Hole 5 at Whistling Straits
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 570 yds
- Stroke index
- 14
- Hazards
- 11 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 39 yds deep × 19 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 · 570 yards
The plan for No. 5
The 5th hole at Whistling Straits, aptly nicknamed "Snake," embodies Pete Dye's signature design philosophy with its strategic challenges and demanding shot-making requirements. This par-5 tests players' course management skills as part of Dye's masterful routing along Wisconsin's dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy on Snake centers on finding the optimal position for your second shot rather than maximum distance. Target the center-right portion of the fairway to set up the best angle for your approach. Driver is typically the right choice for longer hitters who can control their ball flight, but don't be afraid to throttle back with a 3-wood if conditions are firm or windy. The key is avoiding trouble off the tee and staying in play - this hole rewards patience over aggression from the opening shot.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot presents the hole's most critical strategic decision. For stronger players, the green may be reachable in two, but the small target demands pinpoint accuracy. Most golfers should focus on positioning their layup shot in the ideal wedge range, typically leaving themselves with a full swing from their preferred distance. Aim for the center of the fairway on your layup, avoiding the temptation to get too close to the green if it means flirting with trouble. The approach to this small green requires precision - favor the center of the putting surface and let your short game handle the rest.
On the green
The compact green at Snake demands respect with your approach shot and putting strategy. Pin positions can vary dramatically on the small surface, making club selection and target line crucial on your approach. Focus on getting your ball below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are generally more manageable. The green's size means that even slight misreads can leave challenging second putts, so take extra time to read the break and pace your first attempt carefully.
Watch for
- Greenside bunker (greenside)
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 5 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,896 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Whistling Straits — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Whistling Straits. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
Our $50,000 BUCKET LIST Golf Trip With LUKE KWON & TOOMS.... (Whistling Straits)
I recreated Jordan Spieth's Whistling Straits shot 👀⛳️
I play one of the BEST Golf Courses in America 🇺🇸 (Whistling Straits)
The Good Good Whistling Straits Major
How did Hole 5 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 570 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 570 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 5?
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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 5?
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The green is small and requires precision. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 5?
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Aim for the right side of the fairway when possible. Missing left brings more trouble into play.
What's a good score on hole 5?
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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.