Hole 7 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 527 yds
- Stroke index
- 17
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 37 yds deep × 26 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 527 yards
The plan for No. 7
Hole 7 at PGA West's Nicklaus Tournament course presents a deceptive challenge that belies its relatively low handicap ranking. This straight 527-yard par 5 invites aggressive play with its open fairway and absence of major hazards, yet the small green demands precision on the approach. The hole's strategic beauty lies in its risk-reward calculation—longer hitters can reach in two, but the compact target requires perfect distance control and trajectory. The straightforward layout allows golfers to open their shoulders off the tee, making position and club selection for the second shot critical. What makes this hole memorable is how it rewards bold, accurate play while punishing overconfidence, embodying Jack Nicklaus's design philosophy of strategic shot-making over pure length.
Off the tee
Driver is the play for most golfers here, as distance sets up easier scoring opportunities. Aim for the center of the fairway to maximize your options for the second shot. The straight layout means you can be aggressive without worrying about doglegs or hidden trouble. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to overpower the hole - good tempo will serve you better than raw distance.
Approach & recovery
This is where the hole's character truly emerges. Longer hitters may have a chance to reach the green in two with a mid-iron or fairway wood, but the small green makes this a high-risk proposition. The safer play is laying up to your favorite wedge distance, typically leaving 80-120 yards for most players. When laying up, favor the center of the fairway to give yourself the best angle into the small target. If you do choose to go for the green in two, commit fully to the shot and aim for the center of the green rather than attacking pins. The small green size means even center-green leaves you with a reasonable putt for eagle.
On the green
The small green demands accurate approach shots and precise putting. Expect subtle breaks that can be tricky to read, especially on longer putts. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive - two-putting from anywhere on this green is a success. Pay attention to grain direction, as desert courses often have pronounced grain that affects ball roll. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes on the second shot. Going for the green offers eagle potential but also brings bogey into play with the small target. The reward often justifies the risk for confident ball-strikers, especially when pin positions are favorable. However, the safe layup almost guarantees a birdie opportunity for players executing properly. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers:** Be aggressive but smart. Go for the green in two when you have a mid-iron or shorter, but don't force it with longer clubs. Focus on hitting the center of greens and fairways rather than attacking every pin. **Mid Handicappers:** Play conservatively for the guaranteed birdie chance. Use the tee shot to set up your favorite approach distance, then attack the center of the green with your third shot. **High Handicappers:** Treat this as a three-shot hole and focus on avoiding big numbers. Keep the driver in play, advance your second shot as far as comfortable, then hit your most reliable club into the green. Par here is an excellent score that often gains strokes on the field. The beauty of this hole lies in its flexibility - it rewards both conservative and aggressive strategies when executed properly, making it a true test of course management and shot execution.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 7 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,326 sq ft
How did Hole 7 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 527 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 527 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 7?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.
How big is the green on hole 7?
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The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 7?
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This hole is a solid birdie opportunity with smart layup strategy. Most golfers can reach in three. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge.