Hole 16 at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Par 5 • 555 Yards • Kiawah Island, South Carolina

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Challenging

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island hole 16 presents a demanding 555-yard par 5 that epitomizes Pete Dye's strategic design philosophy along South Carolina's windswept coastline. This straight-away hole may appear deceptively simple without major hazards, but the Atlantic winds and small target green create a formidable challenge that has tested PGA professionals and resort guests alike. The generous fairway invites aggressive tee shots, yet the compact green demands precise approach play, particularly when ocean breezes swirl unpredictably. Strategic positioning becomes paramount on this closing stretch hole, where course management trumps raw power. Smart players will favor accuracy over distance, setting up manageable approach angles to successfully navigate this memorable seaside test.

Tees:

555y540y491y447y

Green:26y × 30y

Fairway @250y:24y wide

3 BunkersWaterleft dogleg

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The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 555 yds
Green: 3700 sq ft
Bunkers: 3
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 139
Course Rating: 73.4

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Focus on accuracy over distance on your tee shot, as the fairway maintains a consistent 24 yards width at both the 200 and 250-yard marks. Position your drive in the center of the fairway to set up the best angle for your second shot on this 555-yard par 5.

approach

Be aware of bunkers positioned at 373.8 yards from the tee when planning your second shot. If you hit a 250-yard drive, you'll have approximately 124 yards to clear these hazards, making club selection critical for your layup or aggressive approach.

green

The green measures 26 yards by 30 yards with 3,700 square feet of putting surface, providing a reasonably large target. This size allows for aggressive approaches if you're in good position, but precision is still important for optimal birdie opportunities.

hazard warning

With bunkers at 373.8 yards and the hole measuring 555 yards total, you have 181.2 yards from the bunkers to the pin. Plan your strategy around whether to lay up short of the bunkers or carry them for a shorter approach to the green.

approach

Consider the risk-reward of going for this par 5 in two shots. With the green's dimensions of 26x30 yards, it's large enough to target with a long iron or hybrid, but the bunkers at 373.8 yards make position and club selection crucial for success.

train this shot at home

This 555-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 555 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.

How difficult is hole 16?

This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, water in play, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?

Key hazards include: water at 95.5 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 16?

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

What's a good score on hole 16?

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 16 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. 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 →