Hole 1 at Winged Foot Golf Club (East Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 395 yds
- Hazards
- 5 bunkers
Hole 1 map
31 yd wide × 46 yd deep · 2.8 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 x60y454 NY_FEMAR2_Central_2018_D19 · collection 2019–2020
Map source & reference
Mapbox Satellite composite · capture date not provided. Green at the top; the labeled map reference is below.
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 4 · 395 yards
The plan for No. 1
The 1st at Winged Foot Golf Club (East Course) is a 395.0-yard par 4 that plays straightaway.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the optimal position for your approach angle. With 395 yards to work with, most players can confidently use driver while focusing on the center-left portion of the fairway. This target line provides the best angle into the small green and avoids any subtle trouble that may lurk on the right side. For longer hitters, consider throttling back slightly to ensure accuracy over distance. A smooth swing with driver or even 3-wood keeps you in the short grass and sets up a comfortable approach distance. The key is avoiding Winged Foot's punishing rough, which can turn a routine hole into a struggle.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole shows its teeth. The small green demands pinpoint accuracy, making club selection critical. From typical approach distances, expect to hit anything from a short iron to mid-iron depending on pin position and conditions. Focus on the center of the green regardless of pin position – the small target leaves little margin for error. Winged Foot greens are notoriously firm and fast, so plan for minimal roll and consider taking one less club to ensure you don't fly the green. Missing short is generally preferable to going long, where recovery becomes significantly more challenging.
On the green
Winged Foot's small greens create subtle but significant putting challenges. While the exact contours vary, expect typical Northeast slopes that can be deceptive. Read putts carefully, as the firm surfaces mean even slight breaks are amplified. Focus on speed control above all else – these greens punish aggressive putting. Lag putting to the low side of the hole often yields better results than attacking pins. Three-putting from long range is a common mistake that can derail momentum on the opening hole.
Watch for
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 8,515 sq ft
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 395 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 395-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 a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 1?
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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?
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This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.