PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course) Hole by Hole - 15th Hole

Hole 15 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course) is a par 5 that measures 572 yards from the championship tees, making it one of the longer holes on the course. The hole has a slight dogleg left and features three bunkers strategically placed throughout the fairway. With a handicap of 6, this hole presents a moderate challenge for golfers.

Off the tee, players should aim to hit their driver around 217 yards in order to reach the ideal landing area on this long par five. For those who struggle with accuracy off the tee, opting for a shorter club such as a hybrid or fairway wood may be beneficial in avoiding potential trouble spots.

As players approach their second shot, they will have to contend with water hazards located on both sides of the fairway. This makes precision and strategy crucial when deciding whether to lay up or go for it in two shots. With an average distance of about 140 yards with a seven iron, most players will likely opt for laying up and leaving themselves with an approach shot into the green.

Speaking of which, Hole 15's green measures at approximately 8690 square feet and boasts only two percent greenside bunkers as part of its total bunker count of three. This means that while there are not many bunkers surrounding the green itself, there are still plenty scattered throughout other areas on this challenging hole.

In terms of weather conditions that could impact play on Hole 15 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course), La Quinta experiences hot summers and mild winters due to its desert location. However, strong winds can often come into play during certain times of year which could affect ball flight and make scoring even more difficult.

Overall, Hole 15 requires strategic thinking and precise execution in order to successfully navigate its challenges and hopefully score well on this picturesque par five.