Hole 4 at Memorial Park Golf Course
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 490 yds
- Stroke index
- 1
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 33 yds deep × 27 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 · 490 yards
The plan for No. 4
Memorial Park Golf Course hole 4 stands as the course's signature challenge, earning its stroke-1 handicap rating through sheer length and precision demands. This 490-yard par 4 requires two exceptional shots to reach the small, well-protected green in regulation. The straight layout offers no reprieve from distance, demanding a powerful, accurate tee shot to set up a demanding long iron or fairway wood approach. With minimal hazards to distract, the hole's difficulty lies in its relentless length and the premium it places on distance control into a compact green complex. Every shot must be executed with purpose on this formidable test of golf.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on maximizing distance while maintaining accuracy for the demanding approach ahead. Driver is typically the play here for most golfers, as you'll need every yard available to reach this small green in regulation. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than an all-out effort - the hole's length naturally creates pressure to overswing. Target the center of the fairway, as the straight layout rewards accuracy over positioning. Without hazards to avoid, your primary concern is finding the short grass and setting up the best possible angle for your approach. Course management becomes crucial here - a fairway wood that finds the short grass often trumps a driver that strays into the rough.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot to this small green demands precision club selection and committed execution. Expect to hit anything from a mid-iron to a fairway wood depending on your tee shot and playing conditions. The small green size leaves little margin for error, making accuracy more important than pin-hunting. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position - the small target makes aggressive flag-chasing a low-percentage play. Focus on solid contact and trust your yardage, as coming up short or flying the green both present difficult recovery situations. Club up if you're between selections, as the small green rewards shots that reach the putting surface.
On the green
With the small green size, two-putting becomes the primary objective rather than hunting birdies. The putting surface likely features subtle breaks that become magnified under pressure, especially given this hole's reputation as a scoring separator. Lag putting takes precedence here - getting your first putt close to the hole matters more than making aggressive runs at distant pins. Study the green's slope carefully during your approach, as the small size means even minor misreads can leave challenging second putts. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole's risk-reward equation favors conservative play over aggressive tactics. The reward for reaching the green in regulation is significant, but the penalty for missing the small target can quickly balloon your score. Smart course management suggests playing for the fat part of the green and accepting a longer putt rather than risking a miss. The straight layout eliminates positional advantages, making this more about execution than strategy. Your best scoring opportunity comes from two solid, well-planned shots rather than one heroic effort. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus on two shots that advance the ball toward the target rather than forcing distance. Consider laying up to your favorite wedge distance if the approach shot requires a club you're uncomfortable with. Bogey represents a solid score on this challenging hole. **Low Handicappers:** This hole demands your A-game with both driver and long irons. Accept that par is an excellent score and avoid the temptation to get overly aggressive with pin positions. Your course management skills get tested more than your raw ability here. The key for all skill levels is recognizing this hole's difficulty and adjusting expectations accordingly - sometimes the best strategy is simply avoiding the big number that can derail an entire round.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 4 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,736 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 4 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 490 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 490-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 4?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4.
What's a good score on hole 4?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.