14th Hole / Par-3 / 150 Yards
Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
Architects: Bob Cupp & Tom Kite (2006)
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
When you're able to combine strategic design qualities with off-course views that's hard combination to beat.
This week's Northern Trust event commences the start of the FedEx Cup Playoffs on the PGA TOUR and marks the fourth time Liberty National Golf Club serves as host.
The layout opened in 2006 and the close proximity to the iconic Stature of Liberty in tandem with the striking views of lower Manhattan island makes for a visual treat of the highest order.
Liberty National plays over 7,400 yards but the most endearing hole happens to be the shortest one on the scorecard.
The par-3 14th may be diminutive in terms of total distance -- 150 yards -- but the requirements for success are rigorous even for the finest players in the world.
The hole is situated in the far southeast corner of the property. The teeing area showcases a green that wraps around a frontal right bunker and which thoroughly protects that side of the putting surface.
The hole plays in a south-to-north direction and is constantly impacted by ever changing and swirling winds that can often pick up intensity as New York harbor is literally to the immediate right of the hole.
When the pin is placed in the right rearmost area the bar for success is lifted to its highest level. Players have to decide how smart a play it is to find the tiny space that exists. Those who push shots just slightly to the right will find the adjacent marsh on that side. Those going long can easily find a doomsday scenario.
Precision is the operative word at the 14th. The green totals just 3,000 square feet making it the smallest of the targets at Liberty National.
It's been said the shortest holes can be the most nerve racking -- the 14th proves that point without question.
Images courtesy of Liberty National Golf Club
