Hole 9 at Seminole Golf Club

Par 5 • 494 Yards • North Palm Beach, Florida

Enhanced Content

Moderate

The closing hole of Seminole Golf Club's front nine presents a strategic par 5 at 494 yards that epitomizes the understated elegance of this legendary North Palm Beach layout. Donald Ross's design philosophy shines through this deceptively straightforward hole, where the absence of obvious hazards masks subtle challenges that have tested champions since 1929. The straight layout invites aggressive play, but the small green demands precision on the approach, rewarding those who can thread the needle with their second or third shot. Ben Hogan famously honed his skills on these fairways, and this hole exemplifies why Seminole remains a pilgrimage site for golf purists seeking authentic strategic design.

Tees:

494y479y455y428y

Green:26y × 24y

Fairway @250y:12y wide

9 BunkersWaterright dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 494 yds
Green: 3360 sq ft
Bunkers: 9
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 143
Course Rating: 73.6

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

With the fairway measuring just 12 yards wide at both the 200 and 250-yard marks, accuracy is paramount off the tee. Consider hitting a controlled 3-wood or hybrid to stay in the short grass rather than risking driver into the narrow landing area.

hazard warning

Bunkers positioned at 212 yards create a strategic decision point - they're perfectly placed to catch aggressive tee shots. Plan your club selection to either lay up short of these hazards or carry them completely with a well-struck driver.

approach

At 494 yards, this par-5 is reachable in two for longer hitters, but the risk-reward calculation changes dramatically with the narrow fairway. Most players should plan a conservative two-shot strategy to set up a manageable wedge into the green.

green

The relatively compact green at 3,360 square feet (26x24 yards) demands precise approach shots. With limited green surface area, focus on hitting to the center of the green rather than attacking pins, especially on longer approach shots.

tee shot

The consistent 12-yard fairway width from 200 to 250 yards means there's no advantage to bombing driver - the landing area doesn't open up downrange. Prioritize finding the fairway with a controlled shot to set up your second shot strategy.

train this shot at home

This 494-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 494 yards, Reachable in two for longer hitters. Consider laying up short of hazards if going for it is risky.

How difficult is hole 9?

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 9?

Key hazards include: water at 327.2 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 9?

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

What's a good score on hole 9?

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.

Can I practice hole 9 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Seminole Golf Club. 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 →