PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course) Hole by Hole - 11th Hole

Hole 11 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course) is a challenging par 5 with a slight dogleg left. From the championship tees, it measures 528 yards and has a handicap of 18, making it one of the more difficult holes on the course. The hole plays relatively long, so using a driver off the tee is recommended for most players.

The fairway width is about average at 43 yards, but there are four bunkers strategically placed throughout to catch errant drives. These bunkers make up only 4% of the total greenside area, so they shouldn't be too much of a concern for approach shots.

One thing to keep in mind when playing this hole is that La Quinta experiences hot and dry weather year-round. This can affect ball flight due to lower air density and higher temperatures. During summer months, balls may travel slightly farther than normal while in winter months they may not carry as far.

For an average golfer hitting distances of approximately 217 yards with their driver and around 140 yards with their seven iron, reaching this green in two shots will be difficult but not impossible. However, for those who struggle with distance or accuracy off the tee, laying up before the bunkers might be a better strategy.

Once on or near the green, players should consider any undulations or slopes that could impact their putts. The green itself is quite large at almost 8000 square feet and offers plenty of room for error on approach shots.

Overall , Hole 11 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course) requires strategic thinking and precise execution from tee to green in order to score well. With proper club selection based on individual abilities and consideration given to local weather conditions throughout all seasons, golfers can navigate this challenging par five successfully.