Hole 4 at Seminole Golf Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 450 yds
- Hazards
- 7 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 33 yds deep × 28 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 · 450 yards
The plan for No. 4
Seminole Golf Club's fourth hole presents a demanding straight-away par 4 that epitomizes the strategic brilliance of this legendary North Palm Beach layout. At 450 yards, this hole challenges golfers with its deceptively simple appearance while demanding precision from tee to green. The generous fairway invites an aggressive tee shot, but the real test lies in the approach to a small, well-protected green complex that punishes anything less than a perfectly struck iron. With minimal hazards cluttering the landscape, success depends entirely on course management and shot execution. The hole's understated elegance reflects Seminole's reputation as a pure test of golf, where strategic thinking trumps raw power in this timeless design masterpiece.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on maximizing distance while maintaining accuracy down the center of the fairway. Given the hole's length, most players will benefit from using driver to get as close to the green as possible, reducing the difficulty of the approach shot. Aim for the center-left portion of the fairway, which typically provides the best angle for the approach. The straight layout means there's no dogleg to cut, so focus on a smooth, controlled swing that prioritizes both distance and accuracy. Shorter hitters should especially emphasize getting every yard possible off the tee, as this significantly impacts the difficulty of the second shot.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot to this small green demands precision club selection and committed execution. From the likely distance remaining after a good drive, expect to hit anything from a mid-iron to hybrid depending on conditions and your driving distance. The small green size makes accuracy paramount - focus on the center of the green rather than attacking pins. Take extra club if there's any doubt, as coming up short on a long par 4 often leads to difficult up-and-down situations. Consider the wind carefully, as Seminole's coastal location means breezes can significantly affect longer approach shots.
On the green
The small green at the 4th creates its own putting challenges, as approaches from longer distances can leave lengthy putts even when finding the surface. Focus on lag putting to avoid three-putts, especially on longer approach putts. The green's compact size means most putts will have some break, so take time to read the slopes carefully. When the pin is tucked near edges, play conservatively to the fat part of the green and accept longer putts rather than risk missing the surface entirely. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities due to its straightforward design, making it more about execution than gambling. The primary decision involves tee shot aggression - swinging harder for extra distance versus maintaining control. Given the length requirements, most players benefit from aggressive driving while staying within their comfort zone. The small green discourages aggressive approach shots, making center-green the smart target regardless of pin position. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should prioritize getting the ball in play off the tee, even if it means using 3-wood for better accuracy. Accept that this will likely be a bogey hole and focus on avoiding big numbers by playing conservatively to the center of the green. Two-putt par feels like a birdie on this demanding hole. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with driver while still maintaining accuracy. These players have the skill to attack different pin positions but should still respect the small green size. The length creates a legitimate birdie opportunity for accomplished players who execute two quality shots, making it important to stay committed through both swings. This classic Seminole test rewards sound golf course management and quality ball-striking, embodying the strategic principles that make this historic course a favorite among golf's elite.
Watch for
- Mapped sand (greenside) roughly 468 yards from the tee reference.
- Mapped sand (greenside) roughly 467 yards from the tee reference.
- Mapped sand (greenside) roughly 443 yards from the tee reference.
- Mapped sand (greenside) roughly 429 yards from the tee reference.
- Mapped sand (crossing) roughly 398 yards from the tee reference.
Hole 4 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,525 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 4 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 450 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 450-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 4?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
How big is the green on hole 4?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 4?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.