Hole 1 at Rock Creek Park Golf Course

Par 4 • 294 Yards • Washington, District of Columbia

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Rock Creek Park Golf Course opens with a strategic par 4 that demands precision over power on this 294-yard opener. This straight, manageable hole presents a deceptive challenge with its compact green complex that requires careful club selection from the tee. The absence of major hazards might tempt golfers into an aggressive approach, but the small green rewards accuracy over distance. Smart players will favor position over power, setting up a comfortable wedge approach rather than risking an awkward distance with driver. The green's modest size amplifies the importance of the approach shot, making course management crucial from the very first swing. An excellent warm-up hole that establishes the thoughtful, strategic character that defines this historic Washington, D.C. municipal gem.

Tees:

294y278y

Green:27y × 24y

1 Bunker dogleg

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Rock Creek Park Golf Course

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 294 yds
Green: 4033 sq ft
Bunkers: 1
Course Slope: 112
Course Rating: 62.5

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Hole 2

Par 4 • 280y

Back to Rock Creek Park Golf Course View Full Scorecard

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A rangefinder takes the guesswork out of your approach into the green.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Exercise extreme caution off the tee as the fairway completely disappears at 250 yards, requiring precise distance control to avoid running out of short grass.

tee shot

Target your drive to the 200-yard mark where the fairway is only 12 yards wide - this narrow landing zone demands accuracy over distance on this short par 4.

hazard warning

Beware of bunkers positioned at 287 yards - even a modest drive risks finding sand if you push too aggressively for distance on this 294-yard hole.

approach

With the hole measuring only 294 yards total, a conservative 200-yard tee shot leaves a manageable 94-yard approach to the green.

green

The generous 4,033 square foot green (27x24 yards) offers a large target for your approach shot, making accuracy to the pin less critical than avoiding the fairway hazards.

train this shot at home

This 294-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

Focus on getting your approach inside 20 feet. Two putts from there and you walk away with par.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 294-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.

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 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 Rock Creek Park Golf Course. You can play this exact 294-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 →