It is critically important to know how to play par 5s to score smarter during your rounds. Depending on your skill level, this may be trying to reach the green in regulation or getting aggressive and going for it in two. What can help lead to scoring smarter when playing a par 5 isn’t viewing it as a “birdie hole,” but rather viewing it in a way that fits your game. Regardless of your skill level, decision making, expectation management and positioning all play an impactful role.
Let’s take a look at how to play par 5s to improve your scoring.
Defining Success
Before we can really dig into smart approaches to playing par 5s, we first need to lay out what success looks like. A scratch golfer, for example, would have a much different definition of successful scoring when playing a par 5 compared to a high-handicap player. The table below breaks down average scoring results for varying par 5s.
| Golfer Profile | Typical Round Score | Avg. Score on Par 5s | What That Means Strategically |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Handicap | 100+ | 5.5 – 6.0 | Bogey is a good score; avoid penalties and forced carries |
| Improving Golfer | 95–100 | 5.3 – 5.6 | Play for position; prioritize a clean third shot |
| Breaking 90 Golfer | 85–95 | 5.1 – 5.3 | Bogey baseline, par becomes realistic with smart layups |
| Low Handicap Amateur | 75–85 | ~5.0 – 5.1 | Par expectation; selective aggression when conditions allow |
| PGA Tour Player | 70–75 | 4.3 – 4.6 | Aggressive but calculated; risk only when reward is clear |
As we can see, success varies largely dependent on your handicap index. Trying to play beyond your expected result will often lead to mistakes – which can turn bogeys into doubles or triples.
With expectations now set, lets now break down how to play par 5s to score smarter. We will look at each aspect of the hole, from tee to green. Strap in!
The Tee Shot – Value Position
While distance can play a crucial role in reaching a par 5 green in two, positioning off the tee for a successful second shot takes priority – no matter your skill level*. Having a second shot should take priority over squeeing out a few extra yards, especially if chasing those yards puts you in the trees.
*The exception to make in this approach would be for the golfer who is extremely consistent and long off the tee. If you rarely miss a fairway, taking an aggressive approach can pay off.
For the majority of golfers, the following points can help lead to smarter scoring:
- A playable second shot is more important than squeezing out extra yards
- Favor the side of the fairway that opens up your layup or approach
- If driver brings trouble into play, a fairway finder can lower scores immediately
Bottom line: The best tee shot on a par 5 is one that keeps all options on the table instead of taking a swing with the goal of maximum distance.
The Second Shot – Be Decisive
As one of my regular playing partners says, “you’re only as good as your second shot.” This is absolutely true on a par 5. You can hit the drive of your life, but a cold top or low hook will quickly sink any scoring opportunities. This is where being decisive in your approach comes into play, and we can choose one of two paths: attack the green or play to position.
If you’re on the attack, consider the following:
- Do I have a clean lie?
- Is there a forced carry or penalty long/short?
- Will a miss still leave a simple pitch or chip?
If the answer to any of those questions is no, the smarter approach may be to play the positioning game. This will most often be the smarter approach if you typically score 85 or higher during a round.
When playing to position:
- Play the longest club you are comfortable with to advance the ball.
- Take hazards and tricky lies out of play with your approach shot.
- Play to a number that leaves you with a club you are confident in going into the green.
Laying up is not giving up on the hole, it is simply another strategy on how to play par 5s. Playing to a stock wedge yardage, avoiding leaving yourself short-sided and aiming for a safe spot in the fairway instead of on a line to the pin will all play to your favor.
The Third Shot – Execution is Key
When approaching the third shot on a par 5 (assuming you are not on the green), you’re getting into the territory that can determine whether or not you’ll walk away with a par or bogey. The ultimate goal with the third shot on a par 5 is to hit the green. By getting on the dance floor, you give yourself two putts to get home for par, and a 3 putt leads to no worse than bogey. That IS a win for mid to high handicap golfers.
Keep these reminders in your head when preparing to take your third shot:
- The middle of the green is almost always the correct target.
- Distance control matters more than spin.
- A two-putt par is a great result.
If you hit the green in three strokes on a par 5, you have done your job.
How to Play Par 5s
At the end of the day, par 5s don’t require heroics to score, they require smart play and strategy. No matter where you are currently at from a skill perspective, scoring smarter on par 5s lies in playing within yourself, committing to a plan and making the right decision. When your expectations meet your skill level, confidence increases and scoring improves. Use this guide on how to play par 5s during your next round and save strokes on your score!