Hole 1 at Maketewah Country Club

Par 4 • 355 Yards • Cincinnati, Ohio

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Moderate

Opening your round at this historic Donald Ross masterpiece, the first hole at Maketewah Country Club sets the tone for a classic test of golf that has challenged players since 1910. This traditional opening par-4 embodies the timeless design principles that have made Maketewah one of the longest-standing U.S. Open qualifying courses.

Tees:

355y350y345y326y311y

Green:34y × 29y

Fairway @250y:29y wide

2 Bunkers dogleg

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Maketewah Country Club

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 355 yds
Green: 4870 sq ft
Bunkers: 2
Course Slope: 132
Course Rating: 72.5

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Hole 2

Par 3 • 190y

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

With the fairway maintaining a generous 38 yards of width at both 200 and 250 yards, focus on accuracy over distance. A well-placed drive in the 200-220 yard range sets up an ideal approach angle while avoiding the need to challenge the fairway's narrower sections.

approach

From a 200-yard drive, you'll face approximately 155 yards to the pin on this 355-yard hole. The compact green measuring 34x29 yards demands precision - use one more club than the yardage suggests to ensure you clear any front hazards and give yourself the best chance at the putting surface.

green

At just 4,870 square feet, this green is relatively small for a par 4, requiring precise approach shots. The 34-yard length and 29-yard width create a target that punishes wayward approaches, so prioritize accuracy over aggressive pin-hunting.

hazard warning

Two greenside bunkers positioned at 346.2 and 359.1 yards from the tee guard the putting surface. These sand traps are strategically placed to catch approach shots, so club selection must account for carrying these hazards while still finding the small green target.

approach

On this Donald Ross design, the green's 29-yard width creates a narrow target that reflects the architect's emphasis on precision. Plan your approach to favor the center of the green rather than chasing pin positions, especially given the greenside bunkers lurking at 346-359 yards.

train this shot at home

This 355-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

Focus on getting your approach inside 20 feet. Two putts from there and you walk away with par.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 355-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.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 1?

Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 1?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

What's a good score on hole 1?

This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Maketewah Country Club. You can play this exact 355-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 →