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Playing Par 5s: How to Own Them

Published

4 years ago

July 16, 2021

Here’s the deal, golf lessons can be great. If you take them from a reputable club pro, you may learn a lot about swing mechanics, the plane of your swing, tempo, swing speed and even impact position. However, lessons don’t tell you how to look at a golf hole and assess the risk vs. reward. Simply put, lessons do not get into hole strategy.

So, when you are standing on the tee box on hole 16, a 487-yard par 5 with a 245-yard forced carry AND you are playing the round of your life…what do you do? Your golf buddies are saying things like “You didn’t come this far to lay up“ or “Don’t over think it, just rip driver”. They may be right, but without a plan you are basically throwing darts blind. Nothing hurts more than carding a snowman on a birdie hole and nothing will jack up your score as well as your mental game faster than indecision.

We all hate the dreaded “Big Number” and that’s why we are here for you. So, the next time you are in that spot, remember these 5 tips:

Five keys to owning par 5s:

– Don’t just automatically grab driver – Choose the right club off the tee
– Look at your lie – Assess what shot best suits your approach
– Take an extra club on your approach – 70% of approach shots come up short
– Know where to miss – Do not always go flag hunting
– Have a number in mind to lay up to in case you can’t go after it in two

Many weekend golfers hate par 5s because they are long and can seem daunting. The task: you are basically trying to get a 1 ½ inch ball into a 4-inch hole from 5 football fields away! But they also provide great opportunity if played properly. They are a golden goose for birdies and can turn an 81 into a 79 like that.

1. Select the Right Club on a Par 5

I know you heard me before, but this is a huge mistake I see all the time. You don’t always have to hit driver off the tee. You can hit a fairway wood or a hybrid. Shoot If I know I can not get home in two, I hit my 3 iron all day off the box and more times than not am sitting pretty for my approach while my buddies are ball hunting in the woods. Let’s be honest, it’s probably going to take three shots to reach the green any way unless you can bomb it 300+. So, use the club that gives you the best chance of finding the fairway.

2. Look at Your Lie and Assess The Shot

This is the golden ticket to scoring on Par 5’s. Little known fact: The second shot is often the key to beating par 5s. You need to play a smart shot that puts you in the best position to card a 4. Start by looking at your lie; is it in the fairway or first cut, is it a flier lie or sitting down a little bit, is it side hill above or below your feet? All of these will 100% determine what club you can and should hit. Hitting a 3-wood off a downhill side hill lie in the intermediate rough is hard to do. I suggest you take your medicine and lay up to a good number, so you hit the GIR and have a look at bird.

3. Take an Extra Club

This one is huge. Most approach shots come up short. The average handicap for men is about a 15. The average swing speed is 93 mph and produces a 220 yard drive. Ask around, everyone thinks they hit the ball farther than they actually do. Here are some trackman averages for reference. Take an extra wrench and thank me later. You will hit more greens, score better and find yourself shooting lower scores.

4. Know Where to Miss

Now you hit your drive, you looked at your lie, you have the right club for your approach, time to go flag hunting, right? WRONG. You want to look at the green complex and pin placement. You want to see where the greenside bunkers are. Does the green slope down and away or is there a false front? Start taking note of the danger areas and take them out of play. These determinations will help you pick out a landing area for this shot. For the love of the game, do yourself a favor and stay away from trouble at all costs. Play smart and aim center green. Nobody hit it dead straight every time, well maybe the guys on tour, but even they miss a handful of times per round. This strategy of knowing where not to be, allows you to better understand where to be! It gives you the greatest chance of hitting the green even on a slight miss.

5. Know Your Ideal Lay Up Number

There is no shame in laying up on a par 5. More times than not, smart money says it’s the right move. That’s especially true if the flag is protected by water or a massive pot bunker. Sometimes golfers try to pull off a miracle shot on their second from 237 out in the rough under a tree. They end up in the drink and dropping hitting 4 and will likely post a double bogie when its all said and done. Had they just taken the 5 iron out and laid back to 120 in they would have stuck a 9 iron to 15 feet and a look at 4!

Now I am no PGA tour pro golfer. I am a 5.5 handicap and like the Alice in Wonderland quote “I give myself very good advice, but very seldom follow it” I will tell you, however, that on occasion I stumble onto a pearl and feel the need to pass it on. Use this simple five-step approach above when playing par 5s. It’s a practical golf lesson that can help you own par 5s no matter their length or difficulty. That, in turn, will cut strokes from your scores, lower your handicap and have you collecting the $$$ at the end of the round.

BONUS SCORING DRILL:

Here is Today’s Tip… Your Wedges.

