Last Updated on August 1, 2024 by Shawn Olizarowicz
Do you par or birdie every par 5? I didn’t think so. Sometimes, a par-5 hole is not about the shots you hit but how you play those shots. I’m going to give you some data I have used to help me play par-5s completely differently. Even after 30 years in the game, I’ve found myself with more birdies than ever before. This tip will change the way you play.
The Tip: STOP Getting As Close To The Green As Possible
Here’s the most important tip for scoring lower on a par 5: Stop laying up as close as you can to the greens.
You’ll leave yourself in an awkward yardage and decrease your chances of getting the ball close to the hole. Here’s how you can make your decision.
Step 1: Evaluate The Lie and the Yardage
If you have a chance to go for the green and the reward outweighs the risk, go for it. I’ll never discourage a golfer when you have a chance for the eagle.
I personally find myself just out of range quite a bit, so I end up having to layup.
The layup is where most amateurs make their mistakes.
Step 2: Evaluate How Far to Layup
Now, here’s where the mistake happens. Golfers who know they can’t hit the green end up laying up by hitting the ball as close to the hole as possible.
Don’t do this!
Laying up to a distance, typically over 100 yards could actually increase your chance of making a par or birdie on the hole. Even golfers with lower handicap don’t perform well from those 60,70,80 and 90 yard points.
Accuracy from Different Yardages
Here are a few facts about yardage accuracy and why it’s very important to consider where your approach shot stops in relation to the hole.
40-80 Yards
From this awkward distance even golf professionals only manage to hit the golf ball within 12 feet of the hole. Plus, they only do this half of the time. In another study it was found that 10 handicap golfers have a lower chance of making birdie from 90 yards than they do from 110 yards.
Why does this happen?
It all has to do with the full sswing. As soon as golfers believe they only can take a half or a 3/4 swing their technique changes. They end up with much less accuracy in their golf shots.
100-120 Yards
The 100- to 120-yard range is the sweet spot for most players. From this range, golfers can get the ball on the green at least 50% of the time, regardless of their handicap.
The lower the handicap the better the chance of getting it close to the pin. For a 20-handicap golfer who struggles with distance, the ideal layup range may be in the 95-105-yard gap.
You’ll want to be hitting from a position where you can take a full swing with a club you feel confident with.
Why Adopt this Strategy?
Not sure this is the right strategy for your game? First, consider what you have to lose. Give it a try for a few rounds and see if it will change the way you play. I know it’s tempting to try and go for the green, but let’s face it:
When you have 240 to the pin, and you keep hitting your 200 yard 5 wood it’s never going to get there!
Consistency: Full swings are generally more consistent and easier to control than partial swings.
Comfort Zone: Most golfers practice full swings with their wedges more frequently. It’s easier to pull off something you practice when on the course.
Reduced Pressure: Reducing the pressure of hitting a perfect shot from an awkward distance, you’ll be more relaxed and feel less pressure.
Conclusion
Par 5s should be birdie holes. If you lay up close to the hole and can’t get up and down, you give up your chance of an easy birdie. Try this strategy and see if it will change the way you play. It’s hard to be the voice of reason when thinking about eagles, but there is enough data out there now to show that this is the only smart way to play these par 5s for amateur players.
