Hole 5 at Forest Dunes Golf Club

Par 5602 Yards • Roscommon, Michigan

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Tough

The 5th hole at Forest Dunes showcases Tom Doak's innovative reversible design concept, where this demanding par 5 plays dramatically different depending on which direction you're experiencing The Loop. This strategic test epitomizes the unique dual-routing philosophy that makes Forest Dunes one of golf's most distinctive experiences.

Tees:
602y567y518y450y
Green:26y × 37y
5 Bunkers dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par
5
Yardage
602 yds
Green
4738 sq ft
Bunkers
5
Course Slope
142
Course Rating
74.8

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A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This is Forest Dunes' signature 'Decision' hole with dual fairways - choose between the perilously skinny 439-yard right fairway or the more generous 479-yard left dogleg. The metrics show no fairway width at standard distances because you must commit to one route or the other, separated by dunes and deep sand pits.

tee shot

At 602 yards total, this par-5 demands strategic thinking from the tee. The right fairway offers a shorter route but requires precision, while the left fairway adds 40 yards but provides more room for error. Consider your driving accuracy when making the decision.

hazard warning

Multiple bunkers guard both fairway options and the approach area. The separation between fairways consists of dunes and deep sand pits that will severely penalize any tee shot that doesn't commit fully to one route or the other.

approach

The green measures 26 by 37 yards, providing a substantial target for your approach shot. However, your angle and distance will vary dramatically depending on which fairway route you chose from the tee, making club selection and approach strategy completely different for each path.

green

With 4,738 square feet of putting surface, the green offers reasonable size for approach shots, but your success depends entirely on executing your chosen tee shot strategy. The dual-fairway design means pin position and green reading will look completely different depending on your approach angle.

train this shot at home

This 602-yard par 5 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Scoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

At 602 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.

How difficult is hole 5?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, heavily bunkered.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 5?

Key hazards include: fairway bunkers at 1866950.2-1867151.6 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 5?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 5?

Aim for the left side of the fairway when possible. Missing right brings more trouble into play.

What's a good score on hole 5?

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.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Forest Dunes Golf Club. You can play this exact par 5 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

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