Hole 16 at Balboa Park Municipal Golf Club

Par 5 • 555 Yards • San Diego, California

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Challenging

The 16th hole at Balboa Park Municipal Golf Club has earned a reputation as one of the course's most challenging tests, consistently mentioned by golfers as "always super tough." This demanding par 5 requires precise strategy and course management to navigate successfully. Located on San Diego's premier municipal course, it exemplifies the quality and difficulty that makes Balboa Park tougher than many expect.

Tees:

555y534y507y

Green:16y × 27y

Fairway @250y:31y wide

3 Bunkers dogleg

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Balboa Park Municipal Golf Club

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 555 yds
Green: 2746 sq ft
Bunkers: 3
Course Slope: 127
Course Rating: 71.1

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A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 555-yard par 5 requires strategic positioning off the tee. The fairway is widest early at 37 yards at the 200-yard mark, so longer hitters should consider a controlled driver or 3-wood to stay in the optimal landing zone and set up the best angle for the second shot.

approach

Your second shot becomes critical as the fairway narrows significantly to just 31 yards at the 250-yard mark from the tee. This means laying up to around 240-250 yards total distance leaves you in the tightest part of the hole, so plan your club selection carefully to either lay up shorter or challenge the bunkers ahead.

hazard warning

Three strategic bunkers guard this hole at 190, 464, and 510 yards from the tee. The bunker at 464 yards is particularly dangerous for aggressive second shots, while the greenside bunker at 510 yards protects the approach to this long par 5.

green

The green measures 2,746 square feet with dimensions of 16 yards by 27 yards, making it a relatively narrow target for approach shots. The rectangular shape means precise distance control is more important than lateral accuracy when attacking this green in regulation or going for it in two.

approach

For players attempting to reach this 555-yard par 5 in two shots, the approach will likely be from 260-280 yards out to a green that's only 16 yards wide. This risk-reward decision requires perfect execution, so most players should consider a strategic layup to set up a comfortable wedge into the narrow green.

train this shot at home

This 555-yard par 5 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Scoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

At 555 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.

How difficult is hole 16?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 16?

The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 16?

This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.

Can I practice hole 16 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Balboa Park Municipal Golf Club. You can play this exact par 5 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →