Hole 1 at Oakmont Country Club

Par 5 • 477 Yards • Glendale, California

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Moderate

Oakmont Country Club's opening hole presents a deceptively challenging par 5 that sets the tone for one of California's most respected golf experiences. At 477 yards, this straight-away hole invites aggressive play off the tee, with a generous fairway that welcomes drivers and long irons alike. The absence of major hazards allows golfers to focus purely on positioning and distance control, making it an ideal scoring opportunity to start the round.

The approach to the small green demands precision, as the compact target requires careful club selection and accurate execution. Players can comfortably reach this green in two shots, creating an excellent birdie chance for those who execute their game plan. The hole's strategic value lies in building confidence early while testing fundamental shot-making skills that will prove crucial throughout the round at this distinguished Glendale layout.

Tees:

477y457y

Green:22y × 20y

Fairway @250y:33y wide

5 Bunkers dogleg

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Oakmont Country Club

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 477 yds
Green: 2855 sq ft
Bunkers: 5
Course Slope: 136
Course Rating: 75.5

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Hole 2

Par 4 • 338y

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Recommended Gear

A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Focus on accuracy over distance off the tee - the fairway narrows significantly from 42 yards wide at 200 yards to just 33 yards wide at 250 yards, making position more important than maximum distance.

approach

Plan your layup carefully on this 477-yard par 5 - most players should position their second shot to leave a comfortable wedge distance to the green, avoiding the temptation to reach in two on this shorter par 5.

hazard warning

Be aware of multiple bunkers protecting the green area - with hazards at 489.6, 467.5, and 461.1 yards from the tee, your approach shots need precise distance control to avoid these strategically placed traps.

green

Target the center of this compact 2,854 square foot green (22 yards by 20 yards) - the relatively small putting surface rewards accuracy over aggressive pin-hunting, especially on approach shots.

approach

Consider this a true three-shot par 5 for most players - at 477 yards with a narrow landing zone and well-protected green, playing for birdie through precision rather than power will yield better scoring opportunities.

train this shot at home

This 477-yard par 5 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Scoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

At 477 yards, Reachable in two for longer hitters. Consider laying up short of hazards if going for it is risky.

How difficult is hole 1?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 1?

Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 1?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 1?

This hole is a reachable par 5 with eagle chances for longer hitters. Birdie is very much in play here if you can set up a good approach.

Can I practice hole 1 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Oakmont Country Club. You can play this exact par 5 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →