South Course at Firestone Country Club

Designer: Bert Way; Redesigned in 1960 by Robert Trent Jones Sr.

Renowned for its extensive PGA tournament history, the par 70, 7,400-yard South Course at Firestone includes some of the toughest, most famous and most enjoyable holes in golf. A championship course from its conception, the South Course has hosted more than 70 professional tournaments, including 18 years of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, 36 years of the World Series of Golf, and three PGA Championships. It is the current home of the Kaulig Companies Championship.

The South Course was designed in 1929 by Bert Way, debuting as the original course at Firestone Country Club. In preparation for the 1960 PGA Championship, Robert Trent Jones Sr. completed extensive redesigns, adding over 50 bunkers, two ponds, and increasing the distance significantly while knocking the South Course down to a par 70. It’s no wonder the South Course has been ranked among the top 100 courses in the U.S.

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South Course Highlights

Narrow, tree-lined fairways and immaculate conditions define the South Course, with our groundskeepers working year-round to ensure world-class playability for everyone who steps onto the first tee box. Despite its notoriety, golfing at South is straightforward and fair—recovery opportunities are plentiful, water rarely comes into play, and the greens roll true as ever.

Firestone drone shot during the sunset

A Robert Trent Jones Sr. Design

Couple accuracy and distance to score low at the scenic South Course. Deep fairway bunkers with tall lips will force chip outs, while constant elevation changes, long rough, and severe false fronts complicate club selection. As for the greens, they are firm, fast, consistently sloping, and a thrill to read. Golfers will enjoy using every club in their bag to stay in position with each round on this historic course.

South Course at Firestone Country Club

# 1 / Hole 1

Par: 4

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 399

Hybrid 399

White Tee 372

Green Tee 372

Red Tee 275

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

A shorter Par 4 that demands accuracy over length. Sitting 372 yards away from the Member's tee, is a well bunkered elevated green with a severe false front. The Fairway is tightly lined with trees and four fairway bunkers; hitting the fairway is important in order to score.

# 2 / Hole 2

Par: 5

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 526

Hybrid Tee 526

White Tee 478

Green Tee 478

Red Tee 395

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

The only Par 5 on the front nine is all up hill with a well guarded 3-tier-green. Fairway bunkers and tall trees line the sides the length of the fairway. A tee shot in the fairway sets up well for a scoring opportunity. The green itself is not easy. Four deep bunkers guard a severely undulated green with mean run-offs. If you are not careful on the green, you may easily putt it off. This hole is best played as a 3 shot hole.

# 3 / Hole 3

Par: 4

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 442

Hybrid Tee 369

White Tee 369

Green Tee 323

Red Tee 323

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

A short Par 4 well protected by a large pond, deep bunkers and high over hanging trees. A tee shot favoring the right side of the fairway will have the best angle into this green. Any shot outside of the fairway will have a tough time hitting the green in regulation.

# 4 / Hole 4

Par: 4

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 471

Hybrid Tee 471

White Tee 366

Green Tee 366

Red Tee 270

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

Another demanding tee shot is required on the Par 4 fourth hole. An ideal tee shot lands in the right side of the severely sloping fairway and letting the ball roll to the flat area on the left. With trees lining the fairways and a large bunker on the right side, it is important to hit the fairway to try and score. A tricky green with subtle breaks and run-offs require a lot of attention to avoid a three putt.

# 5 / Hole 5

Par: 3

If a 221-yard par 3 isn’t enough, try the 200-yard 5th hole. The small green can be reached with a 5- or 6-iron, but you might need as much …

If a 221-yard par 3 isn’t enough, try the 200-yard 5th hole. The small green can be reached with a 5- or 6-iron, but you might need as much as a 3-iron when the wind is blowing. Strange as it may seem, it is not one of the toughest scoring holes--that honor goes to two of the par 4s.

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 200

Hybrid Tee 200

White Tee 182

Green Tee 171

Red Tee 154

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

The first of two Par 3s on the front nine plays around 180 yards from the Member tees. Three tough bunkers protect the front and left side of the green while tall trees guard the right side and long of the green. A narrow but long green slopes hard from right to left. If not careful on the green, a three-putt could be in play.

