Hole 5 at PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 171 yds
- Stroke index
- 17
- Hazards
- 2 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 33 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 3 · 171 yards
The plan for No. 5
The fifth hole at PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion) presents a deceptively challenging par 3 that demands precision over power. At 171 yards, this straight shot requires golfers to navigate to a small, well-protected green that rewards accuracy above all else. The compact putting surface leaves little margin for error, making club selection and wind assessment crucial factors in scoring success. Despite being ranked as the 17th handicap hole, the combination of distance and target size creates a genuine test of iron play. What makes this hole memorable is its ability to humble even accomplished players who underestimate the premium placed on finding the correct portion of the green, where subtle slopes can quickly turn a good tee shot into a challenging two-putt scenario.
Off the tee
Club selection is paramount on this hole - take one more club than you think you need and swing smoothly. The 171-yard distance typically calls for anything from a 6-iron to an 8-iron depending on conditions and your carry distances. Aim for the center of the green rather than chasing pin positions, especially when the flag is tucked. A controlled, three-quarter swing often produces better results than a full swing with a shorter iron. Pay attention to wind conditions, as they can significantly affect club selection on this length of shot. ## APPROACH Since this is a par-3, your tee shot IS your approach shot. Focus on landing the ball on the green rather than trying to get close to every pin position. The small green means there's little margin for error, so prioritize finding the putting surface. If you're between clubs, always take the longer option - short-siding yourself on a small green can lead to difficult up-and-down situations. ## ON THE GREEN With a small green, most putts will be relatively short, but don't underestimate the importance of speed control. Take time to read the green carefully, as subtle breaks can be deceiving on shorter putts. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Two-putting from anywhere on this green should be your primary goal. ## RISK VS REWARD The risk/reward calculation here is straightforward - there's minimal reward for aggressive play given the small target. The smart play is to aim for the center of the green and take your par. Chasing tucked pins or trying to stuff it close can lead to missed greens and bogeys. The hole's low handicap ranking suggests that pars are valuable here. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should focus on simply hitting the green, regardless of pin position. Take enough club to ensure you reach the putting surface, and don't worry about distance past the hole. A conservative approach will yield better scores over time. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with pin hunting, but should still respect the small green si
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par-3, your tee shot IS your approach shot. Focus on landing the ball on the green rather than trying to get close to every pin position. The small green means there's little margin for error, so prioritize finding the putting surface. If you're between clubs, always take the longer option - short-siding yourself on a small green can lead to difficult up-and-down situations. ## ON THE GREEN With a small green, most putts will be relatively short, but don't underestimate the importance of speed control. Take time to read the green carefully, as subtle breaks can be deceiving on shorter putts. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Two-putting from anywhere on this green should be your primary goal. ## RISK VS REWARD The risk/reward calculation here is straightforward - there's minimal reward for aggressive play given the small target. The smart play is to aim for the center of the green and take your par. Chasing tucked pins or trying to stuff it close can lead to missed greens and bogeys. The hole's low handicap ranking suggests that pars are valuable here. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should focus on simply hitting the green, regardless of pin position. Take enough club to ensure you reach the putting surface, and don't worry about distance past the hole. A conservative approach will yield better scores over time. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with pin hunting, but should still respect the small green si
On the green
With a small green, most putts will be relatively short, but don't underestimate the importance of speed control. Take time to read the green carefully, as subtle breaks can be deceiving on shorter putts. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Two-putting from anywhere on this green should be your primary goal. ## RISK VS REWARD The risk/reward calculation here is straightforward - there's minimal reward for aggressive play given the small target. The smart play is to aim for the center of the green and take your par. Chasing tucked pins or trying to stuff it close can lead to missed greens and bogeys. The hole's low handicap ranking suggests that pars are valuable here. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should focus on simply hitting the green, regardless of pin position. Take enough club to ensure you reach the putting surface, and don't worry about distance past the hole. A conservative approach will yield better scores over time. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with pin hunting, but should still respect the small green si
Watch for
- Use mapped hazard edges and the hole 5 aerial for the selected tee before committing to a line.
Hole 5 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,069 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion) — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Cognizant Classic highlights
Cognizant Classic | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion). · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
Has the PGA Tour wrecked PGA National? & FBF to Steve Pate's win in Palm Beach | The Shotgun Start
TGL's future & Todd Watch returns at PGA National for Cognizant Classic | The Shotgun Start
PGA National - Hole 5 - 238 yard par 3
How did Hole 5 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 171 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 171 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 5?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 5?
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Key hazards include: water at 88.8 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 5?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 5?
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This hole is a solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.