Hole 1 at Southern Highlands Golf Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 417 yds
- Stroke index
- 12
- Hazards
- 3 bunkers · Water
Hole 1 map
31 yd wide × 35 yd deep · 4.1 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 Arc Second n36w116 20260610 · collection 2016–2025
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 4 · 417 yards
The plan for No. 1
The opening hole at Southern Highlands Golf Club sets an inviting yet strategic tone for this premier Las Vegas desert layout. This straightforward par 4 stretches 417 yards through the dramatic Nevada landscape, offering players a confidence-building start without sacrificing challenge. The tee shot plays to a generous fairway corridor framed by the course's signature desert vegetation and mountain backdrops. With no significant hazards to navigate, golfers can focus on positioning for the approach to a small, well-defended green that demands precision over power. The compact putting surface requires accurate iron play and rewards those who find the proper angle of attack. Southern Highlands Golf Club hole 1 exemplifies the course's philosophy of strategic golf in a stunning setting, making it a memorable opener that balances accessibility with the need for thoughtful execution.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy revolves around finding the optimal position in the landing zone to set up your approach. With the fairway running straight ahead, focus on the center-left portion of the fairway, which typically provides the best angle into the small green. A driver is certainly playable for most golfers, but consider a 3-wood or hybrid if you tend to struggle with accuracy off the first tee. The key is committing to your target line and making solid contact rather than trying to overpower the hole. Position your drive around the 250-yard mark to leave yourself with a comfortable mid-iron approach.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole can bite back if you're not careful. The small green requires precision and proper club selection based on pin position. Favor the center of the green when the pin is tucked, as short-siding yourself will make up-and-down difficult. Pay attention to wind conditions, which can be a factor in the desert climate. A controlled mid-iron to short-iron, depending on your tee shot position, should be the play. Focus on hitting the green rather than attacking every pin position, especially early in the round when your feel might not be dialed in yet.
On the green
The small putting surface at Southern Highlands' opener demands respect. While specific green contours aren't detailed, expect subtle breaks that can be deceiving. Take time to read your putt from multiple angles, as the smaller target means less margin for error. Lag putting to the center of the green is often the smart play, especially on longer putts. The key is avoiding three-putts that can deflate your momentum right out of the gate. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole presents a classic risk/reward scenario in terms of aggression versus course management. The reward is clear - with no major hazards, this is a legitimate birdie opportunity that can jumpstart your round. The risk lies in being overly aggressive with pin-seeking approach shots to a small green. Smart golfers will take their medicine when pins are tucked and aim for the fat part of the green, knowing that par is never a bad score to start your round. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus on keeping the ball in play off the tee, even if that means hitting 3-wood or hybrid. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, and don't be afraid to take your par and move on. Building confidence early is more valuable than forcing birdies. **Low Handicappers:** This is a hole where you should expect to make birdie. Be aggressive off the tee with driver to shorten the approach, then dial in your distance control with the approach shot. You have the skills to attack most pin positions, but still respect the small green size. Consider this hole a momentum-builder that can set up a strong front nine. The opening hole at Southern Highlands rewards solid golf course management while punishing overly aggressive play. Play within yourself, execute your fundamentals, and use this scoring opportunity to build confidence for the challenges ahead.
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: 4,243 sq ft
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 417 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 417-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 1?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.
How big is the green on hole 1?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.