you into being casual with your read. Take your time to assess the line and commit to your stroke, as hesitation often leads to poor results on smaller targets. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes with tee shot strategy. Aggressive players may be tempted to attack with driver, potentially leaving themselves with only a wedge or short iron to the green. However, this strategy significantly increases the risk of missing the fairway or ending up with an awkward yardage to the small target. The more conservative approach of laying back with a fairway wood or long iron provides better control and typically leaves you with a more manageable approach shot distance. Given the small green size, having a comfortable yardage for your approach shot outweighs the potential advantage of a shorter club in your hands. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus entirely on course management and avoid the temptation to be aggressive. Use a fairway wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure you find the fairway, then select one more club than you think you need for your approach to account for any mishits. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, and be satisfied with two-putt pars. **Low-Handicap Players:** While you have more options available, the small green still demands respect. Consider driver only in calm conditions when you're confident in your accuracy. Focus on creating the ideal approach yardage - typically your most comfortable scoring distance. You can be more aggressive with pin-seeking approach shots, but always have a bailout plan when the pin is in a challenging position. The 14th hole at National Golf Links rewards patience, precision, and strategic thinking over aggressive play, making it a true test of complete golf course management skills.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 14 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 10,700 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about National Golf Links of America — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Official & tour
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Official coverage mentioning National Golf Links of America.
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How did Hole 14 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 365 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 365-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 14?
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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 14?
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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 14?
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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.