Hole 6 at PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 488 yds
- Stroke index
- 1
- Hazards
- 10 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 31 yds deep × 28 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 488 yards
The plan for No. 6
The number one handicap hole at PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion) hole 6 demands respect from the opening tee shot. This 488-yard par 5 presents a deceptively challenging straight layout that has tested professionals during the Honda Classic for decades. The absence of traditional water hazards doesn't diminish the difficulty—instead, the hole's strategic complexity lies in its positioning and the premium it places on accuracy. The generous fairway invites aggressive play off the tee, but the small green complex becomes the ultimate test, requiring precise distance control on the approach shot. Smart course management and calculated risk-taking separate good scores from great ones on this quintessential championship-caliber par 5.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize setting up the ideal approach distance rather than maximum distance. A well-struck driver or strong 3-wood should leave you with a manageable second shot, but club selection depends on your comfort level reaching the green in two. If going for it in two, aim for the center-left portion of the fairway to open up the best angle to the small green. Conservative players should focus on finding the fairway with whatever club ensures solid contact, as being in play is crucial for this scoring hole. ## APPROACH This is where the hole's true challenge reveals itself. If attempting to reach in two, you'll likely face a mid to long-iron approach to a small target - a high-risk, high-reward proposition. The key is honest assessment of your abilities with longer clubs into greens. For most golfers, laying up to a comfortable wedge distance (80-100 yards) proves more profitable long-term. When laying up, avoid getting too close to the green, as short wedge shots can be tricky to control. Position your lay-up in the center of the fairway for the clearest angle to any pin position. ## ON THE GREEN The small green size means precision is paramount on your final approach. Even well-struck shots can easily roll off if not perfectly controlled. Focus on hitting the center of the green unless you're extremely confident in your distance control. Two-putt pars should be the minimum goal, with birdies coming from exceptional approach shots rather than aggressive putting. The green's small size likely means most putts will be relatively straight, but speed control becomes critical to avoid running past the putting surface. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole epitomizes the classic par 5 risk/reward decision. Going for the green in two offers birdie and eagle opportunities but risks big numbers if you miss the small target. The conservative play - driver, lay-up, wedge - provides excellent birdie chances with minimal disaster potential. Weather conditions should heavily influence your decision: into the wind or on firm conditions, laying up becomes even more attractive. The key is making this decision before you reach your ball, not getting caught up in the moment. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Always lay up on your second shot. Focus on two good shots to reach wedge distance, then attack with your most comfortable scoring club. A well-executed three-shot strategy often produces better scores than failed attempts to reach in two. Prioritize keeping the ball in play over distance. **Low Handicappers:** You have the skills to go for it in two, but choose your spots wisely. Perfect conditions with a good lie warrant the aggressive play. However, don't let pride override smart course management - even tour pros lay up when conditions or lie dictate. Your superior short game skills make the lay-up strategy extremely effective for consistent scoring. The #1 handicap rating tells you that even with no major ha
Approach & recovery
This is where the hole's true challenge reveals itself. If attempting to reach in two, you'll likely face a mid to long-iron approach to a small target - a high-risk, high-reward proposition. The key is honest assessment of your abilities with longer clubs into greens. For most golfers, laying up to a comfortable wedge distance (80-100 yards) proves more profitable long-term. When laying up, avoid getting too close to the green, as short wedge shots can be tricky to control. Position your lay-up in the center of the fairway for the clearest angle to any pin position. ## ON THE GREEN The small green size means precision is paramount on your final approach. Even well-struck shots can easily roll off if not perfectly controlled. Focus on hitting the center of the green unless you're extremely confident in your distance control. Two-putt pars should be the minimum goal, with birdies coming from exceptional approach shots rather than aggressive putting. The green's small size likely means most putts will be relatively straight, but speed control becomes critical to avoid running past the putting surface. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole epitomizes the classic par 5 risk/reward decision. Going for the green in two offers birdie and eagle opportunities but risks big numbers if you miss the small target. The conservative play - driver, lay-up, wedge - provides excellent birdie chances with minimal disaster potential. Weather conditions should heavily influence your decision: into the wind or on firm conditions, laying up becomes even more attractive. The key is making this decision before you reach your ball, not getting caught up in the moment. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Always lay up on your second shot. Focus on two good shots to reach wedge distance, then attack with your most comfortable scoring club. A well-executed three-shot strategy often produces better scores than failed attempts to reach in two. Prioritize keeping the ball in play over distance. **Low Handicappers:** You have the skills to go for it in two, but choose your spots wisely. Perfect conditions with a good lie warrant the aggressive play. However, don't let pride override smart course management - even tour pros lay up when conditions or lie dictate. Your superior short game skills make the lay-up strategy extremely effective for consistent scoring. The #1 handicap rating tells you that even with no major ha
On the green
The small green size means precision is paramount on your final approach. Even well-struck shots can easily roll off if not perfectly controlled. Focus on hitting the center of the green unless you're extremely confident in your distance control. Two-putt pars should be the minimum goal, with birdies coming from exceptional approach shots rather than aggressive putting. The green's small size likely means most putts will be relatively straight, but speed control becomes critical to avoid running past the putting surface. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole epitomizes the classic par 5 risk/reward decision. Going for the green in two offers birdie and eagle opportunities but risks big numbers if you miss the small target. The conservative play - driver, lay-up, wedge - provides excellent birdie chances with minimal disaster potential. Weather conditions should heavily influence your decision: into the wind or on firm conditions, laying up becomes even more attractive. The key is making this decision before you reach your ball, not getting caught up in the moment. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Always lay up on your second shot. Focus on two good shots to reach wedge distance, then attack with your most comfortable scoring club. A well-executed three-shot strategy often produces better scores than failed attempts to reach in two. Prioritize keeping the ball in play over distance. **Low Handicappers:** You have the skills to go for it in two, but choose your spots wisely. Perfect conditions with a good lie warrant the aggressive play. However, don't let pride override smart course management - even tour pros lay up when conditions or lie dictate. Your superior short game skills make the lay-up strategy extremely effective for consistent scoring. The #1 handicap rating tells you that even with no major ha
Watch for
- Use mapped hazard edges and the hole 6 aerial for the selected tee before committing to a line.
Hole 6 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,310 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 6 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 488 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
↓
At 488 yards, Reachable in two for longer hitters. Consider laying up short of hazards if going for it is risky.
How difficult is hole 6?
↓
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 6?
↓
Key hazards include: water at 235.8 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 6?
↓
The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 6?
↓
This hole is a reachable par 5 with eagle chances for longer hitters. Birdie is very much in play here if you can set up a good approach.