drewster
Tour Rookie
Haven't played too many "elite" courses but I can recommend the first at Market Rasen. A long par four, that sweeps right to left and a long iron into a raised green. Supposedly the hardest and best opener in the County.
Favourite first hole in golf
- Thread starter richart
- Start date
NWJocko
Tour Winner
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Smiffy
Grand Slam Winner
I was so bloody nervous stood on that tee that I almost froze over the ball.
Came right "over the top" and ended up in the Valley of Sin.
Took a massive great divot out of there with my 7 iron and ended up walking off with a well worked blob.
By Christ, it was well worked.
richart
Major Champion
Spot on Ian. Reason I like the first at Hindhead is it is a gentle start, good chance of a par, and sets you up for the holes to follow. The view as you approach the green down the valley is one of the best.
For the same reason the first on the East Course at Saunton is not one of my favourites. 470 yards into the wind with a tiny green. Much too difficult for me, but still a lovely hole. Just wish it was further round the course.
I like Harry Colt's idea of easing you into a round, and saving the more difficult holes for later.
Piece
Tour Winner
Correct. Saunton East has a great opening hole. My favourite? No.
EDIT: ^^^^^ Richart has summed it up perfectly.
Spear-Chucker
Tour Rookie
Royal West Norfolk (Brancaster) on a crystal clear, breezy winters day. Stepping back in time to another age entirely.
AMcC
Journeyman Pro
http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TeamSoda/media/Machrihanish Feb 2014/20140209_110147.jpg.html]
As others have said 1st at Machrihanish, drive over the Atlantic
As others have said 1st at Machrihanish, drive over the Atlantic
Rooter
Money List Winner
Wentworth West for me, the history, the pressure of loads of people watching, a starter, can i clear the road? there is now a car waiting! Boom driver striped down the middle! What a feeling! (walked off with a bogey.. oops!)
Spear-Chucker
Tour Rookie
http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TeamSoda/media/Machrihanish Feb 2014/20140209_110147.jpg.html]
As others have said 1st at Machrihanish, drive over the Atlantic
That looks wonderful
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
Thought you'd prefer the first at Rye Hill coz you get a Mulligan...:rofl:
jamielaing
Q-School Graduate
Haven't played it but have stood on the tee and had a look. Think it is about 280 yards but all severely downhill. I'd have to take an iron and lay up, there's no way you could work out the distance it plays to help with club selection.
D
Deleted Member 1156
Guest
Some very good holes have been mentioned in this thread but there is a big difference between a good hole and a good starting hole.
I agree that the 1st should ease you into your round, not be tough as old boots. Saunton East 1st hole....it's great but having an opener that probably 90% of the field won't par on any given day isn't ideal. Broadstone, Blackmoor, West Hill, Hindhead, Sunningdale Old......all give you a decent chance of par or even birdie.
Not sure which would be my favourite. The Old course has to be up there, also liked Machrihanish and RCD. Can also think of some top courses that have pretty poor opening holes like Royal Cinque Ports and Rye.
I agree that the 1st should ease you into your round, not be tough as old boots. Saunton East 1st hole....it's great but having an opener that probably 90% of the field won't par on any given day isn't ideal. Broadstone, Blackmoor, West Hill, Hindhead, Sunningdale Old......all give you a decent chance of par or even birdie.
Not sure which would be my favourite. The Old course has to be up there, also liked Machrihanish and RCD. Can also think of some top courses that have pretty poor opening holes like Royal Cinque Ports and Rye.
Jacko_G
Blackballed
Would disagree with Castle Stuart, bit of a nothing hole in a nice setting.
Junior
Tour Winner
The most memorable I have played is the first hole at Portsewart (Strand course). Big elavated tee, hitting down into the dunes with the ocean to the right of you.
That hole hitting across the ocean at Machrihanish looks awesome, but I have never played there.
That hole hitting across the ocean at Machrihanish looks awesome, but I have never played there.
hines57
Challenge Tour Pro
The first at Trevose for me. With the slightly elevated tee the whole course is there in front of you and the views out to sea are fantastic. Challenge from there is to focus back on the tee shot and don't let it drift right and into the long stuff!
Rooter
Money List Winner
This was my first view off the whites looking down the East at Saunton, I saw some of the older generation before us not even attempt it, they said they couldn't reach the fairway so walked up to the yellows which is that raised ground in the distance, great opener :thup:
The fairway starts at that bunker in the distance on the right, its a long way :smirk:
The fairway starts at that bunker in the distance on the right, its a long way :smirk:
Qwerty
Tour Winner
For me Nothing will beat the feeling of stood on the 1st at The Old Course, I've never felt as nervous stood over a shot.
I creamed it straight down the fairway only to put the 2nd into the Swilcan Burn
Notable Others..
Silloth- Looks tighter than it is.
Moortown-Big Exposed Tee and a great opening Hole.
Castle Stuart- Slicers Beware.
Bearwood Lakes- A lovely setting and appetising tee Shot.
Beau Desert- Oh Tim!! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=beryGT_tpZ4
I creamed it straight down the fairway only to put the 2nd into the Swilcan Burn
Notable Others..
Silloth- Looks tighter than it is.
Moortown-Big Exposed Tee and a great opening Hole.
Castle Stuart- Slicers Beware.
Bearwood Lakes- A lovely setting and appetising tee Shot.
Beau Desert- Oh Tim!! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=beryGT_tpZ4
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louise_a
Money List Winner
I thought Silloth's first was a good one but I am also going for the first at Vilamoura Old, the first time I saw it I thought wow! and despite it being fairly short I haven't even managed a bogey after playing it 4 times.
I was thinking whats he one about there are no fairway bunkers on the first.... but you are right there are a few, I thought they were all for the 18th...
