Hole 1 at Minnehaha Country Club
Par 4 • 348 Yards • Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Minnehaha Country Club hole 1 sets an inviting yet deceptive tone for the round ahead. This straightaway par 4 measures 348.0 yards, offering a genuine birdie opportunity right out of the gate—provided golfers respect its subtle demands. The tee shot must contend with water lurking along the right side, pushing thoughtful players toward the safer left portion of the fairway. Twin greenside bunkers guard the putting surface, flanking approach shots and punishing anything slightly off-line. Handicapped 11, this opener rewards precision over power, asking golfers to favor accuracy off the tee and commit fully to their approach club. A fitting introduction to Minnehaha's classic, strategic design philosophy.
PGA Tour Venue
Sanford International
Home of the Sanford International. Early-bird tickets save 30–40% vs week-of prices.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 348 yds
- Green
- 4636 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 2
- Water
- Yes
Recommended Gear
Water's in play — a premium ball you trust helps you commit to the shot.
Shop Golf Balls →Strategy Tips
This 348-yard par 4 is reachable for long hitters, but two bunkers guard the landing area at 327.8 and 310.8 yards, so bombing a driver brings real risk. Consider a 3-wood or hybrid to lay up short of 310 yards, leaving a full-swing approach into the green.
The fairway is a generous 34 yards wide at the 200-yard mark, giving players room to shape their tee shot and favor either side to set up the best angle into the small green.
Players attempting to drive the green must carry or avoid the bunker complex at 310.8-327.8 yards; missing short into these hazards leaves a difficult sand shot to a tightly guarded putting surface.
With the green measuring only 4,636 square feet (categorized as small at 28 by 30 yards), precision trumps power on the approach—prioritize hitting the correct quadrant of the green over attacking a tucked pin.
Given the green's small 28-yard by 30-yard dimensions, club selection on the approach should favor accuracy; a shot that finds the green center avoids the tighter margins near the edges bordered by the bunkers short.
This 348-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.
See launch monitors & simulatorsWhen water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy off the tee?
For this 348-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 moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 1?
Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers; water at 189.9 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 1?
The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 1?
Aim for the left side of the fairway when possible. Missing right (water) brings more trouble into play.
What's a good score on hole 1?
This hole is a birdie opportunity if you find the fairway. This shorter par 4 rewards accuracy off the tee with a short iron approach.
Can I watch hole 1 at the Sanford International in person?
Yes — the Sanford International at Minnehaha Country Club is one of the PGA Tour's most-attended events, drawing over 200,000 spectators across the week. Hole 1 is a popular viewing spot. StubHub typically lists single-day grounds passes starting around $75–$150, with premium grandstand and hospitality options available for serious fans. Prices tend to climb as the tournament approaches, so buying early often saves 30–40%. Buy Sanford International tickets on StubHub →
Can I practice hole 1 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Minnehaha Country Club. You can play this exact 348-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 →
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For course operators and clubs
PGA Tour Venue
Sanford International
Home of the Sanford International. Early-bird tickets save 30–40% vs week-of prices.
Check Ticket PricesSee full tournament page →StubHub · Buyer guarantee on every order
Play This Course at Home
Practice Minnehaha Country Club Year-Round
Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.
Browse Launch Monitors & SimulatorsAmazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 348 yds
- Green
- 4636 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 2
- Water
- Yes
Recommended Gear
Water's in play — a premium ball you trust helps you commit to the shot.
Shop Golf Balls →Get the Free Strategy Guide
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