Hole 9 at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 474 yds
- Stroke index
- 3
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 46 yds deep × 24 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 · 474 yards
The plan for No. 9
The ninth hole at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) presents a formidable finishing challenge to the front nine, demanding both power and precision on this 474-yard par 4. This straight-away test requires golfers to navigate a demanding tee shot down a fairway that rewards accuracy over raw distance. The absence of major hazards might seem forgiving, but the hole's true defense lies in its length and the premium it places on positioning for the approach shot. The small green becomes the focal point of strategy, requiring pinpoint iron play to find the putting surface. With the hole's number 3 handicap ranking, even accomplished players must respect this lengthy par 4 that can quickly derail a good round with wayward shots.
Off the tee
Driver is the preferred club for most golfers given the substantial length, though longer hitters might consider 3-wood if accuracy is a concern. The straight layout allows you to aim down the center of the fairway without worrying about doglegs or severe trouble. Focus on finding the short grass rather than maximum distance - a well-positioned drive in the fairway gives you the best angle and lie for your approach shot. The key is avoiding any rough or uneven lies that would complicate club selection for your second shot.
Approach & recovery
The small green is the hole's primary defense, requiring precise distance control and target selection. Depending on your tee shot position, you'll likely face a mid-iron to long-iron approach shot. Aim for the center of the green rather than attacking pins, as the compact target leaves little margin for error. Take one extra club if you're between selections - being short of this green often leaves difficult recovery shots. Pay attention to pin position and wind conditions, as both significantly impact club selection on longer approach shots.
On the green
The small putting surface means you'll likely have manageable putt lengths if you hit the green in regulation. Focus on speed control rather than aggressive line-taking, as three-putting from these shorter distances can be particularly frustrating. Read putts carefully from below the hole, as uphill putts on small greens often break less than they appear. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes with tee shot club selection. While driver maximizes your chances of reaching the green in regulation, it also increases the likelihood of finding trouble if your swing isn't sharp. The reward for aggressive play is a shorter iron approach, but the small green target means even shorter approaches require precision. Conservative players might consider laying back to their favorite wedge distance, accepting bogey as a reasonable score on this challenging hole. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus on two solid strikes rather than trying to overpower the hole. Consider hybrid or fairway wood off the tee for improved accuracy, then play your approach to the center of the green regardless of pin position. Accept par as an excellent score and avoid the temptation to be overly aggressive. **Low-Handicap Players:** This hole offers a legitimate birdie opportunity with two quality shots. Use driver confidently, then trust your iron play to attack pins in the center portions of the green. Avoid sucker pins near edges, as the small target punishes misses severely. Your superior ball-striking ability gives you the best chance to capitalize on this scoring opportunity before making the turn.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 9 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,350 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Valero Texas Open highlights
Valero Texas Open | Final Round Highlights
2025
How did Hole 9 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 474 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 474-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 9?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, small green.
How big is the green on hole 9?
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The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 9?
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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.