Royal Birkdale 5th Hole Strategy: Lay‑up Vs Drive

At the 2022 Open, the 321‑yard par‑4 fifth at Royal Birkdale became a flash‑point decision. The wind was into the players on Friday, and the array of bunkers forced golfers to weigh risk against reward almost instantly. Two clear tactics emerged from the crowd, each with its own logic and consequences.

Option 1 – The Calculated Lay‑up

Several competitors chose to stay short of the front‑right bunker, hitting a 7‑iron to roughly 230 yards. This set up a 110‑yard wedge into the green, leaving a relatively safe approach. Matt Wallace explained his reasoning: the wind wasn’t cooperating, and the traps seemed overwhelming. He said he wanted “an easy pin to get at from a 7‑iron, wedge,” focusing on a solid iron first, then an aggressive gap‑wedge downwind.

Option 2 – Going for the Green

Others decided to attack the pin, using a driver or mini‑driver to cut the corner. To clear the hazards, a shot must carry at least 289 yards. The headwind made that distance a stretch, turning the attempt into a high‑risk play. Bryson DeChambeau tried this line—hogging it too far right—and ended up in the rough, costing him a bogey on the front nine.

Key Takeaways

• Wind and bunkers shape decisions on a short hole like the 5th.
• Lay‑up play offers a safer wedge route, especially when conditions are tricky.
• Aggressive drives can win position but demand precise distance and direction.
• The split strategies illustrate how veteran golfers adapt to course‑specific challenges on the fly.

Whether you favor a measured iron or a bold driver, the 5th at Royal Birkdale rewards quick thinking and precise execution. Short holes rarely give second chances, so players must decide instantly what the pin demands.