Hole 2 at Colonial Country Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 387 yds
- Stroke index
- 15
- Hazards
- 5 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 29 yds deep × 21 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 387 yards
The plan for No. 2
Colonial Country Club hole 2 presents a deceptively straightforward par 4 that embodies the precision demanded throughout "Hogan's Alley." At 387 yards, this straight hole requires a well-placed tee shot down a generous fairway that gradually narrows as it approaches the small, subtly contoured green. The absence of major hazards shifts focus to accuracy over distance, making club selection and course management paramount. The compact green complex rewards approach shots that find the correct tier, as missed targets can leave challenging recovery shots. This early test at Colonial sets the tone for the strategic thinking required throughout the round, where positioning trumps power and every shot must be executed with Ben Hogan-like precision.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize finding the fairway over maximum distance. Given Colonial's reputation for narrow corridors, consider taking one club less than your typical driver if accuracy has been an issue. A 3-wood or hybrid off the tee can provide excellent positioning while keeping you in play. Focus your target line down the center of the fairway, as the straight layout doesn't require any specific side preference. The key is avoiding the rough, which at Colonial can be particularly penal and make your approach shot significantly more challenging. ## APPROACH With a successful tee shot in the fairway, you'll typically face a short to mid-iron approach to the small green. The compact green size means precision is paramount - aim for the center of the green unless the pin position clearly favors one side. Take note of any wind conditions, as the relatively short approach distance can make club selection tricky. A smooth swing with proper tempo will serve you better than trying to attack every pin position. Consider the green's firmness when selecting your approach strategy, as a small target requires the right trajectory and spin to hold the putting surface. ## ON THE GREEN The small green size makes lag putting crucial, as three-putts can quickly turn a scoring opportunity into a bogey. Focus on getting your first putt within a comfortable two-putt range rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Pay attention to any subtle breaks, as even small greens can have significant undulations that affect ball roll. Position your approach shots below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are generally easier to control on smaller putting surfaces. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a clear risk/reward decision on the tee. Aggressive players might be tempted to hit driver to leave a shorter iron into the green, but the narrow fairways make accuracy the higher percentage play. The reward for finding the fairway is a manageable approach shot and legitimate birdie opportunity. Conservative course management - fairway first, then center of green - should yield consistent pars with occasional birdies, which is often the winning formula at Colonial. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should prioritize course management above all else. Consider hitting a fairway wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure you stay in play, then focus on getting your approach shot anywhere on the green. Two-putting from anywhere on the small green is a victory, so avoid short-siding yourself or missing the green entirely. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with their target line and pin hunting, but should still respect Colonial's demanding nature. You might choose to hit driver if your accuracy is sharp, allowing for shorter irons into the green. However, even skilled players should remember that Ben Hogan's success here came from precision, not power. When the pin is in a challenging position, playing to the center of the green and relying on your putting is often the smartest play. The 2nd hole embodies Colonial's strategic philosophy: reward precision, punish carelessness, and always respect the course that earned its nickname as "Hogan's Alley" through demanding excellence in every aspect of the game.
Approach & recovery
With a successful tee shot in the fairway, you'll typically face a short to mid-iron approach to the small green. The compact green size means precision is paramount - aim for the center of the green unless the pin position clearly favors one side. Take note of any wind conditions, as the relatively short approach distance can make club selection tricky. A smooth swing with proper tempo will serve you better than trying to attack every pin position. Consider the green's firmness when selecting your approach strategy, as a small target requires the right trajectory and spin to hold the putting surface. ## ON THE GREEN The small green size makes lag putting crucial, as three-putts can quickly turn a scoring opportunity into a bogey. Focus on getting your first putt within a comfortable two-putt range rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Pay attention to any subtle breaks, as even small greens can have significant undulations that affect ball roll. Position your approach shots below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are generally easier to control on smaller putting surfaces. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a clear risk/reward decision on the tee. Aggressive players might be tempted to hit driver to leave a shorter iron into the green, but the narrow fairways make accuracy the higher percentage play. The reward for finding the fairway is a manageable approach shot and legitimate birdie opportunity. Conservative course management - fairway first, then center of green - should yield consistent pars with occasional birdies, which is often the winning formula at Colonial. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should prioritize course management above all else. Consider hitting a fairway wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure you stay in play, then focus on getting your approach shot anywhere on the green. Two-putting from anywhere on the small green is a victory, so avoid short-siding yourself or missing the green entirely. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with their target line and pin hunting, but should still respect Colonial's demanding nature. You might choose to hit driver if your accuracy is sharp, allowing for shorter irons into the green. However, even skilled players should remember that Ben Hogan's success here came from precision, not power. When the pin is in a challenging position, playing to the center of the green and relying on your putting is often the smartest play. The 2nd hole embodies Colonial's strategic philosophy: reward precision, punish carelessness, and always respect the course that earned its nickname as "Hogan's Alley" through demanding excellence in every aspect of the game.
On the green
The small green size makes lag putting crucial, as three-putts can quickly turn a scoring opportunity into a bogey. Focus on getting your first putt within a comfortable two-putt range rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Pay attention to any subtle breaks, as even small greens can have significant undulations that affect ball roll. Position your approach shots below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are generally easier to control on smaller putting surfaces. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a clear risk/reward decision on the tee. Aggressive players might be tempted to hit driver to leave a shorter iron into the green, but the narrow fairways make accuracy the higher percentage play. The reward for finding the fairway is a manageable approach shot and legitimate birdie opportunity. Conservative course management - fairway first, then center of green - should yield consistent pars with occasional birdies, which is often the winning formula at Colonial. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should prioritize course management above all else. Consider hitting a fairway wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure you stay in play, then focus on getting your approach shot anywhere on the green. Two-putting from anywhere on the small green is a victory, so avoid short-siding yourself or missing the green entirely. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with their target line and pin hunting, but should still respect Colonial's demanding nature. You might choose to hit driver if your accuracy is sharp, allowing for shorter irons into the green. However, even skilled players should remember that Ben Hogan's success here came from precision, not power. When the pin is in a challenging position, playing to the center of the green and relying on your putting is often the smartest play. The 2nd hole embodies Colonial's strategic philosophy: reward precision, punish carelessness, and always respect the course that earned its nickname as "Hogan's Alley" through demanding excellence in every aspect of the game.
Watch for
- Mapped bunkers (5) are in play around the landing areas and green.
Hole 2 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 2,998 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
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How did Hole 2 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 387 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 387-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 2?
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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 2?
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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 2?
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This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.