Hole 1 at Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 478 yds
- Stroke index
- 11
- Hazards
- 10 bunkers
Hole 1 map
26 yd wide × 33 yd deep · 1.6 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 18 x55y451 NJ_NE6County_B23 · collection 2023–2025
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 5 · 478 yards
The plan for No. 1
This opening par 5 at Baltusrol's legendary Lower Course offers an excellent scoring opportunity to start your round with confidence. At 478 yards with a straight layout and no major hazards, this hole rewards aggressive play while still demanding solid course management and execution.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the optimal balance between distance and accuracy. With no fairway bunkers or water hazards to navigate, you can be more aggressive with your driver selection. Aim down the center of the fairway to maximize your options for the second shot. The straight layout means there's no dogleg to cut, so focus on solid contact and staying in the short grass. This is an excellent hole to establish rhythm early in your round, so prioritize a smooth, controlled swing over maximum distance.
Approach & recovery
Your approach strategy depends heavily on your tee shot success and personal risk tolerance. If you've hit a good drive and are feeling confident, the green is potentially reachable in two with a fairway wood or long iron. However, the small green size makes this a challenging target, requiring precise distance control and accuracy. The safer play is to lay up to your preferred wedge distance, typically leaving yourself 80-120 yards for a comfortable third shot. This strategy virtually guarantees a birdie opportunity while minimizing the risk of missing the green and facing a difficult up-and-down.
On the green
The small green demands precision on your approach, whether attempting to reach in two or playing a wedge for your third shot. Focus on hitting the center of the green rather than chasing pins, especially early in the round when you're still getting a feel for green speeds and conditions. The putting surface likely features subtle breaks typical of Tillinghast designs, so take time to read your lines carefully. Starting with a solid lag putt or makeable birdie attempt can set a positive tone for the entire round.
Watch for
- The first hole at Baltusrol Lower Course serves as an ideal warm-up, allowing golfers to ease into their round on A.W. Tillinghast's masterful design. With its straight layout and reachable length, this par 5 presents multiple strategic opt…
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 5,305 sq ft
Course and tournament history
Historical context for the course and venue. Each entry identifies the event or course it describes.
1967 · Jack Nicklaus
(Photo by PGA of America via Getty ... New Jersey. The plaque commemorates the famous 1-iron that Jack Nicklaus hit to secure his win in the 1967 U.S....
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How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 478 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 478 yards, Reachable in two for longer hitters. Consider laying up short of hazards if going for it is risky.
How difficult is hole 1?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered.
How big is the green on hole 1?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 1?
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This hole is a reachable par 5 with eagle chances for longer hitters. Birdie is very much in play here if you can set up a good approach.