Hole 9 at National Golf Links of America

Par 5540 Yards • Southampton, New York

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Challenging

The 9th hole at National Golf Links of America continues C.B. Macdonald's tradition of adapting classic British links designs to the American landscape. This par-5 presents a strategic test that demands careful course management and precise execution. Like its legendary neighbors, it challenges golfers to think their way around the hole rather than simply overpower it.

Tees:
540y532y
Green:34y × 43y
Fairway @250y:80y wide
14 BunkersWater dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par
5
Yardage
540 yds
Green
9132 sq ft
Bunkers
14
Water
Yes
Course Slope
141
Course Rating
74.3

Recommended Gear

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

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

On this 540-yard par 5, prioritize accuracy over distance from the tee. The fairway maintains a generous 80 yards of width at both the 200 and 250-yard marks, giving you plenty of room to find the short grass and set up your approach strategy.

approach

With bunkers positioned at 163.4 yards from the green, your second shot placement is crucial. Longer hitters attempting to reach in two must carry these hazards, while shorter hitters should lay up to avoid them and leave a comfortable wedge distance.

approach

At 540 yards total length, this hole offers a legitimate birdie opportunity for players who can execute two solid shots. Consider your second shot carefully - aggressive players can attack the green in two, while conservative players should position for an easy third shot.

green

The expansive green measures 9,132 square feet (34 x 43 yards), providing a large target for approach shots but requiring careful attention to pin position. With such a substantial putting surface, focus on getting your approach to the correct tier rather than attacking every pin.

train this shot at home

This 540-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 540 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.

How difficult is hole 9?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, large green requiring good lag putting.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 9?

Key hazards include: water at 120.2 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 9?

The green is large and can play quite long. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.

What's a good score on hole 9?

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 9 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for National Golf Links of America. 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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