Our panel have played the top Scottish courses ahead of compiling the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list – but what is their favourite par 5?
From reachable fives to a universal three-shotter, this list has it all. Each par five has its own inimitability, which forces this decision to be pondered in depth.
Some of the chosen holes will be known to all as a cornerstone of golf in Scotland, even perhaps seen in Open Championships, where even the world’s best sometimes struggle to deconstruct the necessary route to birdie or par.
But what will our panellists decide from their own personal experience? Will they steer towards the unwavering favourites, or do they propose an alternative par five that is possibly underappreciated due to its own complexities?
What do our panellists rate as the best par 5 in Scotland?
David Fox: Western Gailes – 6th. A gentle dog-leg demanding precision off the tee, with a blind approach over the dunes to a well-guarded green… Breathtaking views!
Craig Redston: 6th at Cruden Bay.
Andi White: St Andrews – second hole, par 5 for women. The undulations were incredible, and then a blind shot to get on the green.
Chris Myatt: Muirfield 17. Take on the bunkers at the corner off the tee? Try and find the guarded green in 2? It asks you so many questions.
Oliver Baker: 11th North Berwick
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The first par-five of the front nine at Carnoustie claimed a fair few nominations…
Jim Marshall: No.6 @ Carnoustie – Hogans Alley. Tough, Brutal, Challenging and unforgettable. If there’s a better par 5 in Scotland, I’d love to play it.
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Peter Rudd: Hole 6 Carnoustie – a magnificent hole with so much history. The bunkering is sublime, especially surrounding the green.
David Walker: 6th at Carnoustie, take the left route at your peril, but this rewards you with the best line for the second shot – perfect design.
Michael Verity: 6th Carnoustie or 14 on the Old Course.
But the par five on the back nine at the Open-calibre track also got a special mention.
Paul Watson: Hole 14 Carnoustie “Spectacles”. Reachable for many handicap golfers, but do I risk hitting in the nightmarish Spectacle bunkers in pursuit of a glorious eagle?
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A pair of par 5s seen on the DP World Tour in recent years both got a number of nominations…
Neil White: The most memorable is the 18th at Trump International. The elevated tee shows the beautiful brutality ahead. A par here would be a great score.
Jim Banting: 18th at Trump International in Aberdeen
Lewis Marr: 18th Trump Aberdeen from back tee, such an intimidating hole
David Elliott: 12th @ Kingsbarns. You can see the flag throughout the hole, but you can also see the sea throughout the hole. Stunning hole, but a great challenge of mind over matter. Green is outstanding too
Steve Watton: 12th Kingsbarns
Phil Bedford: The 12th at Kingsbarns
Stu Bennett: 12th at Kingsbarns, great risk and reward hole from tee to green
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However, it is always good to go your own way and have your own favourite that you can treasure…
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Michael Atkinson: The 7th hole on the Gleneagles Queen’s course – the only par 5 on the course, under 500 yards, great views, but also a hole more challenging than its length would imply.
Greg Webber: 7th at Ladybank – a long hole with shape and interest. Also, the 4th at Golspie, with the sea all along the left.
Ed Battye: Traigh (2nd) – 3 distinct options on how to play this hole.
Craig Morrison: The second at Royal Aberdeen. A weak slice allows you to hunker down beneath the amazing primary dune and escape the North Sea blast.
Ian Woods: 15th at Dumbarnie. I love having the choice of which fairway to aim for … a narrower target but a more direct route? Or play safe and have a longer approach to green. Being bold worked
Hugh Masson: The 9th at Royal Dornoch Championship. A stone’s throw from the sea, undulating with pristine bunkers and a subtle green
Charles Abraham: The 10th at Turnberry – now one of the best holes in the world.
Dove Jones: New 10th at Ailsa
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Listen to the NCG Top 100s Podcast
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Now have your say
Would you agree with our panellists? What do you think is the best par 5 in Scotland? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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