Hole 2 at Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

Par 4 • 406 Yards • Bethesda, Maryland

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Challenging

The second hole at Congressional Country Club showcases the strategic design philosophy of the Jones family legacy, with Robert Trent Jones and later Rees Jones crafting a demanding test that requires precise shot-making. This driver hole features one of the course's most undulating greens, demanding both distance control and accurate approach positioning. The hole exemplifies Congressional's reputation as a championship venue that will challenge the world's best players through the 2036 Ryder Cup.

Tees:

406y387y360y335y275y

Green:26y × 24y

Fairway @250y:54y wide

4 BunkersWater dogleg

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Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 406 yds
Green: 3384 sq ft
Bunkers: 4
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 134
Course Rating: 73.2

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This dogleg right demands precision over power. With bunkers positioned at 223, 250, and 265 yards, a controlled drive of 200-220 yards will find the safest part of the fairway at 43 yards wide, setting up an ideal approach angle.

tee shot

Longer hitters can challenge the corner by carrying the bunker at 249 yards to reach the wider portion of fairway at 54 yards, but must execute a left-to-right shot shape to follow the dogleg's natural curve.

approach

From the optimal driving position, you'll face a short iron approach of 180-200 yards to a compact green measuring just 3,384 square feet. Club selection is critical on this small target.

hazard warning

The bunker cluster from 223-265 yards creates a strategic gauntlet. Conservative players should lay up short of 220 yards, while aggressive players must carry at least 265 yards to clear all hazards.

green

The green's modest 26x24 yard dimensions and highly undulating surface demand precise distance control. Focus on finding the correct tier rather than attacking pins, as this small green punishes misses severely.

train this shot at home

This 406-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.

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Scoring Tip

When water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 406-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 2?

This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 2?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker; water at 128.2 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 2?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 2?

Aim for the left side of the fairway when possible. Missing right (water) brings more trouble into play.

What's a good score on hole 2?

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 practice hole 2 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Congressional Country Club (Gold Course). You can play this exact 406-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 →