Hole one
Last updated:
PAR 4
433 YARDS
How it plays: One of the course’s easier holes, though a new back tee has lengthened it. The collection area back left is a tough up-and-down. Back right is the toughest pin position.
Local knowledge: Hit the driver and you can leave yourself a hanging lie; 3-wood can leave a slightly longer but more straightforward approach from a flatter part of the fairway.
Michael J. Scully, PGA Director of Golf, Medinah Country Club: “In 2012, the first change the players of the 39th Ryder Cup Matches will notice on Course No. 3 at Medinah Country Club will be on the first tee. The addition of a new back tee has lengthened the hole, and hitting a hybrid or 3-wood off the tee will mean a flatter lie in the landing area. The attempt to hit a driver may result in a hanging lie in the fairway. It might be wiser the leave the “big dog” in the bag. The green has a slight pitch, from back-to-front, with a Rees Jones collection area, back-left that needs to be avoided. The toughest hole placement is back-right, with only 18 feet of green behind the front-right bunker. It’s an easy opening hole, compared to the rest of the course, and can give a player a false sense of security.”
