Hole 4 at Torrey Pines Golf Club ' South Course '

Par 4 • 488 Yards • La Jolla, California

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The 4th hole at Torrey Pines South stands as one of golf's most scenic masterpieces, winding dramatically along the rugged Pacific cliffs of La Jolla. This signature par-4 has become an iconic symbol of the championship course that annually hosts the PGA Tour's Farmers Insurance Open. The hole perfectly captures the breathtaking coastal beauty that has made Torrey Pines one of America's most celebrated municipal golf destinations.

Tees:

488y467y448y423y388y

Green:27y × 33y

Fairway @250y:54y wide

4 Bunkers dogleg

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Torrey Pines Golf Club ' South Course '

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 488 yds
Green: 4621 sq ft
Bunkers: 4
Course Slope: 143
Course Rating: 78.1

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Recommended Gear

Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

With the fairway measuring 45 yards wide at the 200-yard mark, focus on accuracy over distance off the tee. A controlled driver or 3-wood to the 200-yard area sets up an ideal approach angle while avoiding the coastal winds that can push shots toward trouble.

approach

From the optimal landing zone, you'll face a mid-iron approach to a relatively compact green measuring just 4,620 square feet. The green's 27x33 yard dimensions demand precise distance control - club up in the coastal breeze and aim for the center of this target.

tee shot

Longer hitters who can reach the 250-yard mark will find a more generous 54-yard-wide fairway, but at 488 yards total, this hole rewards strategic positioning over pure distance. Consider laying back to the wider section for a better angle into the green.

hazard warning

Be aware of bunkers positioned at 463.9 yards - while these may not come into play for most golfers on this 488-yard hole, they guard the green area and can catch aggressive approach shots or mishit recovery attempts.

approach

At 488 yards, this par-4 plays as a true two-shot hole for most players. After a solid drive to the 200-250 yard area, expect a mid to long iron approach. The green's compact 27-yard width requires commitment to your line - indecision in the ocean breeze leads to trouble.

train this shot at home

This 488-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 488-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 4?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 4?

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

How big is the green on hole 4?

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 4?

This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.

Can I practice hole 4 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Torrey Pines Golf Club ' South Course '. You can play this exact 488-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 →