Hole 1 at Colonial Country Club
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 563 yds
- Stroke index
- 9
- Hazards
- 8 bunkers
Hole 1 map
25 yd wide × 30 yd deep · 2.3 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 14 x65y363 TX_Pecos_Dallas_2018_D19 · collection 2019
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 · 563 yards
The plan for No. 1
The opening hole at Colonial Country Club hole 1 sets the tone for a round at legendary "Hogan's Alley," where champions are made. This 563-yard par 5 presents a deceptively straightforward challenge that rewards precision over power. The tee shot from near the famous Wall of Champions demands accuracy to find the generous fairway, avoiding trouble that can quickly derail scoring hopes. With no significant hazards protecting the landing areas, length becomes secondary to position for the approach to the small, well-guarded green. Smart course management is essential, as this opener provides an excellent birdie opportunity for those who navigate it thoughtfully. A perfect introduction to one of golf's most storied venues.
Off the tee
With a clear fairway ahead and no significant hazards, your tee shot strategy should focus on finding the optimal position for your second shot. Longer hitters can be aggressive with driver, aiming for the center-left portion of the fairway to set up the best angle for a potential eagle attempt. The target line should favor the left side slightly, as this provides the most direct route to the green. For players seeking a more conservative approach, a 3-wood or hybrid off the tee ensures accuracy while still leaving a manageable approach. The key is avoiding any wayward shots that could leave you in rough or behind trees, as precision becomes increasingly important as you approach Colonial's challenging small green. ## APPROACH Your approach shot strategy depends heavily on whether you're going for the green in two or laying up for a wedge. Players attempting to reach in two must account for the small green size - club selection should prioritize accuracy over maximum distance. A controlled long iron or fairway wood that finds the putting surface is far superior to an aggressive shot that misses the target. For those laying up, position your second shot in the 100-120 yard range, favoring the center of the fairway. This leaves you with a comfortable wedge distance and the best angle to attack the pin. Remember that Colonial's greens are notoriously challenging, so setting up from your preferred yardage is crucial for scoring. ## ON THE GREEN Colonial's small greens are legendary for their difficulty, and the first hole is no exception. The compact putting surface means that approach shots must be precise, as there's little room for error. Focus on getting your ball below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are generally more manageable than downhill ones on Colonial's slick surfaces. Pay attention to the grain and subtle breaks that characterize this historic venue. Two-putt pars are excellent scores if your approach shot finds the wrong section of the green. The key is avoiding three-putts that can derail momentum before tackling the upcoming challenging stretch. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a clear risk/reward decision for longer hitters: attempt to reach the green in two for eagle opportunities, or play conservatively for a high-percentage birdie. The reward is significant - starting with an eagle or birdie provides crucial momentum before facing Colonial's notorious difficulty. However, the small green makes going for it in two a genuine gamble. Missing the green can lead to difficult up-and-down situations, potentially resulting in bogey or worse. Consider your current form, pin position, and overall game plan when making this decision. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low-Handicap Players**: Should strongly consider going for the green in two, especially with favorable conditions. Your accuracy with long irons makes this a reasonable risk, and the scoring opportunity is too valuable to pass up at Colonial. **Mid-Handicap Players**: Focus on smart positioning rather than aggressive play. A driver, layup, and wedge approach gives you the best chance for birdie while minimizing big numbers. This conservative strategy sets you up well for the challenges ahead. **High-Handicap Players**: Play this hole as a three-shot par 5. Use whatever club gives you confidence off the tee, lay up to your favorite wedge distance, and focus on hitting the green in regulation. Par is an excellent score that builds confidence for the difficult holes to come. Remember, you're playing at "Hogan's Alley" where legends like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus have competed. Start your round with smart golf strategy and course management - the challenging "Horrible Horseshoe" awaits, making this opening birdie opportunity even more valuable.
