Hole 4 at Chicago Golf Club
Par 4 • 320 Yards • Wheaton, Illinois
Chicago Golf Club's fourth hole presents a deceptively strategic 320-yard par 4 that embodies the subtle brilliance of America's oldest 18-hole course. This straight, short par 4 tempts aggressive players with a drivable green, but the small putting surface demands precision over power. The absence of major hazards shifts focus entirely to distance control and approach angle, as the compact green offers little margin for error. What appears straightforward from the tee reveals its true character around the green complex, where smart positioning becomes paramount. This hole perfectly demonstrates Chicago Golf Club's philosophy that strategic design trumps penal architecture, rewarding thoughtful course management over brute force in classic Golden Age fashion.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 320 yds
- Green
- 3603 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Water
- Yes
- Course Slope
- 131
- Course Rating
- 75.4
Recommended Gear
Water's in play — a premium ball you trust helps you commit to the shot.
Shop Golf Balls →Strategy Tips
This short par-4 demands precision over power. The fairway narrows dramatically from 24 yards wide at 200 yards to just 12 yards wide at 250 yards, making driver a risky play that could find trouble.
Consider laying up with a 3-wood or long iron to the 200-yard mark where you'll have a comfortable 24-yard-wide landing area, leaving a manageable wedge approach to the green.
From the ideal 200-yard position, you'll face a 120-yard approach shot to a generous green measuring 26 yards by 25 yards - perfect wedge distance for most players to attack the pin.
Beware of bunkers positioned at 311 yards - while beyond the green, any approach shot that runs long on this 320-yard hole could find sand, especially on firm conditions.
The large green at 3,603 square feet offers plenty of target area, but club selection is critical on this short hole - don't let the generous putting surface tempt you into being too aggressive with your approach.
This 320-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 & simulatorsWhen water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy off the tee?
For this 320-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 4?
This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 4?
Key hazards include: water at 98.8 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 4?
The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 4?
This hole is a birdie opportunity if you find the fairway. This shorter par 4 rewards accuracy off the tee with a short iron approach.
Can I practice hole 4 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Chicago Golf Club. You can play this exact 320-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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For course operators and clubs
Play This Course at Home
Practice Chicago 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
- 320 yds
- Green
- 3603 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Water
- Yes
- Course Slope
- 131
- Course Rating
- 75.4
Recommended Gear
Water's in play — a premium ball you trust helps you commit to the shot.
Shop Golf Balls →Get the Free Strategy Guide
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