Hole 1 at Pete Dye Golf Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 390 yds
- Hazards
- 10 bunkers · Water
Hole 1 map
24 yd wide × 34 yd deep · 7.4 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 n40w081 20230911 · collection 2018–2021
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 · 390 yards
The plan for No. 1
Pete Dye Golf Club hole 1 announces itself immediately as a Dye original—cunning, demanding, and unforgettable. This par 4 stretches 390 yards and bends as a dogleg left, forcing golfers to weigh aggression against discretion off the tee. The strategic angle rewards a well-placed drive that hugs the inside corner, opening a cleaner approach shot into the green complex, while water lurking down the right side punishes any shot pushed astray. A greenside bunker guards the putting surface, adding a final layer of tension to the approach. Set within the rolling West Virginia terrain, this opening hole establishes the tone for a round defined by precision, patience, and Pete Dye's signature blend of beauty and menace.
Off the tee
Tee Shot Strategy The tee shot on this dogleg left plays as much a mental test as a physical one. Players who can work the ball right-to-left have a distinct advantage, as a controlled draw will follow the natural shape of the hole and can shorten the approach significantly. Those who favor a fade or struggle to shape shots should favor the left side of the fairway off the tee, taking the water largely out of play while accepting a longer second shot. Club selection here should prioritize accuracy over distance—a 3-wood or long iron that finds the fairway is far more valuable than a driver that finds trouble. Avoid the temptation to overcook the draw in an attempt to shorten the hole dramatically; the water right punishes anyone who pushes or blocks a tee shot that starts too far right of the target line.
Approach & recovery
Approach Shot Your approach club will vary significantly based on how aggressively you played the tee shot. A well-struck draw around the corner may leave only a short iron or wedge in, while a conservative tee shot could require a mid-iron to reach the green. Regardless of club selection, the approach shot must account for the water hazard that continues to threaten shots pushed or sliced to the right. The greenside bunker adds another layer of complexity to the approach. Players should identify the pin position and favor the side of the green away from the sand, understanding that with the green's shape and size unknown, a shot that finishes on the correct level of the putting surface is far more valuable than one that's simply close to the pin but on the wrong tier or in the bunker.
On the green
On The Green With green size and shape unknown, players should approach their first putts with caution, especially on unfamiliar entry to the course. The greenside bunker suggests this putting surface likely has some contouring near that edge, so putts from that side may break away from the sand. Take time to read the grain and slope carefully before committing to your line, particularly on longer birdie putts where speed control will be paramount to avoiding a difficult comebacker.
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: 4,430 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Pete Dye Golf Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Pete Dye Golf Club. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
⛳️ Where are Pete Dye’s ashes?
Why Golf Architecture Nerds Love Pete Dye | Designing Golf
Pete Dye, TPC Sawgrass, and Harbour Town | Designing Golf
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 390 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 390-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 1?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 1?
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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.
Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 1?
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Aim for the left side of the fairway when possible. Missing right (water) brings more trouble into play.
What's a good score on hole 1?
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This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.