Hole 10 at PGA WEST (Norman course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 415 yds
- Stroke index
- 6
- Hazards
- 12 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 40 yds deep × 25 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 415 yards
The plan for No. 10
The tenth hole at PGA WEST's Norman course presents a deceptively challenging par 4 that demands both precision and course management. This 415-yard test features a straight layout that might appear straightforward from the tee, but the small green complex becomes the focal point of strategic decision-making. With no significant hazards to navigate, golfers can focus entirely on positioning and approach shot execution. The tee shot offers a generous target, allowing players to find their preferred angle into the compact putting surface. However, the small green demands pinpoint accuracy on the approach, as missing the target leaves challenging up-and-down opportunities. This hole exemplifies Greg Norman's design philosophy of rewarding precise shot-making over pure power, making it a true test of iron play and short game finesse.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the optimal position for your approach angle. With no major hazards to navigate, focus on hitting your most reliable club that leaves a comfortable distance to the green. Many players will benefit from a controlled driver or strong 3-wood, aiming for the center-left portion of the fairway to open up the best angle to the small green. The key is avoiding the temptation to overpower the tee shot – position over distance is paramount here. A well-struck shot landing in the fairway's heart, even if shorter, sets up a much better scoring opportunity than a longer but poorly positioned drive.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole reveals its teeth. The small green demands pinpoint accuracy, making club selection critical. Depending on your tee shot position, you'll likely face a mid-iron to long-iron approach. Take extra care to account for wind conditions and pin position, as the compact target leaves little margin for error. Favor the center of the green regardless of pin placement – the small surface means even a center hit will leave a manageable putt. Avoid the temptation to attack tight pins; instead, play to the fat part of the green and rely on your putting to capitalize on the scoring opportunity.
On the green
With its small size, this green rewards aggressive putting once you're on the surface. Most putts will be relatively short, so focus on reading the subtle breaks and committing to your line. The compact nature means you'll rarely face extremely long putts, but it also means precision is required on approach shots to avoid difficult up-and-downs. Study the green's contours carefully during your approach – small greens often have more subtle undulations that can significantly affect ball roll. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a classic risk/reward scenario disguised as a straightforward par 4. The reward lies in the birdie opportunity presented by the manageable length and lack of major hazards. However, the risk comes from the small green that penalizes even slightly offline approach shots. The smart play is conservative aggression – be precise rather than overly bold, and let the hole's design work in your favor through careful execution. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should treat this as a two-shot hole where par represents success. Focus on hitting fairway with your most reliable club off the tee, even if it's a hybrid or long iron. On the approach, aim for the center of the green with whatever club gets you there comfortably, prioritizing accuracy over distance control. **Low-handicap players** can view this as a legitimate birdie opportunity through precise execution. Use driver if you're confident with it, but don't force the issue if conditions or your swing feel suggest otherwise. On approach shots, you can be more aggressive with pin hunting, but respect the small target and have a clear miss strategy – typically favoring the center or fat side of the green over any specific pin position.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 10 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,123 sq ft
How did Hole 10 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 415 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 415-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 10?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 10?
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Key hazards include: water at 46.2 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 10?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 10?
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Aim for the right side of the fairway when possible. Missing left (water) brings more trouble into play.