Hole 1 at Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 560 yds
- Stroke index
- 15
- Hazards
- 8 bunkers
Hole 1 map
33 yd wide × 31 yd deep · 2.5 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 16 x44y460 IL_4_County_QL1_LiDAR_2016_B16 · collection 2017
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 5 · 560 yards
The plan for No. 1
Opening the round at Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course), this 560-yard par 5 sets an inviting yet strategic tone for what lies ahead. The straight layout offers golfers a generous fairway to find their rhythm, making it an ideal confidence-builder to start the day. Without significant hazards to navigate, players can focus on positioning and course management rather than avoiding trouble. The small green demands precision on the approach, rewarding those who can dial in their distance control. While the 15 handicap rating suggests this hole won't break your round, the compact putting surface ensures that even a well-executed approach requires careful attention to pin placement for optimal scoring opportunities.
Off the tee
Launch your round with confidence by taking driver and aiming down the center of the fairway. With no hazards to avoid, you can swing freely and focus on maximizing distance to set up the shortest possible approach. The straight layout rewards aggressive play off the tee - the further you drive it, the better your angle and shorter club you'll have into that small green. Target the center-left portion of the fairway to give yourself the best angle for your second shot.
Approach & recovery
This is where the hole's challenge reveals itself. Whether you're going for the green in two or laying up for a wedge, precision trumps power. If attempting to reach in two, favor a controlled long iron or fairway wood over forcing a driver or 3-wood - the small green penalizes wayward shots severely. For those laying up, position your ball about 100-120 yards out to leave your favorite wedge distance. Avoid getting too close where you're stuck between clubs or left with an awkward half-swing.
On the green
The small green demands accurate approach shots and careful putting. Without specific break information, focus on hitting your approach shots to the center of the green and leaving yourself uphill putts when possible. Take extra time reading putts on this smaller surface, as subtle breaks can be magnified. Pin position will greatly influence your approach strategy - be more aggressive to center pins and more conservative to edges. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole epitomizes risk/reward golf strategy. Going for the green in two offers eagle potential but requires two excellent shots to find the small target. The safer play of driver, layup, and wedge almost guarantees a birdie opportunity for solid players. Consider course conditions, your current form, and match situation when deciding between aggressive and conservative approaches. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Higher Handicappers:** Play this as a three-shot hole. Hit driver off the tee for maximum distance, then use a mid-iron to position yourself about 100 yards out. This leaves a comfortable wedge into the green and takes pressure off having to execute two perfect long shots. Focus on hitting the center of the green with your third shot. **Lower Handicappers:** This is your birdie hole. If you're driving it well, don't hesitate to go for the green in two with a long iron or hybrid. The key is committing to your club selection - a tentative swing from 200+ yards rarely finds a small green. If conditions aren't favorable or you're between clubs, the layup-wedge strategy ensures you don't waste this scoring opportunity. The opening hole at Olympia Fields North rewards both aggressive play and smart course management, making it the perfect way to build momentum for your round.
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: 6,195 sq ft
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 560 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 560 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 1?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5.
How big is the green on hole 1?
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The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 1?
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This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.