Hole 13 at Golf Club of Houston (Tournament Course)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 588 yds
- Stroke index
- 8
- Hazards
- 7 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 32 yds deep × 40 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 588 yards
The plan for No. 13
The 588-yard par 5 thirteenth at Golf Club of Houston (Tournament Course) presents a classic risk-reward opportunity on this acclaimed Tom Fazio design. This straight-away powerhouse demands precision from the championship tees, where the generous fairway invites aggressive play but rewards strategic positioning. The absence of major hazards creates a deceptively simple appearance, yet the hole's true challenge lies in its length and the demanding approach to a small, well-protected green complex. Longer hitters can contemplate reaching in two, while shorter players must carefully plot their three-shot strategy. The compact green demands pinpoint accuracy on the final approach, making club selection and distance control paramount for scoring opportunities on this memorable Golf Club of Houston (Tournament Course) hole 13.
Off the tee
Your opening shot should prioritize finding the fairway and setting up an ideal position for your second shot. A driver is typically the right choice here to maximize distance, but course conditions and your comfort level should dictate the final decision. Aim for the center of the fairway to give yourself the widest possible landing zone. The straight layout means you can be aggressive with your target line without worrying about doglegs or hidden trouble. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to bomb it - position trumps pure distance on this hole.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot strategy depends heavily on your tee shot result and personal capabilities. Most golfers will be laying up to their preferred wedge distance, typically leaving 100-120 yards to the pin. Target the center-left portion of the fairway to provide the best angle into the small green. Longer hitters might consider going for the green in two, but the small target makes this a high-risk proposition unless you're supremely confident in your long iron or hybrid accuracy. If laying up, avoid the temptation to get too aggressive - a comfortable full wedge is far preferable to an awkward half-shot.
On the green
The small green size makes precision paramount on your approach shot. Focus on hitting the center of the green rather than chasing pins, especially when the flag is tucked near edges. The compact putting surface means most putts will be relatively straight, but pay attention to the overall slope and grain direction. Take your time reading the green - three-putting from this distance after two good shots would be particularly frustrating. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes on the second shot. Going for the green offers the chance at eagle but carries significant danger of missing the small target entirely. The reward rarely justifies the risk for most players, making the conservative lay-up the percentage play. However, if you're trailing in a match or tournament situation, the aggressive line becomes more appealing. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus entirely on three solid shots rather than trying to reach in two. Use whatever club gives you confidence off the tee, even if it's a 3-wood or hybrid. Lay up to your most comfortable scoring distance and aim for the center of the green. Par is an excellent score here. **Low-Handicap Players:** You have more options but should still favor the conservative approach. Consider going for the green only when conditions are perfect and you're hitting your long clubs particularly well. Otherwise, use your short iron accuracy advantage to attack pins more aggressively on your third shot. This hole should be a birdie opportunity with proper execution. The key to mastering this hole is recognizing that patience and precision beat power and aggression. Play within your capabilities, and the scoring opportunities will present themselves naturally.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 13 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 6,384 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Golf Club of Houston (Tournament Course) — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Official & tour
Tour & network videos
Official coverage mentioning Golf Club of Houston (Tournament Course).
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Creator videos about this course
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How did Hole 13 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 588 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 588 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 13?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5.
How big is the green on hole 13?
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The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 13?
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This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.