Hole 1 at Winged Foot Golf Club (West Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 446 yds
- Hazards
- 5 bunkers
Hole 1 map
32 yd wide × 44 yd deep · 6.7 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 Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 446 yards
The plan for No. 1
The 1st at Winged Foot Golf Club (West Course) is a 446.0-yard par 4 that plays straightaway.
Off the tee
The key to conquering this opener lies in finding the optimal position in the landing zone, roughly 240-260 yards from the tee. Your target line should favor the center-right portion of the fairway, which provides the best angle for the approach shot. Club selection depends on conditions and your comfort level—many players benefit from taking a 3-wood or hybrid to ensure accuracy over maximum distance. The straight layout might tempt you to grip it and rip it with driver, but course management suggests prioritizing position over pure length. Avoid the temptation to aim too far left, as this can create a more difficult approach angle.
Approach & recovery
With the green measuring on the smaller side, precision becomes paramount on your approach shot. The ideal approach comes from the center or right side of the fairway, allowing you to attack the pin with confidence. Depending on your tee shot placement, you'll likely face a mid-iron to long-iron into this green. Club selection should account for the green's compact size—it's better to be in the center of the green than short-siding yourself with an overly aggressive pin-seeking shot. Pay attention to pin position and wind conditions, as the small target demands extra precision.
On the green
Winged Foot's greens are renowned for their subtle breaks and firm conditions. On this small putting surface, lag putting becomes crucial—getting your first putt close is more important than being overly aggressive. Study the general slope and grain carefully, as even seemingly straight putts can have subtle breaks. Position yourself below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are generally more makeable than their downhill counterparts on these lightning-fast surfaces.
Watch for
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 7,181 sq ft
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 446 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 446-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 fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 1?
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This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.