Hole 5 at Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 395 yds
- Stroke index
- 3
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 36 yds deep × 25 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 · 395 yards
The plan for No. 5
This classic Tillinghast par 4 demands both precision and course management skills, with recent fairway bunker additions creating additional strategic complexity. The combination of a straight layout and small green puts a premium on accurate approach shots and smart club selection throughout.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy centers on avoiding the newly installed fairway bunkers while positioning yourself for the best approach angle. The straight layout might suggest a driver is automatic, but course management often favors a more conservative approach. Consider a 3-wood or long iron if you're prone to wayward drives, as accuracy takes precedence over distance here. Target the center-left portion of the fairway to give yourself the best angle into the small green. The fairway bunkers likely guard the prime landing area, so study their positioning carefully during your pre-round preparation. A well-placed tee shot from this premium landing zone will leave you with a mid-iron approach rather than forcing a longer club from an awkward angle.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot to this small green demands precision and proper club selection. With the green's compact size offering little margin for error, commit fully to your yardage and account for any elevation changes or wind conditions. The small target means you can't rely on a green-catching bounce – your ball needs to land softly and stick. Focus on the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small surface makes aggressive pin-hunting a risky proposition. A mid-iron to short-iron from the ideal fairway position should provide the trajectory and spin needed to hold this green. Take one extra club if you're between distances, as coming up short often leads to difficult recovery shots.
On the green
While specific green contours aren't detailed, small greens at championship venues typically feature subtle but significant slopes that can fool the unwary. Spend time during your practice round reading the green from multiple angles, as these compact surfaces often have deceptive breaks that become apparent only under tournament pressure. Lag putting becomes crucial on small greens where three-putts can quickly derail a good round. Focus on getting your first putt within a three-foot radius of the hole rather than being overly aggressive. The premium on accuracy extends to your putting stroke – commit to your read and make a confident stroke.
Watch for
- The recent addition of fairway bunkers has elevated the strategic demands, requiring golfers to think carefully about tee shot positioning to set up the optimal approach angle to the small green.
- Your tee shot strategy centers on avoiding the newly installed fairway bunkers while positioning yourself for the best approach angle.
- The fairway bunkers likely guard the prime landing area, so study their positioning carefully during your pre-round preparation.
Hole 5 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,719 sq ft
Course and tournament history
Historical context for the course and venue. Each entry identifies the event or course it describes.
1995 · Tiger Woods
From the red tees, the course measures 5,539 yards (5,065 m) and is par 73. In its listing of the "Top 100 Courses in the U.S.", GOLF Magazine selected the Lower Course as 22nd in 1995, 1997
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How did Hole 5 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 395 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 395-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 good scoring opportunity 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. 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 medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.