Hole 5 at Muirfield Village Golf Club
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 547 yds
- Stroke index
- 1
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 29 yds deep × 16 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 547 yards
The plan for No. 5
The number one handicap hole at Muirfield Village Golf Club hole 5 demands respect from the opening tee shot on this challenging 547-yard par 5. Jack Nicklaus designed this straight-away test to reward precision over power, with the Golden Bear's strategic vision evident in every aspect of the layout. The generous fairway invites aggressive drives, but the real challenge emerges on the approach shots to a small, well-protected green complex. This hole exemplifies the course's reputation as a thinking player's paradise, where Memorial Tournament professionals have battled for decades. With minimal hazards cluttering the landscape, success depends purely on execution and course management. The compact green demands pinpoint accuracy on long approaches, making three-putt bogeys a constant threat and separating contenders from pretenders in tournament play.
Off the tee
The opening shot sets the tone for the entire hole. Focus on finding the fairway with your most reliable club, even if that means sacrificing distance. A 3-wood or hybrid off the tee often proves more valuable than a driver that finds trouble. The target line should favor the center of the fairway, giving yourself the widest possible landing area and the best angle for your second shot. Key considerations include wind direction and pin position - both will influence your ideal positioning. Even though no major hazards are listed, the tight nature of this Nicklaus design means rough and strategic bunkering likely frame the landing zone.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot strategy depends heavily on your tee shot success. Most players will face a decision between laying up to an ideal wedge distance or attempting to reach the green in two. Given the small green size, the conservative play often proves wise - positioning your ball around 100-120 yards from the pin creates the best scoring opportunity. If you do choose to go for the green, ensure you have a clean lie and favorable conditions. The approach angle becomes critical with such a small target, so consider how your second shot position affects your angle into the green.
On the green
The small green demands precise putting and careful speed control. Nicklaus greens typically feature subtle breaks that can fool even experienced players. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being aggressive with longer putts - three-putting from long range can quickly turn a good hole into a disappointing one. Pay attention to the slope around the green, as short-sided positions become extremely difficult with limited green to work with. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole presents a classic risk/reward scenario, but the small green tilts the equation toward conservative play. The reward for reaching in two is significant - a potential eagle or easy birdie - but the penalty for missing the small target can be severe. Consider your current round situation: if you need to make up ground, the aggressive play might be worth it, but if you're playing well, protecting your score takes priority. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus entirely on three solid shots to reach the green. Use your most reliable clubs off the tee and for your layup, prioritizing accuracy over distance. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, and be satisfied with a two-putt par. **Low Handicappers:** You have more options to work with. Consider going for the green in two when conditions favor it, but don't force the shot if you're not in ideal position. Your short game skills give you more recovery options, but respect the small green size even with wedges in hand. **Course Management Tips:** Track your performance on this hole over multiple rounds. Many players consistently struggle here by being too aggressive - sometimes the smart play is accepting that this is a par hole and moving on to easier scoring opportunities elsewhere on the course. Remember, at "Jack's Place," patience and precision typically triumph over power and aggression, especially on the #1 handicap hole where one mistake can derail an otherwise solid round.
Hole 5 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 2,665 sq ft
Course and tournament history
Historical context for the course and venue. Each entry identifies the event or course it describes.
1974 · Jack Nicklaus
Since its opening in 1974, Jack Nicklaus has remodeled every hole at Muirfield Village, some more than once, using play at the PGA Tour’s annual Memorial Tournament for some guidance. The renovation i
Source →1966 · Jack Nicklaus
Founded by Jack Nicklaus, it is named after Muirfield, Scotland, where he won the first of his three Open titles in 1966 to complete the first of
Source →2013 · Jack Nicklaus
(2013) Muirfield Village was the brainchild of Jack Nicklaus, earning its nickname of "Jack's Place"
Source →
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Muirfield Village Golf Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
The Memorial Tournament highlights
the Memorial Tournament | Final Round Highlights
2025
How did Hole 5 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 547 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 547 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 5?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 5?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.