Rock Creek Park Golf Course Hole by Hole - 1st Hole
Rock Creek Park Golf Course, District of Columbia
Submit a tipThere are no reviews for this hole yet
Hole 1 at Rock Creek Park Golf Course is a short par 4, measuring 294 yards from the championship tees. The hole has a handicap of 12, making it one of the easier holes on the course. From the women's tee, the distance is slightly shorter at 278 yards.
The fairway width is about average at 37 yards and there are two bunkers strategically placed along the left side of the fairway to catch errant drives. However, only 5% of these bunkers are greenside and should not come into play for most golfers.
The green itself is relatively large at 7738 square feet and has a slight curvature with a dogleg to the right. This means that players will need to shape their shots accordingly in order to have an optimal approach angle into the green.
In terms of club selection, for an average golfer who hits their driver around 217 yards, this hole presents an opportunity for them to go for it off the tee if they feel confident in their driving accuracy. A well-placed drive could leave them with just a short pitch shot into the green using either their pitching wedge (120 yards) or even their sand wedge (100-110 yards).
However, playing conservatively with a shorter club such as a long iron or hybrid may be advisable depending on weather conditions and wind direction/velocity. Speaking of which, Washington D.C.'s climate can vary greatly throughout each season so it's important for golfers to take note of any potential factors that may impact ball flight such as altitude changes due to temperature shifts or strong winds coming off nearby bodies of water.
Overall, Hole 1 offers players an opportunity to start off their round on a positive note by potentially scoring well with smart strategy and solid execution both off the tee and onto this relatively forgiving green complex.
Teebox type:
Men's
Par:
4
Distance:
294 yards
Handicap:
12
Green Area:
7738
Approx Fairway Width:
37
Has Water:
False
Curvature:
Slight dogleg
Percent Bunkers Near green:
5
Bunker Count:
2
Bunkers:
Some fairway bunkers, with the majority (51%) strategically placed around the area.
Club Recommendations
1. Take note of the handicap and length of the hole - Hole 1 is a relatively easy par 4, so don't feel pressured to make an aggressive play off the tee.
2. Aim for accuracy over distance - With strategically placed bunkers on the left side, it's important to hit your drive straight rather than trying to bomb it down the fairway.
3. Consider using a shorter club off the tee - If you're not confident in your driving accuracy, consider using a long iron or hybrid instead of your driver.
4. Pay attention to weather conditions and wind direction/velocity - These factors can greatly impact ball flight and should be taken into consideration when choosing which club to use off the tee.
5. Use course knowledge to shape shots accordingly - The dogleg right on this hole means that players will need to shape their shots in order to have an optimal approach angle into the green.
6. Don't be afraid to go for it if you're feeling confident - For those who hit their driver around 217 yards, going for it off the tee could leave them with just a short pitch shot onto the green.
7. Focus on hitting onto this large green complex - The green is relatively forgiving, so aim for accuracy rather than trying too hard for distance when approaching with your second shot.
8. Utilize pitching wedge or sand wedge for approach shots - Depending on how far you hit your driver, these clubs may provide enough distance for a comfortable approach shot onto this large green complex.
9. Be aware of potential altitude changes due to temperature shifts or strong winds coming off nearby bodies of water- Adjustments may need to be made based on these factors in order achieve desired results with each shot.
10.Take advantage of starting out strong by executing smart strategy and solid execution both off the tee and onto this relatively forgiving green complex.
"The most important shot in golf is the next one."
- Ben Hogan
Only signed in users can add reviews.
Sign inThere are no reviews for this hole yet