PGA WEST (Norman course) Hole by Hole - 16th Hole
PGA WEST (Norman course), California
Submit a tipThere are no reviews for this hole yet
Hole 16 at PGA WEST (Norman course) is a challenging par 5, with a length of 537 yards from the championship tees. The hole has a slight dogleg to the right and features water hazards that come into play on both the tee shot and approach.
The fairway width is approximately 45 yards, providing some room for error off the tee. However, players will need to strategically navigate around seven bunkers scattered throughout the hole. It's important to note that only one percent of these bunkers are greenside, meaning they are not directly in front or surrounding the green.
For an average golfer who hits their driver around 217 yards, it may be wise to lay up short of the first water hazard on this hole rather than trying to reach it in two shots. This will leave them with a more manageable distance for their approach shot.
Speaking of approach shots, based on an average distance of hitting a pitching wedge around 120 yards for our hypothetical golfer, they should aim for just short of the green if playing from men's or women's tees. For senior women golfers who hit their pitching wedge closer to 140 yards according to our inferred data and statistics chart above (assuming similar club head speed), they can likely aim directly at the green.
However, regardless of which set of tees you're playing from, accuracy and precision are key when approaching this green due to its large size - measuring at approximately 9,028 square feet - as well as its proximity to water hazards and limited number of bunkers guarding it.
In terms of weather conditions at PGA WEST (Norman course), La Quinta experiences hot summers with temperatures reaching over triple digits while winters tend to be mild with occasional rainfall. The altitude here also tends towards higher elevation compared other courses across California since La Quinta lies within Coachella Valley near Palm Springs where elevations vary between roughly 200 and 2,000 feet above sea level. These factors may impact ball flight conditions, especially in terms of distance and accuracy.
Overall, hole 16 at PGA WEST (Norman course) is a challenging yet strategic par 5 that will require careful planning and execution to achieve a good score. With its water hazards, bunkers, and large green area, it's important for golfers to stay focused on their game plan in order to successfully navigate this hole.
Teebox type:
Championship
Par:
5
Distance:
537 yards
Handicap:
8
Green Area:
9028
Approx Fairway Width:
45
Has Water:
True
Curvature:
Slight dogleg
Percent Bunkers Near green:
1
Bunker Count:
7
Bunkers:
Some fairway bunkers, with the majority (51%) strategically placed around the area.
Club Recommendations
1. Play it safe off the tee: The fairway width on this hole allows for some room for error, so don't try to hit a perfect shot. Instead, aim for the wider part of the fairway and avoid any potential hazards.
2. Lay up short of the first water hazard: For average golfers who hit their driver around 217 yards, it may be wise to lay up short of the first water hazard rather than trying to reach it in two shots. This will leave a more manageable distance for your approach shot.
3. Aim just short of the green on approach shots: With an average pitching wedge distance of 120 yards, aiming just short of the green will give you a better chance at hitting it close and avoiding any potential hazards near or on the green.
4. Pay attention to weather conditions: La Quinta experiences hot summers and mild winters with occasional rainfall, which can impact ball flight conditions. Adjust your club selection accordingly based on temperature and elevation changes.
5. Stay focused on accuracy and precision: The large size of this green as well as its proximity to water hazards and limited number of bunkers make accuracy crucial when approaching this hole. Stay focused on your game plan and execute each shot carefully.
6. Consider playing from different tees based on skill level: Senior women golfers who hit their pitching wedge closer to 140 yards may have an advantage in aiming directly at the green from certain tee boxes compared to men's or women's tees.
7 . Take note of bunker locations: While only one percent are greenside bunkers, there are seven scattered throughout this hole that could come into play if not strategically avoided off the tee or approached correctly during your second shot.
8 . Don't underestimate course strategy: Hole 16 is a challenging yet strategic par 5 that requires careful planning and execution in order to achieve a good score. Keep these tips in mind while playing and trust your game plan to navigate this hole successfully.
"The most important shot in golf is the next one."
- Ben Hogan
Only signed in users can add reviews.
Sign inThere are no reviews for this hole yet