Hole 5 at TPC Sawgrass (Dye Valley)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 154 yds
- Stroke index
- 1
- Hazards
- 2 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 40 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 · 154 yards
The plan for No. 5
The #1 handicap hole at TPC at Sawgrass, this deceptively challenging par 3 plays 154 yards to a small, well-protected green that demands precision over power. While appearing straightforward from the tee, this hole's difficulty lies in its unforgiving nature - any missed approach shot leaves golfers scrambling to save par. The compact green complex requires pinpoint accuracy with a mid-iron, typically a 7 or 8-iron for most players, but club selection becomes critical based on pin position and wind conditions common to this coastal Florida layout. What makes TPC at Sawgrass hole 5 particularly treacherous is how the small target punishes even slightly off-line shots, explaining why it ranks as the most difficult hole on Pete Dye's masterpiece and serves as an early test of nerves during tournament play.
Off the tee
Club selection is the foundation of success here. With the hole playing 154 yards, most players will be looking at anything from a 7-iron to a pitching wedge depending on conditions and pin position. The key is choosing a club that allows you to swing smoothly and confidently rather than forcing a shot. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position - the small target makes this a percentage play every time. Focus on a smooth tempo and solid contact rather than trying to attack specific pin positions.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach shot. The strategy revolves around accepting that the center of the green is always the correct target. Even when the pin is tucked to one side, the small green size means that a shot to the center still leaves a very manageable putt. Pay careful attention to wind conditions, as they can significantly affect club selection on this shorter hole. A slight breeze can easily turn a perfect 8-iron into a long or short miss.
On the green
The small green likely features subtle breaks that become magnified due to the tight confines. Focus on speed control above all else - with limited green space, pace becomes more critical than line on most putts. Three-putts can quickly turn a routine par into a frustrating bogey or worse. Take time to read the green carefully, as the premium on accuracy extends to your putting stroke. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers little in terms of traditional risk/reward scenarios. The reward comes from playing smart, conservative golf rather than taking aggressive lines. The biggest risk is getting too aggressive with pin position, which can lead to missed greens and difficult up-and-downs. The reward for playing to the center of the green is a stress-free par and the occasional birdie putt. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus entirely on finding the green with your most reliable short iron. Don't worry about pin position - just get the ball on the putting surface. Consider taking one extra club to ensure you clear any front trouble and give yourself the best chance at two-putting for par. **Low-Handicap Players:** While you may be tempted to attack pins, respect the #1 handicap rating. This hole rewards patience and precision over aggression. You can be slightly more aggressive with center-left or center-right pins, but avoid the temptation to get too cute with extreme pin positions. Your superior short game skills give you the confidence to play conservatively and still make birdies through quality putting. The key to mastering this hole lies in understanding that sometimes the most aggressive play is the most conservative one - hitting it to the fat part of the green and trusting your putting to do the rest.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 5 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,003 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about TPC Sawgrass (Dye Valley) — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
The Players Championship highlights
THE PLAYERS Championship | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured TPC Sawgrass (Dye Valley). · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
Can We Make Major Cut @ TPC Sawgrass? (Players Edition)
Charlie Woods Mic'd Up 9-Hole Practice Round at TPC Sawgrass
Grant Horvat Vs Garrett Clark @ TPC Sawgrass
The Major Cut @ TPC Sawgrass (Players Edition)
All Pro Tournament @ TPC Sawgrass
The Bob Does Sports Major At TPC Sawgrass
How did Hole 5 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 154 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 154 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 a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 5?
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Key hazards include: water at 119.1 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 5?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
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.