Hole 5 at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Par 3 • 185 Yards • Kiawah Island, South Carolina

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Tough

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island hole 5 presents a deceptively challenging 185-yard par 3 that embodies the course's reputation for precision golf. This mid-length one-shotter demands accurate club selection as ocean breezes can dramatically affect ball flight along Kiawah's exposed coastline. The small green requires pinpoint accuracy, leaving little margin for error on approach shots that drift offline. Without significant hazards protecting the putting surface, golfers might assume this hole offers respite, but the compact target and unpredictable coastal winds create their own formidable challenge. Success here depends entirely on committed tee shots and reading the ever-changing wind conditions that make The Ocean Course a true test of championship golf.

Tees:

185y177y171y117y

Green:23y × 60y

3 Bunkers dogleg

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The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 185 yds
Green: 8209 sq ft
Bunkers: 3
Course Slope: 139
Course Rating: 73.4

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Recommended Gear

Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Club selection is critical on this 185-yard par 3 - take one extra club to ensure you clear any front hazards and reach the putting surface with confidence.

green

Target the center of this generous 8,209 square foot green rather than attacking pins - the large putting surface gives you room for error and better two-putt opportunities.

hazard warning

Be aware of bunkers positioned 115.6 yards from the tee - while short of the green, these hazards can catch mishit shots and create difficult recovery situations.

approach

With the green measuring 22 yards wide by 60 yards deep, favor the front portion of the green on your approach to avoid long putts on what could be a significantly sloped putting surface.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 185 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 5?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: large green requiring good lag putting.

How big is the green on hole 5?

The green is large and can play quite long. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.

What's a good score on hole 5?

This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.

Can I practice hole 5 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 3 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 →