Hole 4 at Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)

Par 3 • 186 Yards • Springfield, New Jersey

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Tough

Known as "The Famous Fourth," this signature hole at Baltusrol's Lower Course is one of golf's most intimidating par-3s. The tee shot must carry entirely over water, as the pond extends to within just two feet of the green's front edge. This demanding test has challenged competitors in multiple major championships, including PGA Championships hosted at this historic New Jersey venue.

Tees:

186y143y130y101y

Green:46y × 32y

4 BunkersWater dogleg

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Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 186 yds
Green: 8189 sq ft
Bunkers: 4
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 139
Course Rating: 73.9

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Recommended Gear

Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

hazard warning

This is an all-carry hole with water extending to within 2 feet of the green front. At 186 yards, there's no bailout area - you must carry the entire distance or find the water.

tee shot

With bunkers positioned at 196.5, 201.3, and 205.4 yards, club selection is critical. A smooth 6 or 7-iron that carries 190+ yards will clear the water and avoid the short bunker complex.

green

The green measures 46 yards deep by 32 yards wide (8,189 sq ft), providing a generous target once you clear the hazards. Aim for the center of this large green rather than attacking pins.

tee shot

There is no landing zone or fairway on this hole - it's tee to green over water. Take one extra club to ensure you don't come up short, as anything less than 186 yards finds the pond.

approach

With the green being 32 yards wide, you have room to work with laterally. Focus on distance control rather than precision - a shot that's 10 yards right or left can still find the putting surface.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 186 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 4?

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

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 4?

Key hazards include: 4 greenside bunkers; water at 132.6 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 4?

The green is large and can play quite long. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.

What's a good score on hole 4?

This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.

Can I practice hole 4 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course). You can play this exact par 3 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 →