Hole 5 at Colonial Country Club

Par 4 • 472 Yards • Fort Worth, Texas

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Brutal

The 5th hole at Colonial Country Club stands as the final and most formidable challenge of the infamous "Horrible Horseshoe," earning its reputation as the course's most difficult test. This legendary par-4 gained worldwide fame when President Gerald Ford recorded a hole-in-one here, forever dubbed the "Shot Heard Around the World."

Tees:

472y432y380y354y

Green:23y × 28y

3 BunkersWater dogleg

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Colonial Country Club

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 472 yds
Green: 3509 sq ft
Bunkers: 3
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 136
Course Rating: 74.7

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

The tee shot is absolutely critical on this famous finishing hole of the 'Horrible Horseshoe.' With the fairway measuring just 27 yards wide at the 200-yard mark, precision is paramount. Aim for the center-left of the fairway to avoid both the ditch on the left and Trinity River on the right.

hazard warning

The fairway completely disappears at 250 yards, meaning any drive longer than this will find trouble. Big hitters should consider hitting 3-wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure they stay in the narrow landing area and avoid the water hazards that have claimed countless balls.

approach

Three greenside bunkers positioned at 470.6, 447.1, and 450.8 yards guard the putting surface. From a good drive, you'll face a mid-to-long iron approach to a relatively small green measuring just 3,509 square feet. Club selection is crucial - better to be pin-high than short into the bunkers.

green

The compact green dimensions of 23 by 28 yards demand precise approach shots. Given the hole's 472-yard length and the premium on accuracy, focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pins. This small target becomes even more challenging when factoring in the pressure of this famous finishing hole.

hazard warning

As the web research confirms, if you find yourself out of position after the tee shot, resist the temptation to 'carry the lake anyway.' This 472-yard par-4 has ended many good rounds with big numbers. Play conservatively and accept bogey rather than risk double or worse by gambling with the water.

train this shot at home

This 472-yard par 4 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

When water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 472-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 5?

This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, water in play, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 5?

Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers; water at 227.1 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 5?

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

What's a good score on hole 5?

This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.

Can I practice hole 5 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Colonial Country Club. You can play this exact 472-yard par 4 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 →