Hole 1 at East Lake Golf Club
Par 4 • 426 Yards • Atlanta, Georgia
East Lake's opening hole sets the tone for this historic venue, where Donald Ross's 1913 redesign still influences play today. The first tee shot at this storied Atlanta course demands precision, as architect Andrew Green's recent restoration work has revived the strategic elements that challenge players from the very start.
40 Days Away
TOUR Championship
Aug 27–30, 2026 at East Lake Golf Club. Passes typically start around $75. Prices rise as the tournament approaches.
Get TOUR Championship TicketsSee full tournament page →StubHub · 200,000+ verified tickets sold for golf events
Play This Course at Home
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 426 yds
- Green
- 4814 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Course Slope
- 142
- Course Rating
- 76
Recommended Gear
A rangefinder takes the guesswork out of your approach into the green.
Shop Rangefinders →Strategy Tips
Target the center-left of the fairway with your tee shot, as the fairway narrows from 34 yards wide at the 200-yard mark to just 30 yards wide at 250 yards. This positioning sets up the optimal angle for your approach to the compact green.
With bunkers positioned at 387.6, 414.2, and 420.4 yards from the tee, your approach shot will need to carry the greenside hazards. The green measures only 4,814 square feet (32x27 yards), so precision is critical - aim for the center of the green rather than attacking pins.
Be especially wary of the bunker at 420.4 yards, which sits very close to the green on this 426-yard hole. Given East Lake's history of deep, punishing bunkers (like the famous deep pit at the 11th), avoiding these greenside traps should be your primary concern on the approach.
The relatively small green dimensions of 32 yards by 27 yards demand accuracy over aggression. With the green being compact at just 4,814 square feet, focus on hitting the correct tier and leaving yourself an uphill putt when possible.
Length management is crucial on this 426-yard par 4 - avoid the temptation to bomb your drive, as the fairway constricts to only 30 yards wide at the 250-yard mark. A controlled 220-240 yard tee shot leaves you in the wider part of the fairway with a manageable approach.
This 426-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.
See launch monitors & simulatorsWith bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy off the tee?
For this 426-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 1?
This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 1?
Key hazards include: 3 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 demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.
Can I watch hole 1 at the TOUR Championship in person?
Yes — the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club is one of the PGA Tour's most-attended events, drawing over 200,000 spectators across the week. Hole 1 is a popular viewing spot. StubHub typically lists single-day grounds passes starting around $75–$150, with premium grandstand and hospitality options available for serious fans. Prices tend to climb as the tournament approaches, so buying early often saves 30–40%. Buy TOUR Championship tickets on StubHub →
Can I practice hole 1 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for East Lake Golf Club. You can play this exact 426-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 →
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40 Days Away
TOUR Championship
Aug 27–30, 2026 at East Lake Golf Club. Passes typically start around $75. Prices rise as the tournament approaches.
Get TOUR Championship TicketsSee full tournament page →StubHub · 200,000+ verified tickets sold for golf events
Play This Course at Home
Practice East Lake Golf Club Year-Round
Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.
Browse Launch Monitors & SimulatorsAmazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 426 yds
- Green
- 4814 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Course Slope
- 142
- Course Rating
- 76
Recommended Gear
A rangefinder takes the guesswork out of your approach into the green.
Shop Rangefinders →Get the Free Strategy Guide
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