Hole 15 at TPC Craig Ranch
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 216 yds
- Stroke index
- 8
- Hazards
- 2 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 32 yds deep × 35 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 3 · 216 yards
The plan for No. 15
The 15th hole at TPC Craig Ranch stands as Tom Weiskopf's premier par 3, where precision trumps power in spectacular fashion. This 216-yard test demands a confident tee shot over the menacing pond that guards the left side of the green complex, creating an intimidating visual that can unnerve even seasoned players. The small green sits as an island target, surrounded by water and strategically placed bunkers that punish anything less than a committed swing. Playing downwind in typical North Texas conditions, club selection becomes critical as the prevailing breeze can turn a perfect strike into disaster. What makes TPC Craig Ranch hole 15 truly memorable is its psychological challenge—the water hazard looms large in your peripheral vision throughout the entire swing, demanding both technical precision and mental fortitude to secure par on this unforgiving one-shotter.
Off the tee
With the hole normally playing downwind, club selection becomes the critical decision here. Most players will need a mid-iron to long-iron depending on conditions and their distance capabilities. The target line should favor the right side of the green to avoid the water hazard left, which is described as a "bigger factor" than on the previous hole. Take one less club than the yardage might normally suggest due to the downwind conditions, but be prepared to adjust based on daily wind patterns. The small green size means precision trumps power - a smooth, controlled swing will serve you better than trying to muscle a shorter iron.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach shot. Focus on tempo and balance rather than distance. The small green requires you to pick a specific target rather than just aiming at the center. Study the pin position carefully during your pre-round preparation or while waiting on the tee. The water left should influence your target selection - even when the pin is cut left, consider aiming for the center or right portion of the green and letting your natural ball flight work toward the flag. A miss right typically leaves a manageable chip shot, while a miss left results in a penalty stroke and a difficult up-and-down.
On the green
The small green at the 15th creates challenging putting scenarios, especially when the pin is tucked in corners. Expect subtle breaks that can be deceiving given the green's compact size. Speed control becomes crucial - with limited green to work with, running putts past the hole can leave difficult comeback attempts. Pay attention to the slope from back to front, which is common on par 3 greens designed to hold approach shots. Uphill putts will require firm strokes, while downhill putts demand a delicate touch. When in doubt, favor the low side of any break. ## RISK VS REWARD The risk/reward calculation here is straightforward: the reward of an aggressive shot at a left pin position rarely outweighs the risk of finding the water. The smart play is always to the safe side of the green, accepting a longer putt in exchange for avoiding penalty strokes. Even Tour professionals respect this water hazard, often playing conservatively to the right side and relying on their short game to salvage par or make birdie. The scoring opportunity comes from solid course management rather than aggressive target selection. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus entirely on avoiding the water by aiming well right of any left pin positions. Take enough club to comfortably reach the green, and don't be afraid to use one extra club to ensure you clear any front hazards. A bogey from the right rough is infinitely better than a double or triple bogey from the water. **Low-Handicap Players:** You can be more aggressive with pin positions, but still respect the water hazard. Use the downwind conditions to your advantage by taking less club and focusing on a controlled, penetrating ball flight. Your superior short game allows you to attack middle pin positions while still avoiding left pins that flirt with the water. The 15th hole rewards patience and smart decision-making over heroic shots. Play within your abilities, respect the hazards, and you'll find this hole offers genuine birdie opportunities when approached with the right strategy and club selection.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 15 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,384 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about TPC Craig Ranch — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
CJ CUP Byron Nelson highlights
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured TPC Craig Ranch. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
A new-look TPC Craig Ranch, LIV’s cost cutting, & U.S. Open qualifying starts | The Shotgun Start
How did Hole 15 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 216 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
↓
At 216 yards, most golfers will need a fairway wood or hybrid to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 15?
↓
This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3, water in play.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 15?
↓
Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers; water at 108.1 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 15?
↓
The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 15?
↓
This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.