Hole 5 at Penmar Golf Course

Par 3 • 177 Yards • Venice, California

Enhanced Content

Challenging

The signature par 3 at Penmar Golf Course hole 5 demands precision over its 177 yards, presenting one of the most challenging tests on this historic Venice layout. This deceptively straightforward hole plays longer than the yardage suggests, with coastal winds often swirling off the nearby Pacific Ocean to complicate club selection. The small, elevated green sits like a postage stamp against the California sky, offering minimal margin for error on approach shots. With no bunkers or water hazards to distract, the challenge lies purely in execution – finding the correct distance and landing softly on the compact putting surface. Miss the green, and recovery shots from the surrounding rough test even seasoned players, making this the course's second-hardest hole a true separator that rewards committed, confident tee shots.

Tees:

177y149y

Green:25y × 24y

1 Bunker dogleg

Loading map...

Penmar Golf Course

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Play This Course at Home

Practice Penmar Golf Course Year-Round

Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.

Browse Launch Monitors & Simulators

Amazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 177 yds
Green: 3509 sq ft
Bunkers: 1
Course Slope: 99
Course Rating: 63.9

Navigate

Back to Penmar Golf Course View Full Scorecard

Recommended Gear

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

Shop Irons →

Strategy Tips

tee shot

Club selection is critical on this 177-yard par 3 - take one extra club to ensure you clear any trouble and reach the putting surface confidently

hazard warning

Beware of bunkers positioned at 186.8 yards - they're strategically placed just beyond the pin distance to catch aggressive shots that fly the green

green

Target the center of this compact 3,509 square foot green measuring 25x24 yards - the relatively small target rewards precision over power

approach

With no fairway available (0 yards wide at landing distances), this is a true target golf hole requiring a direct carry to the green

tee shot

Focus on tempo and balance since there's no bailout area - the 0-yard landing zone means your tee shot must find the green or face recovery challenges

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.

See launch monitors & simulators

Scoring Tip

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

Play Penmar Golf Course from Your Living Room

Launch monitors and simulators now include real course data. Practice your strategy on every hole before your round — or just for fun.

Compare Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 177 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-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: small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 5?

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

How big is the green on hole 5?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 5?

This hole is a solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Penmar Golf Course. 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 →