Hole 1 at Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 400 yds
- Stroke index
- 11
- Hazards
- 3 bunkers · Water
Hole 1 map
31 yd wide × 33 yd deep · 3.9 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 x46y345 GA_Statewide_2018_B18_DRRA · collection 2018–2019
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 · 400 yards
The plan for No. 1
The opening hole at Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside) sets an elegant tone for Walter Travis's masterpiece, where Bobby Jones once declared he'd experienced "one of the very best nine holes." This 400-yard par 4 welcomes golfers with a generous fairway that encourages an aggressive tee shot, though the small green demands precision on the approach. The straight layout may appear forgiving, but the compact putting surface requires careful club selection and accurate iron play. With minimal hazards to navigate, success hinges on distance control and reading the subtle undulations of this intimate green complex. It's a hole that embodies the refined character of this storied Georgia coastal retreat, where breathtaking beauty and strategic golf combine seamlessly from the very first swing.
Off the tee
Your **tee shot strategy** should focus on finding the optimal position for your approach. With no significant hazards to navigate, club selection becomes crucial for course management. Most players will benefit from a controlled driver or strong 3-wood, aiming for the center-right portion of the fairway to open up the best angle to the small green. Long hitters may be tempted to take an aggressive line, but the key is leaving yourself with a comfortable approach distance rather than maximum distance. Consider the wind conditions typical of coastal Georgia - a controlled swing often trumps pure power on this opener.
Approach & recovery
The **approach shot** is where this hole shows its teeth. The small green size means precision trumps power, making club selection critical. Depending on your tee shot position, you'll likely face a mid-iron to short-iron approach. Target the center of the green regardless of pin position - the small putting surface leaves little margin for error. Avoid the temptation to attack tucked pins, especially early in the round when you're still finding your rhythm. A solid two-putt from the center of the green beats a difficult recovery shot every time.
On the green
The small green creates interesting **putting challenges**. While specific break patterns will vary with pin positions, focus on speed control above all else. Coastal winds can affect longer putts more than you might expect, so take an extra moment to read the conditions. Leave approach putts below the hole when possible - uphill putts are more forgiving on smaller greens. If you find yourself with a lengthy first putt, prioritize getting within that comfortable second putt range rather than being aggressive to the pin. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers subtle **risk/reward opportunities** primarily through club selection and target line choices. The reward for aggressive play is minimal given the small green, making this more about avoiding bogey than chasing birdie. The smart play rewards patience - a well-positioned drive followed by a committed approach to the green's center typically yields the best scoring opportunities. Save the aggressive plays for holes later in the round where the risk/reward ratio is more favorable. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should treat this as a par 4.5, focusing on two solid shots rather than trying to reach in regulation at all costs. Consider laying up to your most comfortable wedge distance if your driver leaves you between clubs for the approach. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with driver off the tee, but should still respect the small green size. This is a hole where course management and precision matter more than raw distance - qualities that Bobby Jones himself would have appreciated when he praised this historic layout during his Grand Slam year. The opening hole at Seaside embodies the thoughtful design philosophy that has made this course a favorite among golf's greatest players for nearly a century. Play it smart, and you'll set yourself up for a memorable round on one of Georgia's crown jewel courses.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 5,166 sq ft
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 400 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
↓
For this 400-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 1?
↓
This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play.
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.
Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 1?
↓
Aim for the left side of the fairway when possible. Missing right (water) brings more trouble into play.