I am curious to hear your thoughts on what makes this type of opening hole a favorite for many.
A great opening hole is wide with a chance to use the driver right away, without hazards or chances of losing balls. This prevents delays right from the start.
Vann said:
A great opening hole is wide with a chance to use the driver right away, without hazards or chances of losing balls. This prevents delays right from the start.
I once played at The Ranch in Massachusetts. The first hole there is a par 5 with a really wide fairway and a big green, about 470 yards long. It sets a good pace of play from the start.
@Fern
True, normally a Par 5 would slow things down, but 470 yards is manageable. There’s another course near me with a 510-yard first hole and it always causes delays.
Vann said:
@Fern
True, normally a Par 5 would slow things down, but 470 yards is manageable. There’s another course near me with a 510-yard first hole and it always causes delays.
You never know, today might be the day I drive it 500 yards.
@Val
I wonder what would happen if I actually managed to hit one just right.
Vann said:
@Fern
True, normally a Par 5 would slow things down, but 470 yards is manageable. There’s another course near me with a 510-yard first hole and it always causes delays.
One of my regular courses starts with a par 5, then a par 3, and another par 5. The par 3 has a blind tee shot and a tough approach if you miss the green. I’ve spent an hour just on those three holes before.
@Fern
That place is awesome.
@Fern
It’s a two-hour drive for me. Not sure it’s worth it just to find out if I hit the fairway.
@Fern
The Ranch is an unbelievable course, especially on weekdays when it’s less crowded.
@Fern
It’s one of my favorite courses in Massachusetts, great elevation changes too!
@Fern
Played there this summer for the first time and loved it, especially the starting hole!
@Fern
Yeah, it’s a favorite of mine too. Where making par feels like you’ve made a bogey.
Vann said:
A great opening hole is wide with a chance to use the driver right away, without hazards or chances of losing balls. This prevents delays right from the start.
Donald Ross believed in starting with a straightforward, wide-open hole as a warm-up for the rest of the round. Most of his courses start like this.
@Maxwell
Thinking about the courses he designed that I’ve played, you’re absolutely right.
Vann said:
A great opening hole is wide with a chance to use the driver right away, without hazards or chances of losing balls. This prevents delays right from the start.
A friendly handshake.
Vann said:
A great opening hole is wide with a chance to use the driver right away, without hazards or chances of losing balls. This prevents delays right from the start.
And a par 5.
Vann said:
A great opening hole is wide with a chance to use the driver right away, without hazards or chances of losing balls. This prevents delays right from the start.
You’d love the opening hole at my home course: out of bounds right where the range is, and left is a road. Predicting a strong wind, I plan on driving the green.
Vann said:
A great opening hole is wide with a chance to use the driver right away, without hazards or chances of losing balls. This prevents delays right from the start.
If you lose the first ball off the tee, just consider it a mulligan and hit another. It’s still your first shot.
Vann said:
A great opening hole is wide with a chance to use the driver right away, without hazards or chances of losing balls. This prevents delays right from the start.
The first hole at my home course is a 403-yard dogleg left with a driving range on the right, so watch out. There’s a large oak at the bend, about 270 yards out, which is a good target. The large, unprotected green accepts imperfect approaches nicely. It’s a great hole.