Crowne Plaza Invitational’s Wild 13th

The thirteenth hole at the Colonial is a 171 yard par 3 across a pond to a two tiered green. It’s the Kodak Challenge hole of the week and site of much raucous fun at the Crowne Plaza Invitational.

The hole has much of the feel of the famed par 3 sixteenth at TPC Scottsdale, with full stadium stands, cheering crowds and plenty of beer. But there’s an added attraction: The Caddy Races. It’s a bit of a tradition here for the caddies to rush (race is too strong a word) from teebox to green, with the gallery cheering them on like it’s the Kentucky Derby. The really enthusiastic actually place bets on who will be first.

In spite of my general dislike of par 3 holes, I like this one because I managed to get a par at the Crowne Plaza Invitational Pro Am. I hit a nine wood from the amateur tees, choking down several inches on the grip. The ball landed above the hole and I two putted in. After I took my tee shot, Stuart Appleby asked if he could take a look at my club. Then, in that Australian accent, he said “I don’t think I’ve ever seen one like this.”

Thanks to Kodak for letting me use their photos.

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