Hole 1 at Memorial Park Golf Course
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 522 yds
- Stroke index
- 15
- Hazards
- 1 bunker
Hole 1 map
39 yd wide × 27 yd deep · 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 15 x26y330 TX_Houston_B24 · collection 2024–2025
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 · 522 yards
The plan for No. 1
Memorial Park Golf Course hole 1 opens this storied Houston layout with a welcoming yet strategic 522-yard par 5 that sets the tone for the round ahead. The straight design offers golfers a clear view of their target, with a generous fairway that encourages an aggressive tee shot to gain optimal position for the approach. Without significant hazards guarding the route, players can focus on course management and distance control rather than navigating trouble. The small green demands precision on the approach shot, rewarding those who find the proper angle and distance. This opening hole exemplifies Memorial Park's philosophy of rewarding smart, confident play while providing an accessible start to one of Texas's most respected public golf experiences.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should focus on finding the center of the fairway and maximizing distance within your comfort zone. With the straight layout, aim directly down the middle and commit to a smooth, controlled swing. Driver is the obvious choice for most golfers seeking to set up a potential eagle or easy birdie opportunity. However, if you're struggling with accuracy early in the round, consider a 3-wood or hybrid to ensure you find the short grass. The target line is straightforward - pick a landmark in the distance and commit to your swing. Without hazards threatening your tee shot, you can be aggressive while still maintaining good tempo.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot presents the critical decision point on this hole. Longer hitters who've positioned themselves well off the tee may have an opportunity to reach the small green in two shots, though the green's compact size demands precision. Most golfers should consider laying up to a comfortable wedge distance, typically leaving 80-120 yards for the third shot. When laying up, favor the center of the fairway to provide the best angle into the small green. If attempting to reach in two, club up slightly to ensure you clear any front-edge trouble and account for the green's limited size - better to be long than short on a small target.
On the green
The small green size makes precision paramount on your approach shots and demands careful attention to pin position. With limited surface area, there's little room for error on longer putts, making distance control crucial. Focus on getting your approach shots as close as possible rather than just hitting the green. When putting, the smaller surface typically means less severe slopes, but pay attention to subtle breaks that can be magnified on shorter putts. Take extra time to read putts carefully, as the compact green rewards precision over power. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a classic risk/reward scenario for your second shot. Going for the green in two provides an excellent eagle opportunity and almost guarantees birdie if executed well. However, the small green target increases the margin for error. The safer play of laying up virtually guarantees a birdie opportunity with a short wedge for your third shot. Consider your current form, course conditions, and overall round strategy when making this decision. Early in the round, the conservative approach might be wise until you've established your rhythm. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus on advancing the ball steadily up the fairway in three manageable shots. Use your most reliable clubs off the tee and for your lay-up, prioritizing accuracy over distance. Plan for three shots to reach the green, aiming for the center of the putting surface with your approach. This strategy should yield plenty of par opportunities and occasional birdies. **Low-Handicap Players:** Consider going for the green in two if you've hit a quality drive, but don't force it if the lie or conditions aren't favorable. Your superior short game skills make the lay-up option attractive as well, as you can likely get up and down from anywhere around the small green. Use this hole to establish confidence and rhythm for the challenging holes ahead. Memorial Park's opening hole rewards smart golf course management while providing scoring opportunities for players who execute their game plan effectively.
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: 5,891 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Memorial Park Golf Course — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Texas Children's Houston Open highlights
Texas Children's Houston Open | Final Round Highlights
2025
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 522 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 522 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 good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
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.