Hole 1 – Fairway Rise
A welcoming start to the course, Fairway Rise eases golfers into the round with a generous landing area and a softly elevated green. Gentle breezes and clear sightlines make this opener both friendly and strategic, offering players a chance to build early confidence with thoughtful shot placement and smooth rhythm.
Hole Information
Handicap: 13
Blue Tees: 389 yards
White Tees: 361 yards
Red Tees: 328 yards
Origins of the Opening Hole
Fairway Rise was originally shaped as a gentle opening challenge intended to welcome golfers into the course with confidence. Designers used the natural rise in the terrain to elevate the green slightly, creating a subtle test without adding unnecessary difficulty. Over the years, refinements to the landing zone and green approach have preserved its forgiving nature while improving consistency. Today it continues to serve as an approachable, thoughtfully crafted introduction to the round.
How to Play the Hole
Fairway Rise rewards thoughtful, controlled shot-making by blending a generous landing area with subtle elevation changes that influence both carry distance and approach strategy. The fairway’s natural rise creates a gently deceptive second shot that demands proper club selection, while the green complex’s soft contours encourage precise placement over pure aggression. Playing the hole well comes down to respecting its subtlety—choosing smart lines, committing to solid contact, and positioning the ball to approach the elevated green with confidence and clarity.
Aiming just right of the center fairway bunker provides an ideal line, as the fairway’s natural shaping tends to draw well-struck drives back toward the middle. The landing zone is wide and accommodating, but accuracy still pays off—especially for golfers wanting the cleanest angle into the elevated green. Long hitters may reach the gentle downslope for added roll, but the emphasis should remain on control rather than distance. A steady, confident swing sets the tone for the round and helps avoid the left-side mounding that can create awkward lies for the approach.
Taking enough club to comfortably carry the raised front edge of the green is essential, as anything landing short will often slide back down the slope and leave a delicate chip. The green accepts shots well but requires commitment, especially when coastal breezes subtly affect flight stability. Because the elevation can distort perceived distance, choosing an extra half-club is often wise, particularly in headwind conditions. Aiming for the center of the green reduces the risk from the sloping edges and offers an excellent chance at an early par or birdie opportunity.
The area to the right of the green provides the best recovery options, offering plentiful space and a straightforward angle for chips or pitches. From here, golfers can use the slope of the green to their advantage, allowing the ball to release naturally toward most pin locations. Missing left or long, however, introduces significant difficulty—downhill chips or delicate shots from tight lies that require soft hands and impeccable feel. Patience and a controlled touch go a long way when navigating the green surrounds, as aggressive attempts from poor angles tend to run well past the cup.