# 6 / Hole 6

Par: 4

The 6th hole is 469 yards of challenge. It has ranked as the toughest for professionals at Firestone over the years. The 471-yard 4th hole i…

The 6th hole is 469 yards of challenge. It has ranked as the toughest for professionals at Firestone over the years. The 471-yard 4th hole is another test. All the hole asks a player to do is hit a long and straight tee shot, followed by an approach shot that must come in high to hold the elevated green. Sometimes this is easier said than done. But then again, that’s the best way to sum up Firestone Country Club’s South Course.

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 469

Hybrid Tee 413

White Tee 413

Green Tee 413

Red Tee 275

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

The number one Handicap hole on the course is the Par 4 6th, slight dogleg sitting at 415 yards from the Members tee. This hole is shaped left to right and requires a tee shot in the fairway to have a good look at the long green. Trees down both sides play a factor for any tee shot that is not in the fairway. Three bunkers guard the left-right sloping green. It is best to leave the approach shot below the hole to have a good chance at the putt.

# 7 / Hole 7

Par: 3

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 219

Hybrid Tee 219

White Tee 147

Green Tee 147

Red Tee 138

Slope:

The 6th hole is 469 yards of challenge. It has ranked as the toughest for professionals at Firestone over the years. The 471-yard 4th hole is another test. All the hole asks a player to do is hit a long and straight tee shot, followed by an approach shot that must come in high to hold the elevated green. Sometimes this is easier said than done. But then again, that’s the best way to sum up Firestone Country Club’s South Course.

Pro Tips

This Par 3 7th plays shorter from the Member's tee at around 150 yards. The shorter distance does not make the hole any easier as it is guarded by 4 greenside bunkers, one of which runs the whole left side of the green. It is important to hit the large green to avoid a tough up and down for par. The massive green provides many tough hole locations; all of which will serve you better playing from below the hole.

# 8 / Hole 8

Par: 4

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 482

HybridTee 420

White Tee 420

Green Tee 420

Red Tee 296

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

The Par 4 8th is another slight left-right dogleg with a left-right sloping fairway. In order to keep it in the short grass, a tee shot on the left side of the fairway is ideal. With tall and thick trees down the right side, the best miss is to the left in order to have a look at the green. The green is guarded by five deep bunkers and a severe run off over the back of the green. The green runs hard front-back. Shots that land short of the green, tend to roll on and trickle towards the pin.

# 9 / Hole 9

Par: 4

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 494

Hybrid Tee 442

White Tee 442

Green Tee 330

Red Tee 330

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

This straight but long Par 4th closes out the front nine at the base of the clubhouse. A tee shot in the fairway is the best chance to attack this tricky protected green. Three deep bunkers surround the green. The green itself has a severe false front as well as a couple of collection areas that will test your putting skills.

# 10 / Hole 10

Par: 4

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 410

Hybrid Tee 410

White Tee 387

Green Tee 336

Red Tee 336

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

This uphill Par 4 plays just under 400 yards from the Member tee box. Three fairway bunkers guard the landing area. The ideal target line is the right edge of the left bunker. The approach shot is uphill into a tiered green. It is important to know where the pin is to not be above the hole.

# 11 / Hole 11

Par: 4

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 418

Hybrid Tee 418

White Tee 345

Green Tee 345

Red Tee 255

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

Playing around 350 yards from the Member tee this Par 4 11th has a blind tee shot that requires more accuracy than distance. With tall trees lining the fairway and bunkers guarding the green, it is no easy hole. The green has a plateau on the left and runs left-right.

# 12 / Hole 12

Par: 3

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 180

Hybrid Tee 165

White Tee 165

Green Tee 153

Red Tee 153

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

The first Par 3 on the back nine. Playing uphill, this green is heavily guarded by 3 bunkers; short, left and right. The best opportunity at making a putt is to be below the hole as the green slopes back to front.

