Hole 9 at TPC Craig Ranch
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 564 yds
- Stroke index
- 15
- Hazards
- 3 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 39 yds deep × 27 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 · 564 yards
The plan for No. 9
The 9th hole at TPC Craig Ranch serves as a strategic finishing hole for the front nine, offering golfers a reachable par 5 at 564 yards that rewards both power and precision. This straight-away layout features Tom Weiskopf's thoughtful design work, maximizing the relatively flat Texas terrain with well-placed fairway bunkers that demand careful navigation off the tee. The hole typically plays downwind, creating genuine birdie opportunities for those who successfully avoid the strategically positioned sand traps. Players who find the fairway with their tee shot can contemplate attacking the small green complex in two, though the compact putting surface requires pinpoint accuracy on the approach shot. With its signature sandstone elements framing the hole, this par 5 exemplifies the risk-reward philosophy that makes TPC Craig Ranch a compelling test of golf strategy and execution.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should focus on positioning for your second shot decision. With no significant hazards listed, the fairway appears relatively forgiving, but finding the optimal angle is crucial. Aim for the center-right portion of the fairway to open up the best approach angles to the green. A solid drive of 250-280 yards will leave you with critical decisions on your second shot. Driver is typically the play here unless conditions strongly favor accuracy over distance.
Approach & recovery
This is where the hole's character truly emerges. Longer hitters may have the opportunity to reach the green in two, but the small target demands exceptional precision. If going for it, ensure you have a clean lie and favorable wind conditions. The approach requires a mid-iron to hybrid depending on your tee shot distance, and missing the small green will leave challenging up-and-down opportunities. For the layup option, position your second shot to leave a full wedge distance - typically laying up to around 100-120 yards out. This gives you the best spin control and distance management for attacking the pin on your third shot.
On the green
The small green size means putting strategy focuses on lag putting and leaving yourself below the hole when possible. With limited real estate, even slight misreads can result in lengthy comeback putts. Focus on getting your approach shots to the correct level of the green, as the compact surface likely features subtle but important slope variations that can dramatically affect your putting. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole epitomizes risk/reward golf strategy. The reward of reaching the green in two for a potential eagle or easy birdie is significant, but the small target increases the penalty for missing. Weather conditions, your current round momentum, and lie quality should all factor into your go-for-it decision. Conservative play with a layup almost guarantees a birdie opportunity with a short iron in hand. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers:** Should consider going for the green in two when conditions allow, as their precision with longer irons gives them the best chance to hold the small surface. Focus on committing fully to the shot selection. **Mid-to-High Handicappers:** The layup strategy offers the best scoring opportunity. Use the par 5 length to your advantage by playing three comfortable shots rather than forcing a risky second shot. A well-positioned layup leaves a scoring club for the third shot, making birdie very achievable while virtually eliminating big numbers. The key to success on this hole is honest self-assessment of your current game and conditions, then executing your chosen strategy with full commitment.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 9 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,982 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about TPC Craig Ranch — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
CJ CUP Byron Nelson highlights
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured TPC Craig Ranch. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
A new-look TPC Craig Ranch, LIV’s cost cutting, & U.S. Open qualifying starts | The Shotgun Start
How did Hole 9 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 564 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 564 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 9?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, water in play.
How big is the green on hole 9?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 9?
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Aim for the left side of the fairway when possible. Missing right (water) brings more trouble into play.
What's a good score on hole 9?
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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.