Hole 1 at TPC Craig Ranch
Par 4 • 431 Yards • Mckinney, Texas
TPC Craig Ranch opens with a challenging par 4 that immediately tests players on Tom Weiskopf's acclaimed championship design. This opening hole demands precision from the first tee, setting the tone for a course that has earned praise from world-class professionals and golf media alike.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 431 yds
- Green
- 4764 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Water
- Yes
- Course Slope
- 148
- Course Rating
- 76.3
Recommended Gear
Water's in play — a premium ball you trust helps you commit to the shot.
Shop Golf Balls →Strategy Tips
This hole presents an extremely challenging tee shot with no traditional fairway at the typical landing zones - the fairway measures 0 yards wide at both 200 and 250 yards from the tee, indicating either a forced carry or very narrow target area that requires precise placement.
Three bunkers positioned at 285.8, 406.7, and 428.4 yards from the tee create a gauntlet of hazards throughout the hole, with the furthest bunker just 3 yards short of the total hole length, likely protecting the green complex.
With the hole measuring exactly 431 yards and bunkers at 428.4 yards, your approach shot will be from very close range to a compact green measuring just 4,764 square feet - precision over power is essential for this short iron or wedge into the green.
The green's rectangular shape (20 yards wide by 41 yards deep) suggests pin position will dramatically affect club selection and approach angle - with the green being twice as deep as it is wide, front-to-back distance control is crucial.
The landing zone starting at 0 yards from the tee indicates an immediate carry requirement or alternative route - consider this may be a risk/reward hole where strategic positioning rather than distance is key to setting up a manageable approach.
This 431-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 431-yard par 4, most players will hit 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 247.4 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 1?
The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 1?
This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.
Can I practice hole 1 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for TPC Craig Ranch. You can play this exact 431-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
Play This Course at Home
Practice TPC Craig Ranch 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
- 431 yds
- Green
- 4764 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Water
- Yes
- Course Slope
- 148
- Course Rating
- 76.3
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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