Hole 1 at Doral Golf Resort and Spa 'The Blue monster'

Par 5 • 529 Yards • Miami, Florida

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Challenging

The opening hole at Doral's legendary Blue Monster sets the tone for one of golf's most demanding tests, where Alfred Kaskel's 1962 masterpiece immediately challenges players with its infamous length and strategic complexity. This par-5 opener embodies the course's reputation for punishing wayward shots while rewarding bold, precise play from the very first tee.

Tees:

529y504y481y390y

Green:24y × 30y

Fairway @250y:36y wide

8 Bunkers dogleg

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Doral Golf Resort and Spa 'The Blue monster'

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 529 yds
Green: 4558 sq ft
Bunkers: 8
Course Slope: 135
Course Rating: 75.6

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Hole 2

Par 4 • 376y

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Recommended Gear

A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

On this 529-yard par-5, position your tee shot between the bunkers at 257.8 and 278.2 yards. The fairway maintains a consistent 36-yard width at both 200 and 250 yards, giving you room to work with, but accuracy is crucial to avoid the strategically placed sand.

approach

After navigating the tee shot bunkers, your second shot becomes critical on this Blue Monster hole. With the fairway staying 36 yards wide at the 250-yard mark, longer hitters can challenge the carry over the bunkers, but conservative play down the right side sets up the best angle for your approach.

approach

The final bunker at 440.8 yards guards the approach to this par-5, demanding precision on your second or third shot. Given the Blue Monster's reputation for water hazards and the relatively compact 4,558 square foot green, club selection and accuracy are paramount here.

green

The green measures just 24 yards by 30 yards (4,558 sq ft), making it a challenging target for such a long par-5. True to the Blue Monster's character of undulating greens, focus on hitting to the correct tier and leaving yourself an uphill putt whenever possible.

hazard warning

This 529-yard hole epitomizes the Blue Monster's fearsome reputation - with bunkers strategically placed at 257.8, 278.2, and 440.8 yards, plus the course's infamous water hazards and deep rough, every shot requires careful consideration and precise execution.

train this shot at home

This 529-yard par 5 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

Scoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

At 529 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.

How difficult is hole 1?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 1?

Key hazards include: 4 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 1?

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 1?

This hole is a solid birdie opportunity with smart layup strategy. Most golfers can reach in three. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Doral Golf Resort and Spa 'The Blue monster'. You can play this exact par 5 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 →