Hole 1 at TPC Craig Ranch
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 431 yds
- Stroke index
- 3
- Hazards
- 3 bunkers · Water
Hole 1 map
31 yd wide × 36 yd deep · 3.8 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 Arc Second n34w097 20211124 · 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 4 · 431 yards
The plan for No. 1
TPC Craig Ranch hole 1 sets an immediate tone for Tom Weiskopf's championship design, presenting a demanding 431-yard par 4 that serves as the third-handicap hole. This straight opener demands precision from the opening tee shot, with the generous fairway providing ample landing area for players to find their rhythm. The approach shot becomes the critical element, requiring accurate iron play to reach the small, subtly contoured green complex. Despite the relatively flat terrain that Weiskopf worked with in North Texas, the architect created strategic interest through thoughtful green positioning and pin placement options. The hole's straightforward layout masks its true challenge - demanding both distance and accuracy to secure par on a course that has earned praise from world-class players and champions alike.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should focus on finding the ideal approach distance while staying in the fairway's center. For most golfers, a well-struck driver that carries about 250-270 yards will leave a manageable mid-iron approach. The key target line runs down the fairway's center, as the straight layout rewards aggressive but controlled drives. Consider club selection carefully based on your comfort level and the day's conditions. If driver feels risky, a 3-wood or hybrid that finds the fairway center is always preferable to a longer approach from the rough. The absence of major hazards means your primary concern is maintaining good lie and positioning for the approach.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot represents the hole's primary scoring opportunity and biggest challenge. With a small green as your target, precision becomes paramount over power. Most players will face a mid-iron to long-iron approach, depending on their tee shot distance and pin position. Focus on the center of the green regardless of pin placement, as the small target leaves little margin for error. The green's compact size means even well-struck shots that miss the putting surface will leave challenging up-and-down opportunities. Take one extra club if you're between selections, as being short of this green is particularly costly.
On the green
The small green demands accurate putting and careful speed control. While specific break patterns aren't documented, expect subtle movements typical of Weiskopf designs. Focus on lag putting to the correct quadrant rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Pay attention to pin position during your approach - back pins make the green play even smaller, while front pins offer slightly more accessible targets. Two-putting should be your primary goal, as three-putts on small greens can quickly derail your round's momentum. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, instead demanding solid execution of fundamental shots. The primary decision point comes with tee shot club selection - aggressive drivers versus conservative fairway positioning. Given the small green, the reward for extra distance is minimal compared to the penalty for missing fairways. The conservative play of fairway-first, then center-of-green approach typically yields the best scoring results. Aggressive pin-hunting is rarely rewarded given the target's size and the hole's early position in the round. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus entirely on fairway accuracy with your most reliable tee shot club, even if it means hitting 5-wood or hybrid. Accept longer approach shots in exchange for good lies. Aim for the green's center regardless of pin position, and prioritize two-putting over birdie attempts. **Low-Handicap Players:** Driver is likely the correct play if you're confident in your accuracy. Use the straight layout to dial in your swing tempo early in the round. Be more aggressive with pin positions only if you're striking irons particularly well, but remember that par is an excellent start on this challenging opener. **Course Management Tip:** As the opening hole, use this as a barometer for your ball-striking. If you're not finding fairways and greens here, adjust your strategy for the remainder of the round toward more conservative targets and club selections.
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: 4,764 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about TPC Craig Ranch — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
CJ CUP Byron Nelson highlights
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured TPC Craig Ranch. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
A new-look TPC Craig Ranch, LIV’s cost cutting, & U.S. Open qualifying starts | The Shotgun Start
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 431 yards.
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.
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.