Hole 5 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course)

Par 4 • 364 Yards • La Quinta, California

Enhanced Content

Moderate

The fifth hole at PGA West's Nicklaus Tournament course presents a deceptively challenging par 4 that demands precision over power. At 364 yards, this straight hole may appear straightforward, but its small green becomes the defining feature that separates good scores from great ones. The generous fairway welcomes most tee shots, allowing golfers to focus on positioning for the crucial approach. However, the compact putting surface requires pinpoint accuracy with wedges and short irons, as even well-struck shots can easily roll off the edges. With minimal hazards to distract, this hole becomes a pure test of approach shot execution and distance control, making it a pivotal scoring opportunity that rewards patience and precision over aggressive play.

Tees:

364y320y299y288y225y

Green:32y × 28y

4 Bunkersleft dogleg

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PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 364 yds
Green: 4404 sq ft
Bunkers: 4
Course Slope: 143
Course Rating: 75.3

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Recommended Gear

Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.

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Strategy Tips

hazard warning

This hole presents a significant challenge with no fairway available at the standard driving distances - exercise extreme caution off the tee as traditional driving zones are not in play.

tee shot

With bunkers positioned at 225 yards and no fairway at typical driving distances, consider laying up with a mid-iron or hybrid to stay short of trouble and set up a manageable approach.

approach

Plan for a longer approach shot to this 364-yard par 4 - if laying up short of the bunkers at 225 yards, you'll face approximately 140 yards to the pin, requiring precise iron play.

green

The generous green measuring 32 yards by 28 yards offers a substantial target at 4,404 square feet - use this to your advantage by aiming for the center and letting the large surface help hold your approach shot.

tee shot

The landing zone starting at 0 yards from the tee indicates immediate trouble - this hole demands precision from the very first shot, making club selection and accuracy paramount over distance.

train this shot at home

This 364-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

With bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 364-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 5?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.

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 medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.

Can I practice hole 5 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 364-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 →