Hole 13 at Erin Hills Golf Course
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 215 yds
- Stroke index
- 18
- Hazards
- 2 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 26 yds deep × 38 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 · 215 yards
The plan for No. 13
The 13th hole at Erin Hills Golf Course presents a deceptively challenging par 3 that epitomizes the course's championship pedigree. At 215 yards, this tee shot demands precision over raw power, with the small green requiring golfers to commit fully to their club selection. The hole's straightforward layout belies its difficulty, as the compact putting surface offers little margin for error on approach shots. Wind conditions across the Wisconsin landscape can significantly influence club choice, making course management crucial. As the highest handicap hole on the course, the 13th often separates confident ball-strikers from those who struggle with longer irons. This unforgiving yet fair test of accuracy showcases why Erin Hills has earned its reputation as a premier championship venue.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize finding the green over hunting pins. From 215 yards, most golfers will need anything from a long iron to a hybrid or fairway wood, depending on conditions and elevation changes. The target line should generally favor the center of the green, giving you the largest margin for error on this small putting surface. Pay close attention to wind conditions, as they can significantly affect club selection on longer par 3s. Take one extra club if you're between selections - being long is often better than coming up short and facing a difficult chip shot.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach shot. Focus on smooth tempo and solid contact rather than trying to overpower the shot. The small green size means precision trumps distance, so commit fully to your club selection and swing within yourself. If pin position information is available, factor it into your target selection, but remember that aiming for the center of the green is rarely a poor strategy on holes with smaller putting surfaces.
On the green
The small green at the 13th demands respect with your putter. Focus on speed control above all else, as three-putts can quickly turn a routine par into a bogey or worse. Read putts carefully and give yourself a good margin below the hole when possible. Pin positions on smaller greens can create significantly different putting challenges, so pay attention to slopes and grain direction. Practice your lag putting before the round, as distance control will be your best friend on this green. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, which is actually part of its strategic challenge. The reward for aggressive pin-hunting is minimal compared to the risk of missing the small green entirely. The smart play is to aim for the center of the green and take your chances with the putter. However, if you're playing well and feeling confident with your iron play, a well-executed shot at a favorable pin position can set up a realistic birdie opportunity. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should focus entirely on finding the green with their tee shot. Don't worry about pin positions - aim for the middle of the green and take your par. Consider taking an extra club to ensure you reach the putting surface, as short-sided chips around small greens can be particularly challenging. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with pin positions, especially when the flag is in the center portion of the green. However, even skilled players should exercise caution with extreme pin positions on such a small target. Your superior putting skills give you more confidence to attack pins, but course management still suggests favoring the fat part of the green on this hole. The 13th at Erin Hills may be the easiest hole on the handicap rating, but it serves as an important reminder that even straightforward holes demand respect and solid execution in championship golf.
Watch for
- Sand_1 — Greenside center
- Sand_2 — Greenside center
- Water_1 — Fairway right
- Water_2 — Approach right
Hole 13 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 6,504 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Erin Hills Golf Course — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Erin Hills Golf Course. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
The Major Cut @ Erin Hills
Can We Make Cut @ Erin Hills?! (Major Cut Ep. 5)
The back nine at Erin Hills with Riggs. Presented by @EveryManJack
World #2 Jeeno Thitikul at the U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills 🍀
Scottie Scheffler's peak, Erin Hills pops back, & Sponsor Exemption windfalls | The Shotgun Start
How did Hole 13 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 215 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 215 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 13?
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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 13?
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Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers; water at 165.0 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
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.
Where is the best miss on hole 13?
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If you're going to miss the green, favor the left side. The right (water) brings more trouble into play and makes recovery difficult.
What's a good score on hole 13?
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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.