PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course) Hole by Hole - 6th Hole

Hole 6 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament Course) is a challenging par 4, with a distance of 462 yards from the championship tees. With a handicap of 7, this hole is considered one of the more difficult holes on the course. The tee shot requires accuracy and distance, as there are four bunkers strategically placed along the fairway to catch any errant shots.

The fairway width measures approximately 35 yards, making it important for golfers to hit their drives straight in order to avoid being blocked out by trees or landing in one of the aforementioned bunkers. The slight dogleg right also adds an element of strategy to this hole, as players must decide whether to play it safe and aim left or take a riskier line towards the right side.

Altitude may play a factor on this hole, as La Quinta sits at an elevation of over 100 feet above sea level. This could result in slightly longer distances for shots compared to courses at lower elevations.

For average golfers who hit their driver around 217 yards, it may be wise to consider using a hybrid or long iron off the tee instead. This would leave them with a shorter approach shot into the green and potentially help avoid any trouble spots on either side of the fairway.

Speaking of approach shots, with greenside bunkers only accounting for about 2% of total bunker coverage on this hole, golfers should feel confident aiming directly at the green without fear of getting stuck in sand traps. However, they should still be mindful not to overshoot their target onto surrounding rough areas that can make getting up-and-down for par quite difficult.

Overall, Hole #6 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament Course) demands both power and precision from players looking to score well here. With its length and strategic design elements such as bunkering and curvature variations throughout its layout combined with potential weather factors like wind and temperature, this hole truly tests the skills of even the most experienced golfers.