Hole 1 at Troon North Golf Club (Monument course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 448 yds
- Stroke index
- 5
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers
Hole 1 map
30 yd wide × 34 yd deep · 3.1 ft total elevation range
Light = gentler slope · Red = steeper slope
White lines: 1 foot of elevation. Arrows: downhill. General terrain, not a pin read.
Approach from bottom
Contour source
USGS 1 Meter 12 x41y374 AZ_MaricopaPinal_2020_B20 · collection 2020–2021
Map source & reference
Mapbox Satellite composite · capture date not provided. Green at the top; the labeled map reference is below.
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 448 yards
The plan for No. 1
The opening hole at Troon North Golf Club's Monument Course sets an immediate tone for the desert golf experience ahead. This 448-yard par 4 demands respect from the first tee, requiring both distance and accuracy to navigate the Sonoran Desert landscape. The tee shot plays to a generous fairway that welcomes golfers into their round, but the approach shot to the small green becomes the critical scoring opportunity. With the dramatic backdrop of Pinnacle Peak and the rugged Arizona terrain framing every shot, this straightaway hole exemplifies the natural beauty that makes Troon North Golf Club Monument Course a premier desert destination. The compact green complex rewards precise iron play and sets the stage for the memorable round to follow.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should focus on finding the optimal position for your approach, typically favoring the center to right-center of the fairway. Driver is often the right choice here given the 448-yard length, but consider a 3-wood or hybrid if you're struggling with accuracy early in the round. The key is avoiding any desert areas that may border the fairway and ensuring you have a clear angle to attack the small green. Take note of wind conditions, as Arizona's desert winds can significantly affect ball flight.
Approach & recovery
With a small green as your target, precision trumps power on the approach shot. Depending on your tee shot position, you'll likely face a mid-iron to long-iron into the green. Focus on hitting the center of the green rather than chasing pins, especially early in the round when you're still getting a feel for conditions. The small green size means there's little room for error, so club up if you're between clubs and prioritize finding the putting surface.
On the green
The small green demands respect with your putter in hand. Focus on speed control above all else, as short putts can easily run off a compact putting surface. Read putts carefully from below the hole, and don't be overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Two-putting from anywhere on this green should be considered a success, setting up a solid par to begin your round. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, instead rewarding steady, strategic play. The main decision point comes with tee shot club selection - taking driver for optimal positioning versus playing more conservatively with a fairway wood. Given it's the opening hole, favor the conservative approach until you've found your rhythm and assessed course conditions. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus on finding the fairway with your most reliable club, even if it means a longer approach shot. Aim for the center of the green and don't worry about pin hunting. A bogey here is perfectly acceptable as you settle into your round. **Low-Handicap Players:** Use this hole to establish your tempo and assess conditions. Take advantage of the straightforward layout to dial in your distances and get comfortable with the desert environment. This is a legitimate birdie opportunity if you execute both shots well, but don't force anything early in the round. The opening hole at Troon North's Monument Course rewards patience and precision over aggressive play, making it the perfect introduction to what lies ahead on this challenging desert layout.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 4,748 sq ft
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 448 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 448-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 1?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered.
How big is the green on hole 1?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 1?
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This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.