Hole 16 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course)

Par 4 • 440 Yards • La Quinta, California

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Tough

The 16th hole at PGA West's Nicklaus Tournament course presents a deceptive challenge that demands precision over power. This straight par 4 stretches 440 yards through the desert landscape, offering golfers a seemingly straightforward test that reveals its true character upon closer inspection. The tee shot requires careful placement to set up the optimal approach angle, as the fairway's subtle contours can influence ball position and stance. What makes this hole particularly intriguing is the small green complex that serves as the ultimate target, demanding pinpoint accuracy on the approach shot. Without significant hazards to distract, golfers must focus entirely on execution and course management. The hole's beauty lies in its pure golf challenge – rewarding those who can consistently find the proper positions while punishing wayward shots with difficult recovery situations.

Tees:

440y423y368y348y304y

Green:29y × 32y

Fairway @250y:12y wide

11 BunkersWater dogleg

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PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 440 yds
Green: 4286 sq ft
Bunkers: 11
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 143
Course Rating: 75.3

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Exercise precision off the tee as the fairway maintains only 12 yards of width at both the 200-yard and 250-yard markers, demanding accuracy over distance for optimal positioning.

approach

From the optimal driving distance, expect a mid-to-long iron approach to a generous green measuring 4,286 square feet (29x32 yards), allowing for aggressive pin-hunting on this par 4.

hazard warning

Beware of bunkers positioned at 338.2 yards from the tee - these will primarily affect longer hitters who carry their drives beyond 300 yards or those playing from forward tees.

tee shot

On this 440-yard par 4, prioritize finding the narrow fairway with a controlled drive of 200-250 yards rather than attempting to maximize distance, setting up a manageable approach shot.

green

Target the center of the large 29x32 yard green complex to avoid three-putts, as the generous putting surface provides ample room for recovery even with less-than-perfect approach shots.

train this shot at home

This 440-yard par 4 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

When water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 440-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 16?

This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?

Key hazards include: water at 135.3 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 16?

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

What's a good score on hole 16?

This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.

Can I practice hole 16 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 440-yard par 4 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 →