Hole 18 at TPC Craig Ranch
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 552 yds
- Stroke index
- 16
- Hazards
- 12 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 22 yds deep × 39 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 · 552 yards
The plan for No. 18
The closing hole at TPC Craig Ranch delivers a dramatic finale worthy of Tom Weiskopf's championship design. This commanding 552-yard par 5 presents a straightforward test that rewards aggressive play while punishing poor execution. The generous fairway invites drivers to unleash their power, but precision becomes paramount on the approach shots to the compact green complex. With Rowlett Creek weaving through the course design, golfers must navigate the final challenge of this Audubon Certified Sanctuary with both strategy and nerve. The small target green demands accurate iron play, making this finishing hole a true test of skill that has challenged world-class players since the course's 2004 opening. A birdie opportunity awaits the bold, but par represents a satisfying conclusion to this acclaimed Texas layout.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should focus on finding the optimal position for your second shot rather than maximum distance. With the fairway running straight, accuracy becomes paramount to avoid any trouble areas that could complicate your approach. Choose a club that gives you confidence in hitting the fairway - for many players, this might mean taking one club less than driver to ensure proper positioning. The target line should favor the center of the fairway, giving you the best angle and lie for your second shot.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot on this lengthy par 5 is where smart course management pays dividends. Most players will be hitting a mid to long iron for their second shot, making distance control and positioning crucial. Focus on advancing the ball to an ideal wedge distance - typically around 100 yards or less from the small green. Avoid the temptation to go for the green in two unless you're absolutely confident in your long iron or hybrid play. The small green size makes precision approach shots essential for scoring opportunities.
On the green
The small green demands accurate putting and careful speed control. With limited surface area, approach shots that miss the target will leave challenging up-and-down opportunities. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with longer putts. The compact green means that most putts will have subtle breaks, so take time to read the slopes carefully before committing to your line. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes on the second shot - whether to lay up to your favorite wedge distance or attempt to reach the green in two. Given the small green size and the hole's position as a finishing hole, the conservative play typically offers the best scoring opportunity. Players who can consistently hit their wedges close will find more birdie chances than those who miss the small green going for it in two. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should embrace a conservative three-shot strategy, focusing on keeping the ball in play off the tee and advancing it steadily down the fairway. Use your most reliable clubs for each shot rather than trying to maximize distance. The goal should be to reach the green in regulation and two-putt for par. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with their tee shots to set up potential eagle opportunities, but should still carefully evaluate the risk/reward of going for the green in two. With precise iron play, these players can target specific areas of the small green based on pin position, making course management and club selection critical for optimal scoring. The 18th at TPC Craig Ranch exemplifies Tom Weiskopf's design philosophy - rewarding strategic thinking and precise execution while providing a memorable finish to your round at this championship-caliber facility.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 18 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,454 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 · 6d ago
A new-look TPC Craig Ranch, LIV’s cost cutting, & U.S. Open qualifying starts | The Shotgun Start
How did Hole 18 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 552 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 552 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How big is the green on hole 18?
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The green is small and requires precision. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.