Very few weekend warriors practice hitting wedges at less than full distances. Ironically, however, we face these shots all the time on the course. I know I do. The closer your approach shots the better your chance of draining putts. It’s funny, I always told myself that I was not a great putter. I started doing this drill below and low and behold my distance to the pin was tighter and I started making more putts. Turns out, I was not a bad putter at all, I just was hitting my approach shots to 40 feet. Here’s how I fixed it:

Pick three awkward distances — say 25, 50 and 75 yards… then hit five balls at each target. Now, don’t just grab the 60 for all these shots, actually select the club you would use in a round. Give yourself a point for each ball that lands within what you consider an acceptable distance — I use a 15-foot circle. Max score for this drill is 15 points. Whatever you score, try to beat that number the next day, with the perfect score of 15.

I guarantee if you do this a couple of days in a row, or even for just 15 minutes before your round, you will be stunned at the results on the course. Once you score 15, tighten up that proximity the next time. Pretty soon you will be sending those pitch shots inside a 5-foot circle and have you golf buddies jealous as your ex at your wedding.

Blog

5 Sneaky Hacks to Crush Your Spring Golf Game in 2025

Gear up, swing smart, and snag pre-season deals with ClickitGolf to kick off your 2025 golf season like a pro!

Published

6 days ago

March 2, 2025

Ms. Lexi The Golf Guru

Spring’s creeping up, golfers! The fairways are shaking off winter, and it’s time to get your game dialed in for 2025. Whether you’re chasing pars or just happy to keep it on the grass, here’s your chill guide to hitting the ground swinging. Let’s go!

Hack 1: Gear Check—Don’t Let Last Year’s Clubs Hold You Back

Dust off your bag and give it a look. Grips feeling like a slip-n-slide? Swap ‘em out—control’s king. And if your driver’s ancient, maybe peek at something fresh. We’ve got the lowdown on the Mizuno OMOI putters—heavier heads, smoother rolls, pure magic. Read the full review; it might just fix your green woes.

Hack 2: Swing Smarter, Not Harder

No need to rebuild your swing from scratch—just polish it. Try the “One-Club Challenge”: grab a 7-iron, hit the range, and mix it up—high, low, whatever. It’s all about feel over force. You’ll be outfoxing courses before the grass turns green.

Hack 3: Mindset Matters

Golf’s a mental game, and winter’s your prep window. Get inspired with some Pebble Beach greatness—like this hole-by-hole flyover narrated by Jim Nantz from Golf Digest. It’s a quick tour of every iconic shot at Pebble, perfect for daydreaming your spring opener. Visualize your ball sticking the green—you’ll be ready.

Hack 4: Score Early Deals

ClickitGolf’s serving up pre-season heat. The shop has deals flowing—Check out all the cool products. Grab ‘em now before the snowbirds invade. Road trip on the brain? Our HotelPlanner Travel partnership cuts costs on hotels and flights. More golf, less cash—done.

Hack 5: Ryder Cup Hype – Channel the Pros

Keegan Bradley captaining the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage? Unexpected and awesome. Start channeling that Team USA energy—watch Pebble Beach’s greatest moments on our video page for some clutch inspo. September’s gonna be a party; we’ll keep you posted on the news page.

Tee It Up!

Gear up, swing smart, snag deals, and get hyped—2025’s your year to own the course. What’s your spring prep go-to? Drop it in the comments—let’s get this crew fired up!

Blog

Love on the Fairway: Heartwarming Golf Course Love Stories

Like golf itself, not all rounds end well

Published

2 weeks ago

February 24, 2025

Ms. Lexi The Golf Guru

Golf is often seen as a sport of precision, patience, and strategy. But for many, the golf course has been more than just a field of play—it has been a setting for romance, a backdrop to chance encounters, and a place where love has blossomed amidst the rolling greens and sand traps. From serendipitous meetings to long-lasting partnerships, love stories on the golf course are as varied as the game itself.

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll: A Love Story Across Continents

One of the most well-known golf love stories is that of Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll. The two first crossed paths at the 2012 Ryder Cup, where Stoll, then working for the PGA of America, played a key role in ensuring McIlroy made it to his tee time on time after a scheduling mishap. What began as a simple act of kindness blossomed into a deep friendship and eventually a romance. The couple tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in 2017, but sadly ended their relationship recently.

A Proposal with a Hole-in-One: Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky

For some, the golf course has set the stage for unforgettable romantic gestures. Dustin Johnson, one of the most dominant players in professional golf, found love with Paulina Gretzky, daughter of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. The couple first met in 2009 but didn’t start dating until 2013. Johnson proposed later that year, and they have since built a family together. Paulina has been a constant presence at tournaments, supporting Johnson as he has claimed major victories, including his 2020 Masters triumph.

From Tee to “I Do”: Brooks Koepka and Jena Sims

Beyond proposals, many professional golfers have incorporated golf into their weddings. Brooks Koepka and actress Jena Sims, for example, have been an inseparable couple since they began dating in 2017. Known for their playful chemistry, Koepka and Sims tied the knot in a lavish beachside wedding in 2022. Jena, a passionate golfer herself, frequently accompanies Brooks to tournaments and has been a source of motivation through his career highs and lows.

