Do you want to score better every single round? If so, you need to learn how to play par 5’s like professional golfers. Don’t worry, you don’t have to hit it 300+ yards, either (but distance does help).
While they’re the longest holes on the scorecard, they’re actually the easiest to score on… if you have the right Par 5 strategy. Keep reading to learn how to take advantage of par 5’s so you can lower your handicap fast.
How to Play Par 5’s – 7 Proven Strategies
Key Takeaways
- Par 5’s are the easiest holes to score on for professional golfers. They average under par on these holes, compared to slightly over par on par 3s and par 4s.
- Amateur golfers also have an opportunity to take advantage of par 5’s with the right course management and Par 5 strategies.
- To lower your scoring average on par 5’s, make sure to hit the driver on most tee boxes. Then get as close to the green as you can – only layup if there is a ton of trouble.
1. Have a Plan for the Hole
Whether you want to score better on par 5’s or any hole, you need the right game plan. This starts with a solid tee box strategy so you get clear on the target, pick the right club, and avoid penalty areas.
Without knowing distances, building a Par 5 strategy is next to impossible. A golf GPS or golf watch can help you tremendously. These act like a caddy on your bag as they can show distances to fairway bunkers, hazards, and flyover views. If you’ve never played the golf course before, this is even more important.
For a cheaper alternative, you can also use yardage books as well.
2. Hit Driver Most of the Time
The default club on most par 5’s should be a driver, as distance is your number one priority.
The longer you hit it off the tee, the shorter the second shot, which means you might get on or near the green in two shots. Which should lead to more greens in regulation and hopefully more scores of pars/birdies.
Here’s the truth, accuracy is overrated most of the time. Hitting a 3-wood to find the fairway will leave a much longer second shot and doesn’t always guarantee a fairway either.
Hit driver so you can get it as far as possible for the next shot. If you’re struggling with driving, make sure to read these articles before moving on to the next strategy.
Start Speed Training
If you need help adding distance, make sure to consider overspeed training. Using weighted speed trainers, you can add distance in 6–12 weeks (and sometimes sooner).
All it takes is 2-3x a week of 15–20 minutes and you can start adding speed for longer drives. Or, you can also download the Tour Tempo app and start improving your tempo for longer drives.
Also, don’t forget to check out our guide of the best golf workouts too. Plus, these golf stretches to help with your flexibility and ability to get a full turn on your driver swing.
3. Stop Laying Up
Once you’re off the tee box, it’s time to consider your second shot… this is where course management skills come into play. Growing up, one of the biggest golf myths I was told was to “lay up in a good position for your next shot.”
For example, I can remember hearing from friends and coaches to lay up to 70 or 100 yards on par 5’s. This way, I’d have a full swing LW or SW into the green, which was easier to hit than a partial swing wedge. In theory, it makes sense, however it’s just not true when you look at the data.
In general, the closer you are to the green, the closer your proximity to the hole (regardless of handicap).
Meaning, you’re more likely to hit a shot closer from 60 yards vs. 100 yards… even if it’s an awkward distance. This doesn’t mean that sometimes you won’t hit it closer from 100 vs. 60 yards, but it’s about playing the percentages.
However, you might be the 1 in 100 golfer who hits it closer from 100 vs. 60 (or 80 vs. 40 yards, etc.). Which is why it’s so crucial to track your statistics so you can learn more about your game.
Learn more about why you should stop laying up so often here.
4. Avoid Penalty Areas
The only time you should voluntarily lay back on par 5’s is if you’re in a horrible lie in the rough or there are penalty areas. If you risk hitting the ball out of bounds or into the water on your second shot, this is a time to consider laying back.
You must avoid penalty areas and OB on par 5’s (and really all holes) if possible. These are round killers and can lead to a lot of wasted shots.
However, make sure to not lay too far back from the trouble. Because as I mentioned, the longer distance into the green, the longer your average proximity, and less likely to make those putts.
Avoid Fairway Bunkers
While not a penalty area, fairway bunkers can cause a lot of unnecessary strokes (and stress) for amateur golfers. Just like penalty areas, you want to avoid these at all costs and something to consider when picking the right target.
For example, if there is no trouble left but two fairway bunkers on the right side of the hole, move your aim further left. Amateurs score nearly the same from the rough vs. fairway according to Arccos so even if you miss the fairway, it’s not that bad.
However, Arccos found that amateurs – even low handicap golfers – really struggle from fairway bunkers. Try to avoid them at all costs – especially on par 5’s – so you can advance the ball further up and avoid tough second shots.
Click here to learn more about hitting from fairway bunkers.
5. Use the Right Long Clubs
Another way to take advantage of par 5’s is to make sure you have the right equipment. Since you’ll usually hit longer clubs into these greens, you want to make sure they’re right for you. This means having the right fairway woods, hybrids, and driving irons/long irons.
Fairway woods should match your skill, as most manufacturers have several models. For example, Titleist offers three models for high, mid, and low handicap golfers. Make sure you have ones that offer enough forgiveness but also some playability.
Other golfers should also swap out hard to hit longer irons with hybrids or utility irons. These clubs are much easier to hit than a standard 2, 3, 4, or even 5-iron that might come with your set of clubs. Check out the best driving irons now.
Even as a plus handicap, I carry some longer clubs that are extra forgiving. This includes a 2-hybrid instead of a long iron. A 3 driving iron instead of a standard long iron and a combo set of long irons (which has more forgiveness in the longer clubs).
Having the right equipment can help you hit on or near par 5’s in two more often and hopefully give yourself more scoring opportunities. Plus, they’re also great for long par 3’s and par 4’s too!
6. Build a Solid Short Game
Even if you’re on or near the green in two shots, you still need a good short game. There is nothing worse than walking away with par (or bogey) after a few good shots on a par 5.
Make sure to read our best chipping drills so you can practice your short game with purpose.
Putting is also wildly important, so make sure you choose the right putter for your game. Then have a consistent pre-shot putting routine so you can get more putts to drop.
If you need more help with the flat stick, consider these putting drills. And invest in an indoor putting green to practice at home (or build an outdoor putting green DIY style).
7. Stay Patient
Finally, don’t forget to stay patient and have the right mental approach. Yes, par 5’s are the easiest holes for most golfers… but that doesn’t mean a par or birdie is guaranteed.
You still need to get clear about your target, pick the right club, and always go through your pre-shot routine. Do not try to force any shot, as you risk getting yourself in a lot of trouble and making bogey or worse.
Focus on making solid decisions so you can give yourself the best opportunities on these holes.
My Experience
When I look at my best rounds, I notice they’re typically the ones where I take care of the par 5’s with pars and birdies (maybe even an eagle too). The truth is that most professional golfers struggle on par 3’s the most, average par on the 4’s, but go low on the par 5’s.
To get your game to the next level – whether that’s breaking 80 or becoming a scratch golfer – comes down to scoring well on par 5’s. Use these tips so you can have more confidence on the tee box and in your decision-making skills to go low on these holes.
Final Thoughts
If you want to play better fast, make sure to use these tips to build your Par 5 Strategy so you can take advantage of par 5’s. Despite their length, these are the easiest holes to make par or sneak in a birdie. Or, if you’re a low handicap golfer, maybe even have an eagle putt.
If you want more tips on strategy to lower your handicap, make sure to read these articles next.
Michael Leonard
Michael is an avid golfer of 25 years who played in high school, college, and now competes in Arizona amateur events. He is a full-time writer, podcast host of Wicked Smart Golf, and mental golf coach.
