Hole 4 at Whistling Straits

Par 4 • 489 Yards • Sheboygan, Wisconsin

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Brutal

The fourth hole at Whistling Straits continues Pete Dye's masterful blend of links-style architecture with strategic complexity. This lengthy par-4 demands precision and power as players navigate toward Lake Michigan, where Dye's signature pot bunkers and undulating terrain create both visual intimidation and strategic challenge.

Tees:

489y443y432y405y336y

Green:24y × 34y

Fairway @250y:53y wide

9 BunkersWater dogleg

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Whistling Straits

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 489 yds
Green: 3938 sq ft
Bunkers: 9
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 146
Course Rating: 75.6

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Strategy Tips

hazard warning

This 489-yard par-4 has no traditional fairway landing zones - the fairway width measures 0 yards at both 200 and 250 yards from the tee, indicating this is likely a forced carry or extremely penal hole design typical of Pete Dye's challenging layouts.

tee shot

With bunkers positioned at 385, 416.5, and 419.2 yards from the tee, your tee shot strategy must account for these hazards that extend well beyond typical driving distances - focus on accuracy over distance to avoid these strategically placed Pete Dye bunkers.

approach

The approach shot to this 489-yard hole will likely require a mid to long iron into a relatively small green measuring just 3,938 square feet (24 yards by 34 yards) - club selection and precision are critical given the compact target.

green

The green's dimensions of 24 yards wide by 34 yards deep create a narrow but deep target - aim for the center of the green and let the pin position dictate your approach angle rather than attacking tight pins on this challenging Pete Dye design.

train this shot at home

This 489-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.

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Scoring Tip

When water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 489-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 4?

This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 4?

Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers; water at 71.3 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 4?

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 4?

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 4?

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.

Can I practice hole 4 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Whistling Straits. You can play this exact 489-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 →