L.A. North's 13th & 14th
A pair of long and difficult holes begin the march home at 2023's U.S. Open venue. And in case you had not heard, the Playboy Mansion is in the vicinity.
Ready to hang on for dear life?
Los Angeles Country Club’s back nine moves to the highest and western-most ground after a rollercoaster ride of a par 4. The holes combine to play over 1130 yards.
If the sheer brute strength required was not enough, they’re the most dramatically impacted by afternoon sea breezes and can feature wildly unlevel stances. And yes, men who only subscribed for the magazine’s literary deep dives, it’s mothership Playboy Mansion abuts the 14th tee.
Before we get into the architectural evolution of Nos. 13 and 14, if you’ve missed earlier editions or you’re a new subscriber…
Onward!
Thirteenth Hole
Par: 4
U.S. Open Yardage: 507 yards
Elevation Change: +35 feet (back tee to green front edge)
The first of many reminders that will be repeated ad nauseum: the 13th’s second shot is only blind if the player does not drive up the left side. Not that I expect this stipulation to squelch the inevitable whining.