Hole 7 at Doral Golf Resort and Spa 'The Blue monster'
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 428 yds
- Stroke index
- 9
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 30 yds deep × 27 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 428 yards
The plan for No. 7
The seventh hole at Doral Golf Resort and Spa 'The Blue Monster' presents a deceptively straightforward par 4 that embodies the course's reputation for demanding precision. At 428 yards, this straight hole challenges golfers with the Blue Monster's signature narrow landing areas off the tee, requiring accuracy over distance. The absence of major hazards might suggest a breather, but the small green complex demands a precise approach shot to avoid difficult recovery situations. Players must navigate the tight fairway corridors that have made this PGA Tour venue legendary, where even professional golfers respect the premium placed on accuracy. The compact putting surface rewards those who find the correct approach angle, making course management essential for scoring on this seemingly benign but strategically complex hole.
Off the tee
The key to this hole starts with a disciplined tee shot strategy. Given the Blue Monster's characteristic narrow landing areas, focus on finding the center of the fairway rather than trying to gain extra distance. A well-struck driver or 3-wood down the middle sets up the ideal approach angle, while aggressive lines risk finding the rough and complicating your second shot. Consider the wind conditions typical of South Florida - Miami's coastal breezes can affect ball flight significantly. In crosswinds, aim slightly into the wind and trust your swing to bring the ball back to center. The relatively straight layout means you can be aggressive with your target line as long as you maintain control.
Approach & recovery
With the green positioned at a moderate distance for most golfers after a solid drive, your approach shot becomes the scoring opportunity. The small green size demands precision - this isn't a target you can attack carelessly. Plan for a mid-iron to short-iron approach, depending on your tee shot position and pin location. Focus on the center of the green initially, as the small target leaves little room for error. The true, fast greens that Doral is known for will reward accurate approaches but punish shots that miss the putting surface. Take one extra club if you're between distances, as missing short or long on a small green creates difficult recovery shots.
On the green
Doral's greens are renowned for being true and fast, and the 7th hole's small putting surface amplifies the importance of your first putt. Read the green carefully from multiple angles, as subtle breaks can be deceiving on smaller greens where every inch matters. Position your approach shots below the hole when possible, as uphill putts on fast greens are more manageable than downhill attempts. The small green size means most putts will be relatively short, so focus on starting line and pace control rather than trying to make everything. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a clear risk/reward decision on the tee shot. While the narrow fairway might tempt you to play conservatively with a shorter club, the moderate length means a good drive sets up a comfortable approach with a shorter iron. The reward for finding the fairway with your driver is significant - a much easier second shot to the small green. The primary risk comes from missing the narrow fairway and having to play from rough, which makes controlling distance and spin into the small green much more challenging. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Prioritize accuracy over distance. Consider hitting 3-wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure you find the fairway. From there, focus on hitting the green rather than attacking specific pin positions. The small green rewards conservative play - aim for the center and two-putt for par. **Low Handicappers:** This hole offers a legitimate birdie opportunity with precise execution. A well-positioned drive allows for aggressive approach play to specific quadrants of the green. Use the fast, true greens to your advantage by being bold with approach shots when you have good lies and favorable pin positions. The 7th hole embodies the Blue Monster's philosophy of rewarding precision and punishing wayward shots. Success here builds momentum for the challenging holes ahead, while mistakes can quickly derail a good round on this legendary course.
Watch for
- Mapped water influences carry decisions and safe margins off the tee and on approaches.
- Mapped bunkers guard landing areas and greenside recovery lines.
Hole 7 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,858 sq ft
How did Hole 7 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 428 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 428-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 7?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 7?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.