Hole 5 at TPC at Deere Run
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 433 yds
- Stroke index
- 5
- Hazards
- 5 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 29 yds deep × 39 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 433 yards
The plan for No. 5
TPC at Deere Run hole 5 stands as one of the most demanding par 4s on this storied Illinois layout, stretching 433 yards through the heart of the course's challenging middle section. This straight, no-nonsense test rewards precision over power, with the tee shot requiring careful placement to set up the crucial approach. The hole's deceptively simple appearance masks its true difficulty, as the small green complex demands pinpoint accuracy on the second shot. Without significant hazards to distract, golfers must focus purely on execution and course management. The compact putting surface leaves little margin for error, making this the fifth-handicap hole a true separator where only well-struck shots find their target and scoring opportunities remain elusive for the wayward.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize finding the center of the fairway to avoid the tree trouble that can complicate your approach. A well-struck driver or strong 3-wood will leave you in the ideal position, roughly 150-170 yards from the green. The key is avoiding the trees that line both sides of the hole - accuracy trumps pure distance here. Aim for the widest part of the landing area and resist the temptation to cut corners, as even slight misses can leave you blocked out or facing difficult recovery shots.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole truly shows its teeth. With trees framing your line to the green, club selection becomes critical. A mid-iron to long-iron will typically be required, depending on your tee shot position and pin location. The small green size means there's little margin for error - focus on hitting the center of the green rather than chasing pins. Pay attention to wind conditions, as the tree-lined corridor can create swirling winds that affect ball flight. A smooth, controlled swing will serve you better than trying to overpower the shot.
On the green
The small green demands precise putting and careful green reading. With limited surface area, approach shots that find the putting surface often leave reasonable birdie opportunities. Study the subtle breaks carefully, as even minor slopes can significantly affect ball roll on a compact green. Lag putting becomes crucial when facing longer putts, as three-putts can quickly turn a good hole into a disappointing bogey. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a clear risk/reward proposition: aggressive players who can thread their tee shots down the center of the fairway will have shorter irons into the green, creating genuine birdie chances. However, the penalty for missing the fairway is severe, often leading to bogey or worse. The smart play is to prioritize position over pure distance, setting up a manageable approach shot rather than gambling with driver placement. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus on keeping the ball in play off the tee, even if it means using a 3-wood or hybrid for better control. Aim for the center of the green on your approach, accepting par as a good score on this challenging hole. Course management is key - avoid the trees at all costs. **Low-Handicap Players:** You can be more aggressive with driver off the tee, but maintain precision in your target line. Look to attack pin positions only when your tee shot finds the prime landing area. This hole rewards confident, committed swings - indecision often leads to poor results. The 5th hole exemplifies the strategic golf that TPC Deere Run is known for, demanding both power and precision to score well. Respect the challenge, execute your game plan, and you'll find yourself well-positioned for the holes ahead.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 5 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,272 sq ft
How did Hole 5 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 433 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 433-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 5?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered.
How big is the green on hole 5?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. 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 demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.