Hole Breakdowns  ›  Reachable Par 5
Hole breakdown #4

Reachable Par 5: The Real Math on Going for It

Going for it in two is fun. It only scores when a bad swing still leaves an easy chip.

Hole type · Reachable par 5

“The one where 'going for it' isn't always the play.”

⛳ Green: reachable in two
⚠ Bunkers / hazard hugging the green
● Smart target: layup to your wedge number
✕ Common play: go for it from any lie
The mistake

Going for the green in two from a marginal lie or long distance, then short-siding into a bunker or hazard with no good third shot.

The math

Going for it wins only when a decent miss still leaves an easy up-and-down. From a bad lie or into a well-guarded green, the lay-up to a full wedge scores lower.

The correct target

If it's reachable and the miss is safe, go. Otherwise lay up to your favorite wedge distance, not "as close as possible," which often leaves an awkward half-shot.

Strokes saved

≈ 0.3-0.5 strokes per hole by avoiding the short-sided third.

“Go only if a bad swing still leaves an easy chip.”

Strokes-saved figures are approximate, based on expected-value (strokes-gained) course management for a mid-handicap golfer (roughly 8-18). These are real ranges, not guarantees.

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The rest of the picture

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