Hole #13 “510, 396, 380 or 330 yards”
As 13th hole plays much differently from each starting distance, I included the yardage from the marker in each teeing area. Four separate central hazards combine with three more at the periphery to create a puzzler that requires careful decision-making from tee to green. The fairway contours are among the largest on the course (which is saying something). Consequently, there will always be some uncertainty as to where one’s tee shot will come to rest. Add the elevation of the tee box and a little wind into the mix and it becomes very difficult to trust your shot and execute it properly.
From afar, the 13th hole is a breathtaking example of naturalistic architecture. The seemingly endless surrounds create the illusion of a confined playing corridor.
A closer look yields a more accurate sense of the expansive character that defines the 13th from bow to stern. From the “510/396” yard tees, the distance to clear each hazard is 320/247 yards (near left edge), 470/398 (far left edge), 330/257 yards (left center of fairway), 408/335 (center fairway), 500/386 (greenside right), and 402/328 (pair of bunkers at right center) yards respectively. The shadows in the fairway illustrate the depth of its dells. The approaches are semi-blind from down below, and also generally from a downhill or uphill lie.
A large swale bottoms out 160 yards from the green’s center.
The pit on the left bottoms out with 130 yards to go. The bunker seen on the right is much bigger than it looks, facing toward the green on the opposite side. The flag is visible behind and slightly left of greenside hazard.
Looking back, the “reverse-facing” fairway trap is evident. The green runs from front left to back right along the line of play.
The right rear of the green is guarded by humps and bumps that are not perceptible from the fairway.
Though lying many miles from any ocean, the 13th hole is a study in links golf at its finest.