Hole 5 at Erin Hills Golf Course
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 505 yds
- Stroke index
- 9
- Hazards
- 7 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 26 yds deep × 33 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 505 yards
The plan for No. 5
This demanding par 4 at Erin Hills Golf Course stretches 505 yards through Wisconsin's rolling terrain, presenting one of the course's most strategic challenges. The hole plays as a true three-shot par for many golfers, requiring precise positioning off the tee to set up a manageable approach to the elevated green complex. The straight layout may appear straightforward, but the length combined with Erin Hills' notorious crosswinds transforms this into a demanding test of accuracy and distance control. The small green sits perched above the fairway, demanding a high, soft approach shot that can hold the putting surface. This hole epitomizes Erin Hills' philosophy of using natural topography and wind to create memorable golf challenges without relying heavily on artificial hazards.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize distance while maintaining accuracy for optimal approach positioning. Given the 505-yard length, most players will need a strong drive to have a manageable approach into the small green. Target the center of the fairway, as the straight layout provides a clear line without doglegs to navigate around. Consider wind conditions carefully - Erin Hills is known for its crosswinds that can significantly affect ball flight. If facing a headwind, you may need to take an extra club and swing smoothly rather than trying to overpower the conditions. With a tailwind, focus on control to avoid running through the optimal landing zone.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole shows its teeth. With a small green as your target, precision trumps power on your second shot. Depending on your tee shot success, you'll likely face a mid-iron to long-iron approach that requires careful club selection based on wind conditions and pin position. The small green size means there's little margin for error - focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pins. Take note of any elevation changes, as Erin Hills features significant undulation that can affect both distance and ball reaction upon landing. Factor in extra carry if the green sits above your approach angle.
On the green
With a small green, putting becomes about precision and speed control rather than reading dramatic breaks. However, don't underestimate the subtle slopes that can affect your roll. The compact surface means most putts will be relatively straight, but pace becomes critical - running putts past the pin on a small green leaves difficult comeback attempts. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive. The small target you just hit with your approach shot continues to challenge you with the putter, where distance control often matters more than perfect line. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes with tee shot aggression. Playing conservatively with a 3-wood or hybrid keeps you in play but leaves a longer, more challenging approach to the small green. Taking driver risks missing the fairway but provides the best chance for a shorter iron approach. Given the small green, the reward for aggressive play is significant - a shorter approach shot dramatically increases your chances of hitting and holding the putting surface. However, the penalty for missing the fairway could leave you with a difficult recovery to such a small target. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus on course management over heroic shots. Consider hitting 3-wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure you're playing from the fairway. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, and don't be afraid to take an extra club on the approach - better to be long than short of such a small target. **Low Handicappers:** You can be more aggressive with driver off the tee, but respect the small green on approach. Use the wind to your advantage when possible, and consider pin position more carefully. Your improved accuracy allows you to attack certain pins, but always have a bailout plan given the tight target. The key to success on this hole lies in honest self-assessment - know your distances, respect the conditions, and never underestimate the challenge of hitting a small green from distance. Par is always a good score here, and bogey shouldn't derail your round given the hole's demanding nature.
Watch for
- Sand_1 — Greenside center
- Sand_2 — Greenside center
- Sand_3 — Greenside center
- Sand_4 — Crossing center
- Sand_5 — Crossing center
- Sand_6 — Crossing center
- Sand_7 — Crossing center
Hole 5 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,698 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Erin Hills Golf Course — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Erin Hills Golf Course. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
The Major Cut @ Erin Hills
Can We Make Cut @ Erin Hills?! (Major Cut Ep. 5)
The back nine at Erin Hills with Riggs. Presented by @EveryManJack
World #2 Jeeno Thitikul at the U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills 🍀
Scottie Scheffler's peak, Erin Hills pops back, & Sponsor Exemption windfalls | The Shotgun Start
How did Hole 5 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 505 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 505-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 5?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, heavily bunkered.
How big is the green on hole 5?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 5?
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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.