Hole 1 at Forest Dunes Golf Club

Par 4 • 399 Yards • Roscommon, Michigan

Enhanced Content

Challenging

Opening The Loop at Forest Dunes, this inaugural hole sets the stage for Tom Doak's revolutionary reversible design concept. As part of the clockwise Black routing, it introduces golfers to the unique experience where today's first hole becomes tomorrow's 18th when playing the counter-clockwise Red route.

Tees:

399y371y312y285y

Green:21y × 28y

7 Bunkers dogleg

Loading map...

Forest Dunes Golf Club

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Play This Course at Home

Practice Forest Dunes 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 & Simulators

Amazon · 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: 399 yds
Green: 3046 sq ft
Bunkers: 7
Course Slope: 142
Course Rating: 74.8

Navigate

Hole 2

Par 4 • 451y

Back to Forest Dunes Golf Club View Full Scorecard

Recommended Gear

Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.

Shop Wedges →

Strategy Tips

tee shot

This hole presents an extreme strategic challenge with no fairway width measured at either 200 or 250 yards, indicating either a forced carry or severely pinched landing area. Focus on accuracy over distance and consider laying up to a comfortable yardage for your approach shot.

approach

With the hole playing 399 yards and no traditional fairway landing zones, this likely requires a precise approach to a compact green measuring just 3,046 square feet. The green's dimensions of 21 by 28 yards demand accuracy, especially if approaching from an awkward lie.

hazard warning

Multiple bunkers positioned at significant distances (1,867,620 to 1,867,661 yards) suggest these may be measurement anomalies or reference points. Focus on identifying the actual sand hazards around the green complex and plan your approach accordingly.

green

The relatively small green at 21 by 28 yards requires precise distance control on your approach. With Tom Doak's design philosophy in mind, expect subtle undulations and challenging pin positions that reward accuracy over aggressive play.

tee shot

Given the 0-yard landing zone measurement from the tee, this hole likely features a unique design element typical of The Loop's innovative layout. Study the hole carefully during your pre-round preparation to identify the optimal strategy for this 399-yard par 4.

train this shot at home

This 399-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 & simulators

Scoring Tip

With bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.

Play Forest Dunes Golf Club from Your Living Room

Launch monitors and simulators now include real course data. Practice your strategy on every hole before your round — or just for fun.

Compare Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 399-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: heavily bunkered, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 1?

Key hazards include: fairway bunkers at 1867253.2-1867661.9 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 1?

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 1?

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

What's a good score on hole 1?

This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.

Can I practice hole 1 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Forest Dunes Golf Club. You can play this exact 399-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 →