Hole 1 at Penmar Golf Course

Par 4 • 271 Yards • Venice, California

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The opening hole at Penmar Golf Course presents a deceptively strategic start to your Venice round. At 271 yards, this short par 4 tempts aggressive players to take driver, but the modest length masks subtle challenges that reward thoughtful course management. The straight layout features a small green that demands precision on the approach shot, making club selection from the tee crucial. Without major hazards to navigate, success hinges on finding the optimal position for your second shot to this compact target. The hole's handicap ranking of 6 reflects its ability to separate careful strategists from overzealous bombers, setting the tone for Penmar's unique blend of accessibility and challenge that has made it a beloved municipal gem in the heart of Venice.

Tees:

271y257y

Green:21y × 31y

Fairway @250y:33y wide

3 Bunkers dogleg

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Penmar Golf Course

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 271 yds
Green: 3470 sq ft
Bunkers: 3
Course Slope: 99
Course Rating: 63.9

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Hole 2

Par 4 • 338y

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This short par-4 at 271 yards presents a strategic decision - the fairway is generous at 40 yards wide at the 200-yard mark, making it safe to lay up with a mid-iron and leave a comfortable wedge approach.

hazard warning

Beware of the greenside bunkers positioned at 210.8 and 216.3 yards - these guard the approach zone and will catch aggressive tee shots that come up short of the green.

approach

The compact green measuring just 21 by 30 yards (3,470 sq ft) demands precision - focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pin positions on this small target.

tee shot

Longer hitters can attempt to drive the green at 271 yards, but must carry the bunker at 216.3 yards and stop the ball on the small 3,470 sq ft putting surface.

green

With a bunker positioned at 326.2 yards beyond the green, aggressive drivers who miss long will find trouble - the risk/reward calculation favors accuracy over distance on this short par-4.

train this shot at home

This 271-yard par 4 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

With bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 271-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 1?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 1?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 1?

The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 1?

This hole is a birdie opportunity if you find the fairway. This shorter par 4 rewards accuracy off the tee with a short iron approach.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Penmar Golf Course. You can play this exact 271-yard par 4 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 →