Hole 16 at Minnehaha Country Club

Par 5 • 551 Yards • Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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Challenging

Minnehaha Country Club hole 16 stands as the course's toughest test, a bruising par 5 that bends left and demands three well-executed shots to conquer. At 551.0 yards, the dogleg left forces golfers to reconsider the classic bomb-and-gouge approach—cutting the corner brings risk, while a conservative tee shot leaves a long road home. The green complex is guarded by a trio of sand hazards positioned to punish any approach that drifts off line, squeezing the target and demanding precision on the third shot. Earning its number two handicap ranking, this hole rewards disciplined course management over raw power, making club selection and shot shape the true keys to posting a good score here.

Tees:

551y

Green:29y × 30y

Fairway @250y:36y wide

5 BunkersWaterleft dogleg

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Minnehaha Country Club

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PGA Tour Venue

Sanford International

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 551 yds
Green: 4711 sq ft
Bunkers: 5
Water: Yes

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Recommended Gear

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

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

With the fairway measuring 35 yards wide at 200 yards, favor a controlled tee shot that positions you in the fat part of the landing zone rather than swinging for maximum distance.

tee shot

The fairway widens slightly to 36 yards at 250, giving longer hitters a bit more margin if attempting to reach the second landing area on this 551-yard par 5.

hazard warning

A cluster of three bunkers guards the approach at 482.7, 520.6, and 544.8 yards—players laying up should target a distance short of 480 yards to avoid this trio entirely.

approach

Because the bunker at 544.8 yards sits just short of the green, third-shot approaches should carry at least this distance to clear sand and hold the putting surface safely.

green

This is a small green at 4,710 sq ft (29 x 30 yards), so precision on the approach is critical—short-siding yourself here leaves little room for error given the tight dimensions.

train this shot at home

This 551-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 551 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, heavily bunkered.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?

Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers; water at 441.1 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 watch hole 16 at the Sanford International in person?

Yes — the Sanford International at Minnehaha Country Club is one of the PGA Tour's most-attended events, drawing over 200,000 spectators across the week. Hole 16 is a popular viewing spot. StubHub typically lists single-day grounds passes starting around $75–$150, with premium grandstand and hospitality options available for serious fans. Prices tend to climb as the tournament approaches, so buying early often saves 30–40%. Buy Sanford International tickets on StubHub →

Can I practice hole 16 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Minnehaha Country Club. 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 →