Hole 16 at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 417 yds
- Stroke index
- 1
- Hazards
- 5 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 26 yds deep × 43 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 · 417 yards
The plan for No. 16
The 16th hole at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club stands as the course's signature challenge, earning its #1 handicap rating through deceptive simplicity and strategic complexity. This straight 417-yard par 4 appears straightforward from the tee, but the approach shot reveals the hole's true character. The compact green demands precision, with local knowledge emphasizing the critical importance of targeting the back left portion of the putting surface regardless of pin position. Framed by the course's iconic live oaks and lowcountry vegetation, this hole embodies Caledonia's reputation for having "18 signature holes." The combination of distance, accuracy requirements, and green complexity makes this a defining moment in any round at this celebrated Pawleys Island layout.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the ideal distance for your approach shot comfort zone. Most players should focus on a solid drive that leaves them with a mid-iron to long-iron into the green, typically around 150-170 yards remaining. Driver is often the right choice for longer hitters to get closer to the green, while shorter hitters might consider a fairway wood or hybrid to ensure they stay in the short grass. The straight layout means accuracy over distance - find the fairway center and set up your preferred approach yardage.
Approach & recovery
Here's where local knowledge becomes invaluable: **always target the back left portion of the green**, regardless of pin position. This time-tested strategy accounts for the green's small size and likely slopes that funnel balls toward more favorable positions. With a small target, club selection becomes critical - take enough club to reach the back portion comfortably, as coming up short on a small green often means a difficult up-and-down. Factor in wind conditions common to the South Carolina Lowcountry, and don't be afraid to take an extra club to ensure solid contact.
On the green
The small green size means every putt matters significantly. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive, as three-putts can quickly derail your score on the toughest hole. When putting from the back left area you've targeted, you'll typically have manageable distances to most pin positions. Read the green carefully, as subtle breaks can be magnified on smaller surfaces. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes with approach club selection. The reward of an aggressive pin-seeking approach is minimal compared to the risk of missing the small green entirely. The smart play is always the back left target, which offers the best angles and recovery options while still providing reasonable birdie opportunities for well-struck shots. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus entirely on finding the fairway with your tee shot, even if it means using a 3-wood or hybrid. On the approach, aim for the center-back of the green and prioritize getting on the putting surface. Two-putt par is an excellent score on this demanding hole. **Low Handicappers:** While you have the skills to attack pins, resist the temptation on this hole. The back left strategy works for professionals and should work for you. Use your distance control to get the ball to the correct depth, then rely on your putting skills to capitalize on the good position you've created. The beauty of Caledonia's 16th hole lies in its deceptive simplicity - it rewards patience, precision, and adherence to a proven game plan over aggressive shot-making.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 16 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,539 sq ft
How did Hole 16 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 417 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 417-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 16?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered.
How big is the green on hole 16?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.