Hole 1 at Spyglass Hill Golf Course
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 595 yds
- Stroke index
- 3
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers
Hole 1 map
42 yd wide × 28 yd deep · 3.8 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 Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 595 yards
The plan for No. 1
Named "Treasure Island" after Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novel, this opening hole at Spyglass Hill sets the tone with sweeping ocean views along the Monterey Peninsula. The par-5 opener welcomes players to "The Glass," where Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s design philosophy of risk and reward immediately comes into play.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the optimal position for your second shot while avoiding trouble areas. With the hole's straight layout, focus on hitting your most reliable tee shot rather than forcing maximum distance. A well-struck driver or strong 3-wood down the center-left portion of the fairway typically provides the best angle for the approach. The ocean views can be distracting, so commit to your target line and trust your swing. Position is more valuable than pure distance on this opening hole.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot varies dramatically based on your tee shot success. Longer hitters may have a mid-iron second shot to reach the green in two, while most players will be laying up for a more manageable third shot. If going for the green, favor the center-right approach to account for the small target. For layup shots, position yourself around 100 yards out with a clear angle to the pin. The small green demands precision, so ensure you have a comfortable distance for your final approach rather than forcing an awkward yardage.
On the green
Spyglass Hill's greens are legendary for their speed and slope, and the first hole exemplifies this challenge. As PGA Tour professional Kevin Chappell advises, "You just have to be below the hole." The key putting strategy involves aggressive uphill putts while being extremely cautious with downhill attempts. Read the green carefully and always err on the side of leaving putts below the hole position. The small green size means even slight misreads can result in lengthy comeback putts on these lightning-fast surfaces.
Watch for
- Greenside bunker (greenside)
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 6,445 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Spyglass Hill Golf Course — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Spyglass Hill Golf Course. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
A Bunch of Questions: Jordan Spieth Practice Round at Spyglass Hill
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 595 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 595 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 1?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5.
How big is the green on hole 1?
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The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 1?
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This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.