Hole 4 at Forest Dunes Golf Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 402 yds
- Stroke index
- 9
- Hazards
- 5 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 36 yds deep × 38 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 402 yards
The plan for No. 4
The fourth hole at Forest Dunes Golf Club presents a deceptively straightforward 402-yard par 4 that embodies the subtle brilliance of Tom Doak's reversible Loop design. This straight-away hole challenges golfers with its understated complexity, featuring a small green that demands precise approach play despite the absence of traditional hazards. The tee shot offers a generous fairway, allowing players to focus on positioning for the crucial second shot. What makes this hole particularly intriguing is how it transforms when played in reverse as part of The Loop's unique dual-routing system, creating an entirely different strategic puzzle. The compact green complex rewards accuracy over power, making club selection and distance control paramount. It's a testament to strategic golf design where the real challenge lies not in avoiding trouble, but in executing precise shots to score well.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should focus on positioning rather than distance. A well-struck driver or 3-wood down the center of the fairway sets up the ideal approach angle. With no hazards threatening the landing area, you can be aggressive with your target line, aiming for the center-left portion of the fairway to open up the best angle to the small green. The key is avoiding any uneven lies that might complicate your approach shot distance control.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole shows its teeth. The small green size demands pinpoint accuracy with your club selection and execution. A mid-iron to short-iron approach (depending on your tee shot position) should be played to the center of the green, regardless of pin position. The compact target makes it crucial to take enough club and commit to a smooth swing. Any short-sided miss will create a challenging up-and-down opportunity.
On the green
With a small green, putting strategy becomes relatively straightforward but no less important. Focus on speed control above all else, as the limited real estate means any putt hit too firmly could easily roll off the putting surface. Read the green carefully from multiple angles, as subtle breaks can be magnified on a smaller target. Lag putting to the center of the green is often the best strategy for longer putts. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a clear risk/reward proposition: the absence of major hazards allows for aggressive play, but the small green punishes imprecise execution. The reward for hitting quality shots is a legitimate birdie opportunity, while the risk of missing the green entirely can lead to bogey or worse. The smart play is controlled aggression - commit fully to your shots while respecting the precision required. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus on two solid, controlled shots rather than trying to overpower the hole. A conservative tee shot with a hybrid or fairway wood, followed by a smooth swing with a mid-iron aimed at the center of the green, gives you the best chance for par. Don't be tempted to attack pins - the small green rewards center-focused approaches. **Low-Handicap Players:** This hole offers a prime scoring opportunity with proper execution. You can be more aggressive with driver off the tee to set up a shorter iron approach. Consider pin position more heavily in your approach strategy, but still respect the small target. This is a hole where your short game skills around the green become crucial if you do miss the putting surface. The beauty of The Loop's reversible design means this hole will play differently when you return to play the course in the opposite direction, adding another layer of strategic intrigue to your Forest Dunes experience.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 4 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,209 sq ft
How did Hole 4 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 402 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 402-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 4?
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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 4?
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Key hazards include: fairway bunkers at 1867233.3-1867315.6 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 4?
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The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 4?
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Aim for the left side of the fairway when possible. Missing right brings more trouble into play.