Hole 15 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course)

Par 5 • 572 Yards • La Quinta, California

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Tough

The 15th hole at PGA West's Nicklaus Tournament course presents a compelling par 5 that rewards aggressive play while punishing wayward shots. At 572 yards, this straight-away layout appears deceptively simple, but the absence of major hazards creates its own strategic complexity. The generous fairway invites drivers to unleash their power, yet precise positioning becomes crucial for optimal approach angles to the small, well-guarded green complex. What makes this hole particularly challenging is the premium it places on accuracy over distance - players must thread their second shots carefully to set up manageable approaches to the compact putting surface. The hole exemplifies Nicklaus's design philosophy of rewarding thoughtful course management over pure length.

Tees:

572y516y472y462y417y

Green:42y × 30y

Fairway @250y:36y wide

4 BunkersWaterleft dogleg

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PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 572 yds
Green: 4918 sq ft
Bunkers: 4
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 143
Course Rating: 75.3

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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

With 572 yards to work with, focus on finding the fairway which maintains a consistent 36 yards of width at both the 200 and 250-yard markers. This gives you room to be aggressive off the tee without sacrificing accuracy.

hazard warning

Be aware of bunkers positioned at 158.6 yards from the tee. These shouldn't affect your tee shot but will be a factor if you're laying up short of the green on your second shot.

approach

On this 572-yard par 5, most golfers will need three shots to reach the green. Plan your second shot to leave yourself with a comfortable wedge distance to attack the pin.

green

The green measures 42 yards deep by 30 yards wide (4,918 sq ft), providing a generous target for your approach shot. Use the extra depth to your advantage by taking one more club to ensure you clear any front hazards.

tee shot

With no significant landing zone restrictions from the tee, you can be aggressive with your driver to maximize distance and set up the best possible angle for your second shot on this lengthy par 5.

train this shot at home

This 572-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 572 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.

How difficult is hole 15?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, water in play.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 15?

Key hazards include: water at 516.6 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 15?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

What's a good score on hole 15?

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 15 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course). 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 →