Hole 11 at Colonial Country Club
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 611 yds
- Stroke index
- 8
- Hazards
- 7 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 29 yds deep × 25 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 · 611 yards
The plan for No. 11
The 11th hole at Colonial Country Club stands as a formidable test of length and precision on the legendary "Hogan's Alley" back nine. This straightaway par 5 stretches 611 yards, demanding three well-executed shots to reach the small, challenging green complex. A troublesome creek lurks along the entire right side, creating constant mental pressure from tee to green and punishing any wayward shots. The generous fairway invites aggressive tee shots, but players must carefully navigate their approach strategy knowing the compact green offers little margin for error. As the lone par 5 on Colonial's acclaimed back nine, this hole provides a crucial scoring opportunity for those who can execute under pressure, embodying the strategic brilliance that has tested champions from Ben Hogan to today's PGA Tour stars.
Off the tee
Your opening shot should prioritize the left side of the fairway to create maximum distance from the creek. Aim for the left-center portion of the landing zone, which typically sits around the 250-yard mark for most players. A driver is often the right choice here if you can control your ball flight, but players prone to slicing should consider a 3-wood or hybrid to ensure they stay left of center. The key is finding a balance between distance and safety - you want to advance the ball as far as possible while maintaining a comfortable margin from the water hazard. ## APPROACH Your second shot strategy depends heavily on your tee shot success and personal capabilities. Longer hitters who've positioned themselves well may have a decision about going for the green in two, but the small green size and creek proximity make this a high-risk proposition. Most players should focus on advancing the ball to an ideal wedge distance - typically laying up to around 100-120 yards from the green. Keep your layup shot left of center to maintain the best angle into the small green and avoid any creek influence on your short iron approach. ## ON THE GREEN The small green at the 11th demands precision with your approach shot and careful attention to speed control on putts. With limited real estate to work with, pin position becomes crucial - back pins require extra caution to avoid running through the green, while front pins may tempt you to be more aggressive. Focus on hitting your approach to the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small surface makes getting close to any pin location a victory. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk-reward decision comes on the second shot for longer players. Going for the green in two offers a legitimate eagle opportunity, but the combination of distance required and the creek's presence makes this a low-percentage play for most golfers. The smarter play involves a conservative layup that sets up a comfortable wedge shot - this approach typically yields more birdies over time than the aggressive line. The creek's influence throughout the hole means that right-side misses can be catastrophic, making left-side strategy essential. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should embrace a three-shot strategy from the start. Use a 3-wood or hybrid off the tee for accuracy, advance the ball safely with your second shot while staying left, and focus on hitting the green with your third shot rather than attacking pins. Par is an excellent score here. **Low-handicap players** have more options but should still respect the creek. Stronger players might attempt to reach in two when conditions favor it, but should have a clear bailout plan. These players can be more aggressive with pin hunting on their approach shots, but only after ensuring they've avoided the water hazard throughout the hole. The 11th at Colonial exemplifies the course management principles that made champions like Ben Hogan so successful here - patience, precision, and smart target selection trump pure aggression on this demanding par 5.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot strategy depends heavily on your tee shot success and personal capabilities. Longer hitters who've positioned themselves well may have a decision about going for the green in two, but the small green size and creek proximity make this a high-risk proposition. Most players should focus on advancing the ball to an ideal wedge distance - typically laying up to around 100-120 yards from the green. Keep your layup shot left of center to maintain the best angle into the small green and avoid any creek influence on your short iron approach. ## ON THE GREEN The small green at the 11th demands precision with your approach shot and careful attention to speed control on putts. With limited real estate to work with, pin position becomes crucial - back pins require extra caution to avoid running through the green, while front pins may tempt you to be more aggressive. Focus on hitting your approach to the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small surface makes getting close to any pin location a victory. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk-reward decision comes on the second shot for longer players. Going for the green in two offers a legitimate eagle opportunity, but the combination of distance required and the creek's presence makes this a low-percentage play for most golfers. The smarter play involves a conservative layup that sets up a comfortable wedge shot - this approach typically yields more birdies over time than the aggressive line. The creek's influence throughout the hole means that right-side misses can be catastrophic, making left-side strategy essential. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should embrace a three-shot strategy from the start. Use a 3-wood or hybrid off the tee for accuracy, advance the ball safely with your second shot while staying left, and focus on hitting the green with your third shot rather than attacking pins. Par is an excellent score here. **Low-handicap players** have more options but should still respect the creek. Stronger players might attempt to reach in two when conditions favor it, but should have a clear bailout plan. These players can be more aggressive with pin hunting on their approach shots, but only after ensuring they've avoided the water hazard throughout the hole. The 11th at Colonial exemplifies the course management principles that made champions like Ben Hogan so successful here - patience, precision, and smart target selection trump pure aggression on this demanding par 5.
On the green
The small green at the 11th demands precision with your approach shot and careful attention to speed control on putts. With limited real estate to work with, pin position becomes crucial - back pins require extra caution to avoid running through the green, while front pins may tempt you to be more aggressive. Focus on hitting your approach to the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small surface makes getting close to any pin location a victory. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk-reward decision comes on the second shot for longer players. Going for the green in two offers a legitimate eagle opportunity, but the combination of distance required and the creek's presence makes this a low-percentage play for most golfers. The smarter play involves a conservative layup that sets up a comfortable wedge shot - this approach typically yields more birdies over time than the aggressive line. The creek's influence throughout the hole means that right-side misses can be catastrophic, making left-side strategy essential. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should embrace a three-shot strategy from the start. Use a 3-wood or hybrid off the tee for accuracy, advance the ball safely with your second shot while staying left, and focus on hitting the green with your third shot rather than attacking pins. Par is an excellent score here. **Low-handicap players** have more options but should still respect the creek. Stronger players might attempt to reach in two when conditions favor it, but should have a clear bailout plan. These players can be more aggressive with pin hunting on their approach shots, but only after ensuring they've avoided the water hazard throughout the hole. The 11th at Colonial exemplifies the course management principles that made champions like Ben Hogan so successful here - patience, precision, and smart target selection trump pure aggression on this demanding par 5.
Watch for
- Mapped bunkers (7) are in play around the landing areas and green.
Hole 11 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,731 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Colonial Country Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Charles Schwab Challenge highlights
Charles Schwab Challenge | Final Round Highlights
2025
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Creator videos about this course
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How did Hole 11 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 611 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 611 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 11?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 11?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 11?
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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.