Hole 1 at Pinehurst Resort #7
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 520 yds
- Stroke index
- 5
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers
Hole 1 map
30 yd wide × 25 yd deep · 4.8 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 NED ned19_n35x25_w079x50_nc_statewide_2003 1/9 arc-second 2012 15 x 15 minute IMG · collection 1970
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 5 · 520 yards
The plan for No. 1
Pinehurst Resort #7 hole 1 opens this Rees Jones masterpiece with a welcoming yet strategic par 5 that sets the tone for the round ahead. At 520 yards, this straight opener presents golfers with an excellent birdie opportunity to build early momentum on one of Pinehurst's most dramatic layouts. The generous fairway invites an aggressive tee shot, but precision becomes paramount as players navigate toward the small green complex. Without significant hazards guarding the hole, success hinges on smart course management and distance control—hallmarks that define the entire No. 7 experience. This opening hole perfectly embodies the strategic thinking required to conquer Jones's bold design, offering players a chance to walk in the footsteps of legends while establishing confidence for the challenges that lie ahead.
Off the tee
Your opening drive should prioritize finding the fairway over maximum distance. With 520 yards to work with, there's plenty of room for a conservative approach that still leaves you in position to attack. Target the center-right portion of the fairway to set up the best angle for your second shot. Driver is the obvious choice for longer hitters, but don't be afraid to throttle back if conditions are firm or if you're fighting early-round nerves. The key is avoiding any rough that could complicate your approach strategy.
Approach & recovery
The second shot presents the hole's primary strategic decision. Longer hitters may be tempted to go for the small green in two, but the risk-reward calculation heavily favors laying up to your preferred wedge distance. Position your layup shot in the center of the fairway, ideally leaving yourself between 80-120 yards to the pin. This approach shot zone gives you the best angle to attack the small green with a high, soft-landing wedge that can hold the putting surface. Distance control becomes critical here - as Pinehurst's own guidance emphasizes, precise yardage management prevents finding unwanted trouble.
On the green
The small green demands accuracy on your approach and rewards good putting. With limited surface area, pin position becomes crucial in your club selection and target line. When the pin is tucked, aim for the center of the green and let your putting do the work. The green's modest size means most putts will be makeable, but don't get careless with longer attempts. Focus on speed control to avoid leaving yourself difficult comeback putts. ## RISK VS REWARD The temptation to reach this green in two shots exists for big hitters, but the small target makes this a low-percentage play. The reward of a potential eagle rarely justifies the risk of missing the green and facing a difficult up-and-down. The smarter play is the three-shot approach: solid drive, strategic layup, and precise wedge. This strategy puts birdie well within reach while virtually eliminating big numbers. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus on keeping the ball in play and advancing it down the fairway in manageable chunks. Take three comfortable shots rather than trying to force distance you don't have. A bogey here isn't the end of the world, and avoiding penalty strokes keeps you in position for better holes ahead. **Low Handicappers:** This hole should be a clear birdie opportunity with proper execution. Trust your wedge game and don't get greedy going for the green in two unless conditions are perfect and you're striking the ball exceptionally well. The small green rewards precision over power, playing to the strengths of skilled players who can control their distance. The opening hole at Pinehurst No. 7 embodies the course's reputation for rewarding strategic thinking over brute force. Walk in the footsteps of legends like Nicklaus and Palmer by playing smart, controlled golf that sets up scoring opportunities throughout your round.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 4,231 sq ft
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 520 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 520 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 1?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 1?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 1?
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This hole is a solid birdie opportunity with smart layup strategy. Most golfers can reach in three. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge.