Hole 16 at Waialae Country Club

Par 3 • 167 Yards • Honolulu, Hawaii

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Challenging

The 16th hole at Waialae Country Club is one of golf's most recognizable par 3s, famous for the iconic "W" formed by four coconut trees behind the green that has become synonymous with the Sony Open in Hawaii. This picturesque hole, inspired by the Hollywood movie "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," serves as a stunning backdrop on the PGA Tour's only Seth Raynor design.

Tees:

167y154y117y

Green:38y × 28y

5 BunkersWater dogleg

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Waialae Country Club

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 167 yds
Green: 6076 sq ft
Bunkers: 5
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 135
Course Rating: 75.1

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 167-yard par 3 demands precision club selection and accurate distance control. With no fairway width measurements (as this is a par 3 going directly to green), focus entirely on hitting the green in regulation.

green

Target the center of this generous 6,076 square foot green measuring 38 yards wide by 28 yards deep. The large putting surface gives you room for error, but pin position will dictate your strategy for birdie opportunities.

hazard warning

Navigate carefully around three strategically placed bunkers at 176.3, 165.7, and 150.5 yards from the tee. The bunker at 165.7 yards is particularly dangerous as it sits right in your target zone for this 167-yard hole.

approach

With bunkers positioned at 176.3 and 150.5 yards, you have a narrow 15-yard corridor of safety. Carry the front bunker at 150.5 yards but don't overcook it past the back bunker at 176.3 yards - precision is key.

green

The famous 'W' formation of coconut trees behind the 16th green (inspired by 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World') serves as both a landmark and potential distraction. Use it for alignment but don't let this iconic Sony Open feature affect your focus on the 28-yard deep green.

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 167 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 16?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?

Key hazards include: 5 greenside bunkers; water at 109.5 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 16?

The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.

What's a good score on hole 16?

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.

Can I practice hole 16 on a golf simulator at home?

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