Hole 4 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Par 4 • 409 Yards • Southampton, New York

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Challenging

Standing as one of Shinnecock Hills Golf Club's most strategically demanding two-shotters, hole 4 unfolds as a straight par 4 stretching 409.0 yards through the windswept Long Island landscape. The tee shot presents a fascinating dilemma: drift left for safety and the approach angle stiffens considerably, while challenging the right side flirts with trouble but rewards with a cleaner look at the green. Four bunkers guard the putting surface, demanding precision on the approach shot as prevailing winds off the Atlantic add another layer of complexity. This hole exemplifies classic strategic design—rewarding calculated aggression while punishing tentative play, making it a true test of both nerve and shot-shaping ability for golfers of every caliber.

Tees:

409y373y303y

Green:28y × 29y

Fairway @250y:3y wide

7 Bunkers dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 409 yds
Green: 4857 sq ft
Bunkers: 7
Course Slope: 140
Course Rating: 74.5

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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 fairway plays generous early, measuring 47 yards wide at the 200-yard mark, giving players room to work the ball off the tee. However, this width evaporates quickly, so plan your tee shot distance carefully to avoid the pinch point further down the fairway.

hazard warning

Beyond 250 yards, the fairway constricts dramatically to just 3 yards wide, creating a true bottleneck. Players who carry the ball past this point without precise line control risk missing the short grass entirely, making club selection off the tee critical on this 409-yard par 4.

hazard warning

A cluster of bunkers at 371.2, 372.5, and 385.9 yards guards the approach corridor right where the fairway narrows. Longer hitters should consider laying up short of these bunkers rather than challenging the tightened landing area, since restored width on the left offers a safer angle even if it lengthens the approach.

approach

With the green classified as small at 4,857 square feet (28 by 29 yards), approach shots demand precision over power. On days with a right-side hole location, be prepared to shape a controlled cut into the putting surface rather than relying on a standard draw, as shot shape matters more than raw distance here.

green

Given the green's compact 28-by-29-yard dimensions, missing in the correct quadrant is essential for a realistic birdie look. Factor in the hole's tendency to play into the prevailing wind at 409 yards, which can affect club selection and shot trajectory into this small target.

train this shot at home

This 409-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 409-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 4?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 4?

Key hazards include: 4 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 4?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 4?

This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. You can play this exact 409-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 →