Hole 5 at PGA West (TPC Stadium course)

Par 5535 Yards • La Quinta, California

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Challenging

The 5th hole at PGA West Stadium, aptly nicknamed "Double Trouble," epitomizes Pete Dye's diabolical design philosophy with back-to-back water carries that have intimidated even Tour professionals. This demanding par-5 requires golfers to navigate lakes on both the tee shot and approach, making it one of the most psychologically challenging holes on a course that once prompted pros to petition for its removal from tournament play.

Tees:
535y514y496y460y437y
Green:29y × 25y
Fairway @250y:45y wide
5 BunkersWater dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par
5
Yardage
535 yds
Green
4036 sq ft
Bunkers
5
Water
Yes
Course Slope
150
Course Rating
76.1

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

With the fairway widening from 41 yards at the 200-yard mark to 45 yards at 250 yards, favor distance over precision on your drive. The extra 4 yards of width at the longer distance rewards an aggressive tee shot, setting up a more manageable approach to this 535-yard par 5.

approach

Plan your second shot carefully around the bunker complex positioned at 257.9 yards from the tee. This hazard likely sits in the prime layup zone, so either lay up well short or carry it completely depending on your distance from the tee after your drive.

approach

On this 535-yard par 5, most golfers will have 200+ yards remaining after a good drive. Consider the risk/reward of going for the green in two versus laying up to your favorite wedge distance, especially given Pete Dye's reputation for penal design around greens.

green

The relatively compact green measuring 29 yards by 25 yards (4,036 sq ft) demands precision on your approach. This smaller target typical of Pete Dye designs means club selection and distance control are critical - aim for the center of the green rather than attacking pin positions.

hazard warning

Given this is Pete Dye's Stadium Course with its reputation for water hazards (like the famous 17th island green), expect water or other severe penalties around this hole. The tight green dimensions of 29x25 yards suggest limited bail-out areas, making course management essential.

train this shot at home

This 535-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 535 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.

How difficult is hole 5?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 5?

Key hazards include: water at 190.9 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 5?

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

What's a good score on hole 5?

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 5 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for PGA West (TPC Stadium 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

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