Course Tour

Par 4 – Handicap 5

Number 2 is a short par 4 sweeping gently to the right. 2 large bunkers guard the right side of the fairway along the tree line. The green slopes back to front so a crisp iron shot will hold. Another good chance for a par.

Par 3 – Handicap 13

This is the first of five par threes at National. You’ll play uphill over Knott’s Creek to a two-tiered putting surface. The green slopes back to front, so make sure you take enough club and fly it all the way to the hole. Three is a good score here, but you can take five if you find the bunkers.

Par 5 – Handicap 11

This second par five on the front sweeps gently downhill then hangs a left. Mature trees line both sides of the fairway, which slopes towards Knott’s Creek. Bunkers surround the green, which is also tiered. This is your first good birdie opportunity.

Par 4 – Handicap 15

Look up to your left, yep, that’s the Stratosphere. You’ll need to hit a good one off this tee because it’s at least 200 yards in the air to clear Knott’s Creek. The second shot plays uphill to another 2 tiered green, with a gaping bunker guarding the front. Don’t be fooled into shooting at the right front pin position; play to the center of the green and take 2 putts.

Par 4 – Handicap 1

Your first real test of the day. A good drive will leave you about 170 yards in. Bunkers guard both sides and the rear of this green, requiring an accurate approach shot. It’s a very difficult up and down from the bunkers, so pay attention to your shot to the green. Once there, you’ll find an undulating green sloping back to front. 

Par 4 – Handicap 7

You’ll play straight-away through a chute of trees and try to avoid bunkers lining both sides of the fairway. Your second shot plays much more uphill than it appears, so take enough club and trust your yardage. It really is an easy hole, so make an aggressive play on your approach to set up birdie.

Par 3 – Handicap 17

This scenic par 3 plays a solid 175 yards from the back tees. The lake off the bunker guards the front right of the putting surface. This 3 tiered green offers a variety of great pin placements.

Par 4 – Handicap 3

A great par 4 to close out the front nine. Accuracy off the tee is paramount. Knock it into the bunker on the right, and you’ll be laying up. Yank one into the trees left, and you’re firing up the chain saw. This shallow green is guarded by a large, deep-faced bunker. Get away with any number 5 or better and head for the snack bar.

Par 4 – Handicap 12

The back nine starts with a gentle dogleg left at just 375 yards. The two bunkers left really aren’t in play unless you get careless and quick off the tee. Favor the right side with your tee shot for the best look. A short iron will be your play to a very small narrow green, flanked by bunkers. 

Par 3 – Handicap 18

The first par 3 on the back plays a solid 180 yards form the tips. There is a giant bunker guarding the front and right of this kidney-shaped green. The smart play is to take one more club and play to the center of the green. From there, a two-putt is not too tough. 

Par 4 – Handicap 2

Your first test on the back. At 420 yards, this hole plays uphill all the way. Bunkers left and water right will test the accuracy of the tee shot. Once you’ve found the fairway, be sure to take at least one more club for your uphill approach, which takes the front hazards out of play.

Par 4 – Handicap 16

One of the most scenic holes at National, it offers the ultimate in risk-reward. Your best play is with a mid-iron to the left side of the fairway. However, that green sure does not look inviting, and you might want to go for it. Be careful though, because the bunker short right of the green is CONNECTED TO the water hazard. It’s inviting but play smart, take your par, and go to the next hole.

Par 3 – Handicap 8

Tough slightly uphill Par 3 with bunker trouble on both sides of this kidney shaped green.

If the pin is in the front watch the speed if your above it.  If the pin is back take 2 extra clubs more then your normal carry distance.

Par 5 – Handicap 4

Here is a good birdie opportunity to set up the finish. The lake on your right will gather up anything leaking that way. Once you’ve found the fairway, play up to a comfortable distance for your approach. The green is well bunkered, but you can get it close with a crisp short iron. The contoured green can be tricky, so make sure you get a good read.

Par 3 – Handicap 10

Now the fun begins. This is a tough par 3 at 215 yards from the back tees. It’s all uphill to a difficult green. The huge bunker front and right forces you to bail out left, but be careful, it’s a tough up and down from that left bunker. Three is a very good number here.

Par 4 – Handicap 14

One of the more picturesque holes at National. You’ll drive over Knott’s Creek and try to get it up onto the flat. Your approach is uphill to a very shallow green, so try to bring it in high and soft. Two distinct tiers make this putting surface one of our best.

Par 5 – Handicap 6

The finishing hole. At 535 yards, this par 5 meanders around two lakes. Avoid the first on your drive, the second shot has options, lay up left of the 150-yard pole to set up the approach or carry the second lake which leaves a short wedge or pitch to the green. The three-tiered green allows you to fly it all the way to the hole. Everything breaks back toward the lake, and you can be more aggressive with your putt.