Hole 10 at Valhalla Golf Club
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 595 yds
- Hazards
- 2 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 23 yds deep × 33 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 · 595 yards
The plan for No. 10
Valhalla Golf Club hole 10 presents a formidable 595-yard par 5 that demands both power and precision from the championship tees. This straight, no-nonsense layout may lack dramatic doglegs, but its sheer length and small green complex create a genuine three-shot challenge for most golfers. The generous fairway invites an aggressive tee shot, yet the real test emerges on the approach shots, where distance control becomes paramount. Without significant hazards to navigate, the hole's defense lies in its relentless yardage and the premium it places on accurate iron play into a compact target. At this PGA Championship venue, where major championships have been decided by the smallest margins, every stroke on this lengthy par 5 carries weight in the final outcome.
Off the tee
Driver is the clear choice here for most players, as maximizing distance is crucial on this lengthy par-5. The straight layout provides a generous target line down the center of the fairway without major trouble to avoid. Focus on finding the fairway with your most reliable swing, as accuracy becomes increasingly important as you move closer to the green. Longer hitters should aim to get as close to the 300-yard mark as possible to set up a realistic chance at reaching in two.
Approach & recovery
The approach strategy depends heavily on your tee shot distance and skill level. For those within range of the green in two, the small green size demands precise club selection and committed swings - anything short or long will leave difficult recovery shots. The target line should favor the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small surface provides little margin for error. Players laying up should position their second shot in the 100-120 yard range, setting up a comfortable wedge distance for the third shot.
On the green
The small green at the 10th creates premium value for accurate approach shots and puts pressure on short game skills. Expect subtle breaks that can be difficult to read, making lag putting crucial for avoiding three-putts. When the pin is tucked to edges, play conservatively to the center of the green and rely on solid putting rather than aggressive pin-hunting. The compact surface means even slight misreads can result in lengthy comeback putts. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes with the second shot for longer players. Going for the green in two offers a legitimate eagle opportunity, but the small target and potential for difficult recovery shots around the green make this a high-stakes gamble. The reward is significant in tournament play, but the safe play of laying up and relying on a solid wedge game often produces more consistent scoring. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers:** Should consider going for the green in two when within 220 yards or less, as their precision with longer irons makes this a reasonable risk. Focus on commitment to the shot and accepting the occasional miss rather than steering the ball. **High Handicappers:** The smart play is always laying up to a comfortable wedge distance, typically around 100 yards out. This strategy eliminates big numbers and provides the best chance for par while keeping bogey as the worst-case scenario. Use the hole as a scoring opportunity through patient course management rather than aggressive play. The 10th at Valhalla rewards those who respect its length while maintaining aggressive instincts when opportunities arise - a perfect embodiment of championship golf strategy.
Watch for
- Sand 1 (greenside) influences line and recovery options.
- Sand 2 (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
- Woods (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
Hole 10 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,024 sq ft
Course and tournament history
Historical context for the course and venue. Each entry identifies the event or course it describes.
2024 · Nick Faldo
Paul Azinger led America to a comprehensive victory over Sir Nick Faldo's Team Europe at Valhalla
Source →2024 · Jack Nicklaus
The last time it hosted the PGA Championship was 2014, so not all golf fans may be familiar with it. But let’s start to change that. Valhalla, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is a stunning
Source →
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Valhalla Golf Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Valhalla Golf Club. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
Can We Make Cut @ Valhalla?! (2024 PGA Championship)
Ride along while I analyze the front nine of Valhalla for the 2024 PGA Championship
How did Hole 10 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 595 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 595 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 10?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, small green.
How big is the green on hole 10?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 10?
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This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.