Hole 1 at Seminole Golf Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 370 yds
- Hazards
- 9 bunkers · Water
Hole 1 map
25 yd wide × 44 yd deep · 2.9 ft total elevation range
Light = gentler slope · Red = steeper slope
White lines: 1 foot of elevation. Arrows: downhill. General terrain, not a pin read.
Approach from bottom
Contour source
USGS 1 Meter 17 x59y298 FL_Peninsular_FDEM_2018_D19_DRRA · collection 2018–2020
Map source & reference
Mapbox Satellite composite · capture date not provided. Green at the top; the labeled map reference is below.
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 370 yards
The plan for No. 1
Seminole Golf Club's opening hole presents a deceptively straightforward par 4 that sets the tone for one of America's most revered golf courses. This 370-yard opener features a generous fairway that welcomes players to Donald Ross's masterpiece along Florida's Atlantic coast, where legends like Ben Hogan once honed their craft. The straight layout demands precision over power, with the small green requiring a well-judged approach shot to avoid the subtle slopes that can send wayward balls tumbling away. Without major hazards to intimidate, this hole rewards accurate play and proper club selection, establishing the premium Seminole Golf Club places on strategic thinking over brute force from the very first tee shot.
Off the tee
Your opening drive should prioritize finding the fairway center, establishing rhythm for the round ahead. At 370 yards total, most players can comfortably use driver while maintaining control, though stronger players might consider a 3-wood or long iron if conditions are firm. The target line runs straight down the middle, with the key being to avoid any mental pressure of the opening tee shot. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing that finds the short grass and leaves you in prime position for your approach.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot represents the hole's primary scoring opportunity, with the small green demanding pinpoint accuracy. Depending on your tee shot distance, expect to hit anywhere from a short iron to mid-iron into this target. The key is committing fully to your club selection and aiming for the center of the green, especially early in the round when you're still reading conditions. With no major hazards protecting the green, aggressive pin-hunting can be rewarded, but ensure you're warmed up and feeling confident in your iron play before firing at tucked pins.
On the green
The small putting surface requires precise approach shots and confident putting. Early in the round, focus on two-putting from wherever your ball lands rather than getting overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Read the green carefully during your approach walk, as this sets the foundation for reading greens throughout your Seminole experience. The compact size means most putts will be makeable, but don't underestimate the importance of getting off to a solid start. ## RISK VS REWARD This opening hole offers excellent risk/reward balance for establishing early momentum. The absence of major hazards allows for aggressive play if you're feeling sharp, while the small green provides a clear target that rewards precision. Conservative players can safely aim for the green's center and likely walk away with par, while confident ball-strikers can attack pins for early birdies. The key is matching your strategy to how you're hitting the ball during warm-up. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should treat this as a confidence-building hole, using whatever club ensures finding the fairway off the tee, even if that means laying up with a hybrid or long iron. Focus on hitting the green anywhere with your approach rather than chasing pins, and embrace the opportunity for a stress-free start to your Seminole round. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive, using this hole to establish early scoring momentum. Consider pin positions carefully and don't hesitate to attack if you're striking the ball well. This hole offers an excellent chance to get under par early, but respect the small green size and ensure your approach shots are committed and confident. The opening hole at Seminole rewards smart course management while offering genuine scoring opportunities for players who execute with precision and confidence.
Watch for
- Mapped sand (greenside) roughly 374 yards from the tee reference.
- Mapped sand (greenside) roughly 354 yards from the tee reference.
- Mapped sand (greenside) roughly 350 yards from the tee reference.
- Mapped sand (crossing) roughly 216 yards from the tee reference.
- Mapped sand (crossing) roughly 261 yards from the tee reference.
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 4,748 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Seminole Golf Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Seminole Golf Club. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
Restoring Donald Ross's Seminole Golf Club
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 370 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 370-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 1?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 1?
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Key hazards include: water at 332.8 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 1?
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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?
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This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.