Approach & recovery
Your approach shot strategy depends heavily on whether you're going for the green in two or laying up for a wedge. Players attempting to reach in two must account for the small green size - club selection should prioritize accuracy over maximum distance. A controlled long iron or fairway wood that finds the putting surface is far superior to an aggressive shot that misses the target. For those laying up, position your second shot in the 100-120 yard range, favoring the center of the fairway. This leaves you with a comfortable wedge distance and the best angle to attack the pin. Remember that Colonial's greens are notoriously challenging, so setting up from your preferred yardage is crucial for scoring. ## ON THE GREEN Colonial's small greens are legendary for their difficulty, and the first hole is no exception. The compact putting surface means that approach shots must be precise, as there's little room for error. Focus on getting your ball below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are generally more manageable than downhill ones on Colonial's slick surfaces. Pay attention to the grain and subtle breaks that characterize this historic venue. Two-putt pars are excellent scores if your approach shot finds the wrong section of the green. The key is avoiding three-putts that can derail momentum before tackling the upcoming challenging stretch. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a clear risk/reward decision for longer hitters: attempt to reach the green in two for eagle opportunities, or play conservatively for a high-percentage birdie. The reward is significant - starting with an eagle or birdie provides crucial momentum before facing Colonial's notorious difficulty. However, the small green makes going for it in two a genuine gamble. Missing the green can lead to difficult up-and-down situations, potentially resulting in bogey or worse. Consider your current form, pin position, and overall game plan when making this decision. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low-Handicap Players**: Should strongly consider going for the green in two, especially with favorable conditions. Your accuracy with long irons makes this a reasonable risk, and the scoring opportunity is too valuable to pass up at Colonial. **Mid-Handicap Players**: Focus on smart positioning rather than aggressive play. A driver, layup, and wedge approach gives you the best chance for birdie while minimizing big numbers. This conservative strategy sets you up well for the challenges ahead. **High-Handicap Players**: Play this hole as a three-shot par 5. Use whatever club gives you confidence off the tee, lay up to your favorite wedge distance, and focus on hitting the green in regulation. Par is an excellent score that builds confidence for the difficult holes to come. Remember, you're playing at "Hogan's Alley" where legends like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus have competed. Start your round with smart golf strategy and course management - the challenging "Horrible Horseshoe" awaits, making this opening birdie opportunity even more valuable.
On the green
Colonial's small greens are legendary for their difficulty, and the first hole is no exception. The compact putting surface means that approach shots must be precise, as there's little room for error. Focus on getting your ball below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are generally more manageable than downhill ones on Colonial's slick surfaces. Pay attention to the grain and subtle breaks that characterize this historic venue. Two-putt pars are excellent scores if your approach shot finds the wrong section of the green. The key is avoiding three-putts that can derail momentum before tackling the upcoming challenging stretch. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a clear risk/reward decision for longer hitters: attempt to reach the green in two for eagle opportunities, or play conservatively for a high-percentage birdie. The reward is significant - starting with an eagle or birdie provides crucial momentum before facing Colonial's notorious difficulty. However, the small green makes going for it in two a genuine gamble. Missing the green can lead to difficult up-and-down situations, potentially resulting in bogey or worse. Consider your current form, pin position, and overall game plan when making this decision. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low-Handicap Players**: Should strongly consider going for the green in two, especially with favorable conditions. Your accuracy with long irons makes this a reasonable risk, and the scoring opportunity is too valuable to pass up at Colonial. **Mid-Handicap Players**: Focus on smart positioning rather than aggressive play. A driver, layup, and wedge approach gives you the best chance for birdie while minimizing big numbers. This conservative strategy sets you up well for the challenges ahead. **High-Handicap Players**: Play this hole as a three-shot par 5. Use whatever club gives you confidence off the tee, lay up to your favorite wedge distance, and focus on hitting the green in regulation. Par is an excellent score that builds confidence for the difficult holes to come. Remember, you're playing at "Hogan's Alley" where legends like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus have competed. Start your round with smart golf strategy and course management - the challenging "Horrible Horseshoe" awaits, making this opening birdie opportunity even more valuable.
Watch for
- Mapped bunkers (8) are in play around the landing areas and green.
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 3,035 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Colonial Country Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Charles Schwab Challenge highlights
Charles Schwab Challenge | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Colonial Country Club. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
Kiz breaks down his week at Colonial, his first PGA Tour event since November. @Chevrolet #Ad
Kevin Kisner breaks down his 2017 Colonial WIN over Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm 🏆
The 2025 Year in Review, Part 8: Colonial, Memorial, Canada, & the U.S. Open | The Shotgun Start
Latest from LIV Korea, Rainy Thursday at Colonial, & Golf Advice | The Shotgun Start
Can Scottie win 10 majors, Sr. PGA hits Congressional, & the olds take Colonial | The Shotgun Start
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 563 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
↓
At 563 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 1?
↓
This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 1?
↓
The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 1?
↓
This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.