Hole 5 at Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

Par 3 • 212 Yards • Bethesda, Maryland

Enhanced Content

Brutal

The 5th hole at Congressional's Gold Course holds special significance in tournament history, having been strategically inserted into major championship routings during the 1964 U.S. Open and 1976 PGA Championship. This demanding par-3 test has challenged the world's best players on golf's biggest stages, earning its reputation as a true championship hole.

Tees:

212y190y172y145y138y

Green:26y × 22y

2 Bunkers dogleg

Loading map...

Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Play This Course at Home

Practice Congressional Country Club (Gold Course) Year-Round

Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.

Browse Launch Monitors & Simulators

Amazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 212 yds
Green: 2963 sq ft
Bunkers: 2
Course Slope: 134
Course Rating: 73.2

Navigate

Back to Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)View Full Scorecard

Recommended Gear

A hybrid or long iron makes this long par 3 far more manageable off the tee.

Shop Hybrids →

Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 212-yard par 3 demands precision over power. Club selection is critical - most players will need a mid to long iron or hybrid to reach the pin, depending on conditions and pin position.

hazard warning

Two strategically placed bunkers guard the approach at 187.5 and 196.9 yards from the tee. These sand traps are positioned to catch slightly mishit shots, so commit fully to your club selection and swing.

green

The compact 2,963 square foot green (26 yards by 22 yards) requires accurate distance control. Miss long or short and you'll face a challenging recovery shot to this relatively small target.

approach

With no fairway landing area available, this is a direct shot to the green. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to overpower the shot - accuracy trumps distance on this hole.

green

Given the green's 26-yard width, aim for the center of the putting surface unless the pin is tucked. The relatively narrow green dimensions leave little margin for error on approach shots.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your long iron or hybrid. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

See launch monitors & simulators

Scoring Tip

On long par 3s, hitting the green is a win — don't be afraid to take one extra club and aim center.

Play Congressional Country Club (Gold Course) from Your Living Room

Launch monitors and simulators now include real course data. Practice your strategy on every hole before your round — or just for fun.

Compare Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 212 yards, most golfers will need a fairway wood or hybrid to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 5?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 5?

Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 5?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 5?

This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.

Can I practice hole 5 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Congressional Country Club (Gold Course). 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 →