Hole 5 at Rock Creek Park Golf Course

Par 3 • 196 Yards • Washington, District of Columbia

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Brutal

Rock Creek Park Golf Course hole 5 presents a classic mid-length par 3 that demands precision over power. At 196 yards, this straight shot challenges golfers to navigate to a small, well-protected green nestled within the rolling terrain of this historic Washington D.C. municipal course. The absence of major hazards might suggest simplicity, but the compact target and elevated position create their own intimidation factor. Club selection becomes crucial as the small green offers little margin for error, rewarding accurate iron play while punishing wayward shots. This hole epitomizes the strategic design philosophy that has made Rock Creek Park a beloved test for local golfers since 1923, where course management trumps raw distance.

Tees:

196y190y

Green:21y × 23y

1 Bunker dogleg

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Rock Creek Park Golf Course

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 196 yds
Green: 3027 sq ft
Bunkers: 1
Course Slope: 112
Course Rating: 62.5

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Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 196-yard par 3 demands precision over power - focus on club selection that ensures you carry the bunkers positioned at 182.6 yards while still having enough distance control to hold the green.

hazard warning

The bunkers at 182.6 yards create a critical carry distance - anything short will find sand, so ensure your club selection accounts for pin position and wind conditions to clear this hazard safely.

approach

With no fairway available (0 yards wide at both 200y and 250y), this is a direct shot to the green - commit fully to your target line and avoid any thoughts of playing safe to non-existent landing areas.

green

The compact 3,027 square foot green (21y x 23y) requires precise distance control - use one extra club and swing smoothly rather than forcing a shot, as there's limited room for error on this small target.

tee shot

Since the landing zone starts at 0 yards from the tee, there's no bailout area - this hole rewards confident, committed swings directly at the pin rather than tentative shots that might come up short in the bunkers.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 196 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 5?

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

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 challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.

Can I practice hole 5 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Rock Creek Park Golf Course. You can play this exact par 3 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 →