Hole 2 at PGA WEST (Norman course)

Par 5 • 526 Yards • La Quinta, California

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Challenging

The second hole at PGA WEST's Norman course presents a classic risk-reward par 5 that epitomizes Greg Norman's strategic design philosophy. Stretching 526 yards with a straight layout, this hole invites aggressive play while punishing poor execution. The generous fairway encourages drivers to unleash their power, but precision remains paramount as the hole progresses toward its challenging conclusion.

What makes this hole particularly intriguing is its deceptively simple appearance contrasted with the complexity around the small green complex. The lack of major hazards might suggest an easy birdie opportunity, but the compact putting surface demands pinpoint accuracy on approach shots. Longer hitters face the tantalizing prospect of reaching in two, while others must carefully position their layup for an optimal angle into the tight target. The hole's mid-level handicap ranking reflects this strategic balance perfectly.

Tees:

526y499y470y440y407y

Green:26y × 27y

Fairway @250y:24y wide

dogleg

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PGA WEST (Norman course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 526 yds
Green: 4354 sq ft
Course Slope: 139
Course Rating: 75.1

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Recommended Gear

A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

With the fairway maintaining a consistent 24 yards width at both 200 and 250 yards, accuracy is crucial off the tee. Focus on finding the center of this narrow target rather than maximum distance to set up your approach.

approach

At 526 yards, most golfers will need a strategic layup for their second shot. Position yourself around 100-120 yards from the green to leave a comfortable wedge into the relatively small 4,354 square foot putting surface.

green

The green measures just 26 by 27 yards, making it a compact target that demands precision on your approach shot. Club up and focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pins.

approach

This par-5 rewards patience over aggression. With the green covering only 4,354 square feet, going for it in two carries significant risk. Play for a comfortable third shot to maximize your birdie chances.

train this shot at home

This 526-yard par 5 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

Scoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

At 526 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.

How difficult is hole 2?

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

How big is the green on hole 2?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 2?

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.

Can I practice hole 2 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for PGA WEST (Norman course). You can play this exact par 5 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 →