Hole 6 at Valhalla Golf Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 495 yds
- Hazards
- 1 bunker · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 38 yds deep × 28 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 · 495 yards
The plan for No. 6
The sixth hole at Valhalla Golf Club stands as one of the course's most demanding driving tests, stretching 495 yards and earning recognition among the toughest tee shots at this PGA Championship venue. This straight par 4 presents a deceptively challenging proposition where accuracy off the tee becomes paramount for setting up a manageable approach to the small green complex. The hole's reputation for punishing wayward drives is well-earned, as even tour professionals have struggled to find the optimal landing area from the elevated tee box. With no room for error on the approach shot, golfers must commit fully to their club selection and execution. This unforgiving layout exemplifies Valhalla's championship pedigree, demanding both power and precision to secure par on one of the course's signature holes.
Off the tee
The tee shot is the defining moment on this hole and requires careful planning. With nearly 500 yards to work with, driver is typically the right choice for most players, but accuracy cannot be sacrificed for distance. Focus on finding the center of the fairway with your most reliable swing, as even slight misses can leave challenging angles or lies for the approach. The key is committing to a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to overpower the hole. A well-struck drive in the fairway will leave a mid-iron to long-iron approach, while an errant tee shot can quickly turn this into a bogey or worse. Pay attention to wind conditions, as they can significantly affect club selection and target line on this exposed hole.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot to the small green demands precision and smart target selection. With the green's compact size, club selection becomes critical - it's better to be in the center of the green than short-sided with a difficult chip. Depending on your tee shot, you'll likely face a mid-iron to long-iron approach. Focus on the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small target leaves little margin for error. Take one extra club if you're between selections, as being long is generally preferable to coming up short on this challenging hole.
On the green
The small green requires careful speed control and precise line reading. With limited real estate, lag putting becomes essential - focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with longer putts. Study the subtle breaks carefully, as the compact surface can create deceptive slopes. Pin position will significantly affect your putting strategy, but remember that two-putting from anywhere on this green is a victory given the hole's difficulty. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, instead demanding consistent execution. The primary decision point comes with tee shot club selection - while driver offers the best chance for a shorter approach, a well-struck 3-wood or driving iron might provide better accuracy for players struggling with driver consistency. The approach shot is purely about precision rather than taking risks. The small green target makes aggressive pin-hunting a dangerous proposition, especially when the pin is tucked in a corner. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicap Players:** Focus on finding the fairway with driver and attacking the center of the green with confidence. Your length advantage allows for shorter irons, but don't let this breed complacency - the small green still demands respect. **Mid Handicap Players:** Consider a more conservative tee shot strategy if driver accuracy is inconsistent. A 3-wood or hybrid that finds the fairway leaves a longer approach but from a better angle and lie. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position. **High Handicap Players:** This hole rewards patience and smart course management. Use your most reliable tee shot club, even if it means a longer approach. The small green makes precision more important than power, so focus on solid contact and center-green targets. Accept that par here is an excellent score and don't let the stroke index intimidate your strategy. Remember, this hole has earned its reputation as one of Valhalla's toughest challenges. Respect the difficulty, play within your abilities, and focus on avoiding big numbers rather than forcing birdies.
Watch for
- Sand (greenside) influences line and recovery options.
- Water (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
- Woods 1 (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
- Woods 2 (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
- Woods 3 (crossing) influences line and recovery options.
Hole 6 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,500 sq ft
Course and tournament history
Historical context for the course and venue. Each entry identifies the event or course it describes.
2024 · Tom Watson
Par 4 | 351 Yards 2014 average: 3.952 (13) It may be the shortest two-shotter on the course, but this signature hole was still responsible for the most triple bogeys in 2014. A cluster of six bunkers
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 6 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 495 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 495-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 6?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, water in play.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 6?
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Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker; water at 323.9 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 6?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 6?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.