Hole 5 at Pasatiempo Golf Club

Par 3190 Yards • Santa Cruz, California

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Tough

The 5th hole at Pasatiempo embodies Dr. Alister MacKenzie's genius for deceptive simplicity, presenting what appears to be a straightforward downhill par 3 that challenges players of every skill level. This classic MacKenzie design showcases the breathtaking natural beauty that has made Pasatiempo legendary since 1929.

Tees:
190y174y156y
Green:25y × 37y
5 Bunkers dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par
3
Yardage
190 yds
Green
4162 sq ft
Bunkers
5
Course Slope
140
Course Rating
72.3

Recommended Gear

Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 190-yard par 3 demands precision over power - select a club that comfortably covers the distance to the pin without overshooting the compact green measuring just 24 yards wide by 37 yards deep.

hazard warning

Three strategically placed bunkers guard the green at distances of 168, 181, and 203 yards from the tee - study the pin position carefully as these hazards can catch shots that are slightly off target.

green

With only 4,162 square feet of putting surface, this green offers little margin for error - aim for the center of the green rather than attacking tucked pins to avoid short-siding yourself.

approach

As a true one-shot hole with no fairway landing area, club selection is critical - factor in MacKenzie's design philosophy of risk-reward and choose a club that ensures you clear the front bunker at 168 yards while staying within the green's 37-yard depth.

tee shot

Given the green's narrow 24-yard width, focus on accuracy over distance - a well-struck mid-iron to the center of the green is far better than an aggressive shot that finds the surrounding hazards.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 190 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 5?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 5?

Key hazards include: 5 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 5?

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 5?

This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.

Can I practice hole 5 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Pasatiempo Golf Club. You can play this exact par 3 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

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