Hole 18 at TPC Southwind
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 453 yds
- Stroke index
- 4
- Hazards
- 5 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 27 yds deep × 29 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 · 453 yards
The plan for No. 18
The closing hole at TPC Southwind presents a dramatic finale with water running along the entire left side of this 453-yard par 4. This dogleg left demands precision from the tee, where players must navigate past a prominent tree to find the ideal driving position. The approach shot requires careful club selection to a small green complex, with the ever-present water hazard creating mental pressure down the stretch. As the site of memorable moments during FedEx St. Jude week — including Cameron Smith's record-tying 18-putt round at the 2021 WGC Invitational — this finishing hole has witnessed both triumph and heartbreak. The combination of strategic positioning off the tee and a demanding approach shot makes TPC Southwind hole 18 a worthy test to conclude your round at this championship venue.
Off the tee
The key to this tee shot lies in finding the optimal balance between distance and safety. Your target line should favor the right side of the fairway to avoid the water hazard that lurks along the entire left edge. While the dogleg left might tempt you to cut the corner for a shorter approach, the risk far outweighs the reward for most players. Focus on hitting a controlled drive that finds the fairway's right-center, leaving you with a clear angle to the green. A 3-wood or hybrid off the tee can be the smart play here, especially in windy conditions or when the pressure is on. The goal is positioning yourself in the landing zone while maintaining maximum distance from the water hazard.
Approach & recovery
Your approach shot strategy should prioritize the right side of the green, steering well clear of any trouble on the left. With the small green size, precision becomes more critical than power. A smooth, controlled swing with a mid-iron to long-iron (depending on your tee shot distance and conditions) will serve you better than forcing a shorter club. Pay attention to pin position - when the flag is tucked left, resist the temptation to fire directly at it. Instead, aim for the center or right portion of the green and rely on your putting to get close. The margin for error is slim on this approach, making club selection and commitment to your target line crucial elements.
On the green
The small green at 18 puts a premium on leaving yourself manageable putts. Since this is often played under pressure as a finishing hole, focus on getting your approach shot below the hole when possible. The putting surfaces at TPC Southwind typically feature subtle breaks, so take extra time to read your lines carefully. Avoid three-putts at all costs - a solid two-putt par here is an excellent score. If you find yourself above the hole, exercise extreme caution with your speed control, as running putts past can leave difficult comeback attempts. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk-reward decision comes off the tee with how aggressively you challenge the dogleg. While cutting the corner can shorten your approach, the water hazard makes this a low-percentage play for most golfers. The reward of a shorter iron into the green rarely justifies the catastrophic penalty of finding the water. A more subtle risk-reward scenario exists on the approach shot when attacking pins positioned on the left side of the green. The smart play is almost always to aim right-center and accept a longer putt rather than flirting with trouble. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Play this hole extremely conservatively. Consider a 3-wood or hybrid off the tee aimed well right of center. On your approach, aim for the middle of the green regardless of pin position. Your goal should be avoiding big numbers rather than making birdie. **Low Handicappers:** You can be more aggressive with driver off the tee, but still respect the water hazard. Your superior ball-striking allows you to attack certain pin positions, but even scratch players should err on the side of caution when the flag is positioned left. This is a hole where course management trumps raw aggression. The 18th at TPC Southwind has witnessed some remarkable moments, including Cameron Smith's record-tying putting performance. However, it's also claimed its share of victims among tour professionals. Respect this hole's challenge, stick to your game plan, and remember that a solid par here is always a victory worth celebrating.
Hole 18 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,071 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about TPC Southwind — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
FedEx St. Jude Championship highlights
FedEx St. Jude Championship | Final Round Highlights
2025
How did Hole 18 play?
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Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 453 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 453-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 18?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 18?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 18?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.