Hole 1 at National Golf Links of America

Par 4 • 327 Yards • Southampton, New York

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The opening hole at National Golf Links of America sets the tone for one of golf's most historically significant courses, a masterpiece from the early 20th century that represents C.B. Macdonald's revolutionary "best of" approach to course design. This strategic par 4 demands precision from the very first tee, embodying the timeless principles that make the National a true pilgrimage site for serious golfers.

Tees:

327y307y

Green:41y × 32y

Fairway @250y:78y wide

12 Bunkers dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 327 yds
Green: 7900 sq ft
Bunkers: 12
Course Slope: 141
Course Rating: 74.3

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Hole 2

Par 4 • 330y

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Recommended Gear

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

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

The Alps hole demands precise positioning off the tee. With the fairway widening significantly from 42 yards at 200 yards to 78 yards at 250 yards, longer hitters should favor accuracy over distance to avoid the bunkers at 197.9 yards and set up the crucial blind approach shot.

approach

This famous replica of Prestwick's 17th requires a leap of faith on your approach to the elevated green. At 327 yards total length, most players will have a mid-iron second shot to a generous 7,900 square foot green, but the blind nature means club selection and commitment are paramount.

hazard warning

The strategic bunkers positioned at 197.9 yards from the tee are perfectly placed to catch aggressive drives. These hazards, combined with the tall grass mentioned in historical accounts, make course management more important than raw distance on this short par 4.

green

The large green dimensions of 41 yards by 32 yards provide a generous target for the blind approach, but historical accounts mention a massive cross bunker fronting the green. Aim for the center of this expansive putting surface and let the generous size work in your favor.

tee shot

At only 327 yards, this Alps hole tempts players to be aggressive, but the fairway's narrowest point of 42 yards at the 200-yard mark coincides perfectly with driver landing zones. Consider a controlled 3-wood or long iron to stay in the optimal approach position.

train this shot at home

This 327-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.

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Scoring Tip

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 327-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 1?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: large green requiring good lag putting.

How big is the green on hole 1?

The green is large and can play quite long. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.

What's a good score on hole 1?

This hole is a birdie opportunity if you find the fairway. This shorter par 4 rewards accuracy off the tee with a short iron approach.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for National Golf Links of America. You can play this exact 327-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 →