51756dc3-Tiger-Woods-and-Lindsey-Vonn-Reuters

Love Beyond Competition: Tiger Woods and His Romantic Journey

Golf can be a competitive game, but for many professional players, it has also been a source of love and companionship. Tiger Woods, one of the greatest golfers of all time, has had a well-documented personal life. His relationship with former ski racer Lindsey Vonn was one of the most high-profile pairings in sports. Although they eventually parted ways, their shared passion for competition and mutual respect demonstrated how athletes from different disciplines can find common ground and support one another.

Senior Love Stories: Bernard Langer and Vikki Carol

Love stories on the golf course are not just for young couples. Many senior golfers have found lasting love through the sport. Take two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer and his wife, Vikki Carol. Married for over 35 years, the couple has built a life together centered around faith, family, and golf. Vikki has been a steadfast supporter of Langer’s career, traveling with him across the globe as he continues to dominate the PGA Tour Champions circuit.

The Golf Course: A Timeless Venue for Love

There’s something about the golf course that lends itself to romance. Perhaps it’s the tranquil setting, the shared moments of triumph and frustration, or the simple joy of spending hours together in a relaxed and beautiful environment. Whether it’s a first date, a proposal, a wedding, or decades of companionship, the golf course has played a pivotal role in many love stories, including those of PGA professionals.

So the next time you tee off, take a moment to appreciate the connections that golf fosters—not just between club and ball, but between people. You never know if your next round might lead to a love story of your own.

Blog

These 18 Golf Jokes Are So Funny, Even Your Scorecard Will Laugh!

If your golf game isn’t turning heads for the right reasons, keep your playing partners entertained with these 18 hilarious golf jokes—one for every hole!

Published

3 weeks ago

February 14, 2025

The Bogeyman "Boo"

Let’s face it—sometimes, your golf game isn’t exactly Tour-level. And when your drives are slicing into the trees and your putts are missing by a mile, you need a solid backup plan. That’s where humor comes in.

Next time you’re out on the course, distract your playing partners from your less-than-stellar shots with a few well-timed golf jokes. Not only will you lighten the mood, but you might just make them laugh so hard they forget to notice how bad your last swing was.

So, here are 18 hilarious golf jokes, one for each hole. Enjoy—and may your game be better than your punchlines!

Hole 1 – The Warm-Up

🏌️ Why do golfers always carry an extra pair of socks?
Because they might get a hole in one!

Hole 2 – Getting Into the Swing

🏌️ What’s the difference between a bad golfer and a bad skydiver?
A bad golfer goes, “Whack… darn.” A bad skydiver goes, “Darn… whack.”

Hole 3 – The Early Struggles

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants?
In case he got a hole in one… again!

Hole 4 – Time for Some Trash Talk

🏌️ Why did the pro golfer bring string to the course?
To tie the score.

Hole 5 – That First Lost Ball

🏌️ Why did the golfer wear two different shoes?
Because he had a rough time deciding which was the right one.

Hole 6 – The First Bogey of the Day

🏌️ Why don’t golfers ever get locked out of their cars?
Because they always have plenty of “drivers.”

Hole 7 – That One Friend Who Takes Golf Too Seriously

🏌️ Why did the golfer take an extra club to the course?
Because he heard the drinks were on the house.

Hole 8 – Time for a Drink at the Turn

🏌️ What’s a golfer’s favorite type of music?
Swing.

Hole 9 – Mid-Round Meltdown

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring a ladder?
Because he heard the course was on another level!

Hole 10 – Starting the Back Nine Strong

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring a light bulb to the course?
Because he wanted to brighten up his scorecard.

Hole 11 – Watching Someone Miss an Easy Putt

🏌️ Why did the golfer put his money in the fridge?
Because he wanted cold, hard cash for the skins game.

Hole 12 – That One Friend Who’s Always Complaining

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring sunscreen?
Because he didn’t want to get burned on the scorecard.

Hole 13 – When Your Friend Thinks They’re Better Than They Are

🏌️ What’s the difference between a golfer and a fisherman?
A golfer lies about how many strokes he took, a fisherman lies about how big his catch was.

Hole 14 – Golf Etiquette 101

🏌️ Why do golfers always tell the truth?
Because they can’t handle any more penalties.

Hole 15 – The Last-Ditch Effort to Save Your Score

🏌️ Why do golfers love donuts?
Because they’re always working on their “hole” game.

Hole 16 – The Final Stretch

🏌️ Why did the golfer get kicked out of the party?
Because he kept trying to address the ball.

Hole 17 – When Everyone’s Feeling Good

🏌️ What do you call a golfer who always gets a par?
A liar.

Hole 18 – Wrapping It Up in Style

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring an umbrella?
Because he heard there was a chance of showers on the scorecard.

If your golf game isn’t making people smile, at least your jokes can. Keep a few of these in your bag, and even if your drives aren’t straight, your humor will be right on target.

Now go out there, crack a joke, and enjoy the game—because at the end of the day, golf is supposed to be fun! 🏌️‍♂️🤣