Hole 1 at Cypress Point Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 421 yds
- Stroke index
- 5
- Hazards
- 3 bunkers
Hole 1 map
23 yd wide × 32 yd deep · 5 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 10 x59y405 CA_AZ_FEMA_R9_Lidar_2017_D18 · collection 2018–2019
Map source & reference
Mapbox Satellite composite · capture date not provided. Green at the top; the labeled map reference is below.
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 4 · 421 yards
The plan for No. 1
Cypress Point Club's opening hole sets an elegant tone for one of golf's most revered courses, offering a deceptively strategic par 4 that demands precision from the first swing. At 421 yards, this straight layout appears straightforward but rewards thoughtful course management over pure distance. The tee shot plays to a generous fairway framed by the dramatic Monterey Peninsula landscape, where towering cypress trees and coastal vegetation create a stunning natural amphitheater. The approach shot to the small green requires careful club selection and accurate distance control, as the putting surface offers little margin for error. Without significant hazards to intimidate, Cypress Point Club hole 1 relies on subtle undulations and strategic positioning to challenge players, making it a perfect introduction to Alister MacKenzie's masterful design that has captivated golfers for nearly a century.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the optimal position for your approach rather than maximum distance. Most players should favor a controlled driver or strong 3-wood, aiming for the center-right portion of the fairway to create the best angle into the small green. The straight layout means you can commit fully to your target line without worrying about doglegs or hidden trouble. Position is crucial here - being too far left can complicate your approach angle, while the right side offers a more favorable entry to the green. Consider the day's conditions: into the wind, take one more club and focus on solid contact; downwind, you might need to dial back the aggression to avoid running through the ideal landing zone.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole shows its teeth. The small green demands pinpoint accuracy, making club selection and distance control paramount. Depending on your tee shot position, you'll likely face anything from a mid-iron to a long-iron for your second shot. Target the center of the green unless the pin position and your confidence level justify attacking a specific quadrant. The green's compact size means even slight misses can leave challenging recovery shots. Factor in the coastal conditions - Pebble Beach winds can significantly affect ball flight, so take an extra club and make a smooth, controlled swing rather than forcing a shot.
On the green
The small green size means putting strategy focuses on speed control and reading the subtle breaks that characterize Cypress Point's greens. First putts should prioritize getting within comfortable two-putt range rather than being overly aggressive with the line. Pay attention to the grain and any coastal wind influence on longer putts. The green's size works in your favor for pace - you won't face the extreme distance control challenges found on larger surfaces, but precision becomes even more critical on shorter putts where you expect to make them.
Watch for
- Crossing center (center)
- Crossing center (center)
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 4,172 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Cypress Point Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Cypress Point Club. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
NLU Film Room: Randy Plays Cypress Point Club
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 421 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
↓
For this 421-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 1?
↓
This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.
How big is the green on hole 1?
↓
The green is small and requires precision. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.