The shortest par 4 at Valhalla Golf Club may look easy on paper, but provides one of the most nerve wracking tests the sport has to offer. It’s also one of the most gorgeous.
At the end of the 355-yard fairway sits an island green surrounded by waterfalls.
The 13th hole at the Louisville track is truly sight to behold and one we’ll see plenty of during this week’s PGA Championship at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course. Here’s how Valhalla describes it:
No. 13 has seen its fair share of excitement over the years. A series of six bunkers on the left of the driving zone must be avoided. The “island” green is one the most spectacular on the course, built up nearly 20 feet on large boulders. Since the green is almost completely surrounded by water, accuracy with controlled spin is a must for this hole.
That doesn’t quite capture the majesty of the layout. These photos, however, do the trick.
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 15: Collin Morikawa of the United States looks on from the 13th green during a practice round prior to the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on May 15, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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May 13, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; A general view of the 13th hole during a practice round for the PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
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May 15, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Rory McIlroy reads the putting green on the 13th hole during a practice round for the PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Clare Grant-USA TODAY Sports
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 16: Adrian Meronk of Poland putts on the 13th green during the first round of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on May 16, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 15: A general view of the 13th green during a practice round prior to the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on May 15, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 15: Collin Morikawa of the United States walks across the 13th hole during a practice round prior to the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on May 15, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Japanese professional golfer Hideki Matsuyama lined up a putt on the 13th hole at the 2024 PGA Championship practice Tuesday at Valhalla Golf Course in Louisville, Ky. May 14, 2024.