# 13 / Hole 13

Par: 4

Yardage by Tee:

Hybrid Tee 471

Blue Tee 471

White Tee 439

Green Tee 355

Red Tee 355

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

This tough left-right dogleg requires a tee shot down the left center. A bunker sits on the left side of the fairway around 160 from the green. An overhanging tree protects the dogleg from being cut off on the right side. The approach to the elevated green is uphill and is well protected by deep bunkers left and right. The green itself is very tricky and is inviting to three putts if not careful. Add False front

# 14 / Hole 14

Par: 4

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 467

Hybrid Tee 371

White Tee 371

Green Tee 371

Red Tee 287

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

This straight away Par 4 plays 370 yards from the member tees. Three bunkers line the fairway as well as tall trees. Being in the fairway provides the best chance at hitting the green. Accuracy is more important than distance off the tee. The green is narrow and has three greenside bunkers. The green is one of the flatter ones on the course.

# 15 / Hole 15

Par: 3

The 16th hole doesn’t have the market covered on length. Before you get there, the par-3, 221-yard, 15th hole provides enough of a challenge…

The 16th hole doesn’t have the market covered on length. Before you get there, the par-3, 221-yard, 15th hole provides enough of a challenge. Its flat green makes for a straight putt, but getting the ball close to the 15th hole can be a problem. From the tee, bunkers on the left of the green are hidden and provide for unpleasant surprises.

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 221

Hybrid Tee 159

White Tee 159

Green Tee 148

Red Tee 148

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

The last Par 3 on the course plays around 160 yards from the Member tees. A large bunker sits on the front left of the green and two smaller ones on the right. This green slopes back to front with a few subtle run offs on the right side of the green. Being below the hole is the best opportunity at a birdie.

# 16 / Hole 16

Par: 5

The 16th hole plays to 667 yards. A pond in front of the green captures its share of errant shots. Usually, the casualties aren’t the result…

The 16th hole plays to 667 yards. A pond in front of the green captures its share of errant shots. Usually, the casualties aren’t the result of futile attempts to reach the green in two; they are third shots from players who hit errant tee shots and find the woods. A well-placed long tee shot does not guarantee the opportunity to get home in two.

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 667

Hybrid Tee 590

White Tee 590

Green Tee 465

Red Tee 465

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

From the tips, The 16th Par 5, also known as the monster, plays at 675 yards. The tee shot on this hole is important to be inside the tree line of the fairway. On the left is high fescue and trees and the right is guarded by thick tall trees. A tee shot at the top of the hill on the right side of the fairway will launch the ball down the sloping fairway to add extra distance. Longer hitters can hit the slope to have under 300 yards in on the next shot. The green is guarded by a frontside pond and three bunkers behind and left of the green. Trying to attack the green in two is very tough and very risky. Laying up short of the pond on the second shot is the best play majority of the time. The turtle shell shaped green provides tough pin positions that can play tricky if not careful.

# 17 / Hole 17

Par: 4

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 400

Hybrid Tee 400

White Tee 374

Green Tee 333

Red Tee 333

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

This uphill Par 4 plays just under 400 yards from the member tees. With 5 bunkers guarding left and right of the fairway, the tee shot can be intimidating. The green is protected by a deep pot bunker right in front of the green. The green is large and slopes hard back to front; putting from below the hole is best chance at a make. Be sure to look at #18 green while on #17 tee box to see where the pin location is.

# 18 / Hole 18

Par: 4

Yardage by Tee:

Blue Tee 464

Hybrid Tee 464

White Tee 435

Green Tee 350

Red Tee 350

Slope:

Blue 76.1/132 | Hybrid 73.9/129 | White 71.6/124 | Green 69.01/118 | Red 70.4/123

Pro Tips

This iconic finishing hole is lined on both sides by tall strong trees and a large fairway bunker on the right side. The hole starts straight but turns slightly left the closer you get to the hole. An ideal tee shot is down the right side of the fairway to have the best angle at the long tricky green. The hole could play about 25 yards different based on pin location. Four bunkers guard short and long of the green. Once on the green, pace is more important than the line itself as a couple putts can be very tough. Make sure to check out the Tiger Woods “Shot in the Dark” plaque down the right side of the fairway.