Old Mac · Hole 1
Blue
415
White
340
Gold
275
Red
175
The opening hole at Old Macdonald announces the course's personality immediately: massive golden-age bunkers, bold terrain, and an approach that demands respect. A giant bunker guards the right side of the approach zone, inspired by the oversized hazards of early 20th-century championship design. The message is clear — this is not a typical modern resort course.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Driver aimed at the left-center of the fairway. The giant bunker right of the approach zone begins at approximately 230 yards and extends well forward — a pushed tee shot finds sand easily. Draw the ball from right-to-left and land it in the wide left portion of the fairway. Reaching 260 yards on the left side leaves the most straightforward approach angle.
Approach
Mid-iron from the left-center of the fairway, approaching the green from the ideal angle that avoids the giant right bunker. The green is open from the front-left, meaning a running approach is very effective in firm conditions. Aim at the center-left of the putting surface and let the ball work toward the pin.
Putting
The opening green has a modest back-to-front slope with some subtle undulation on the right portion. Most first putts should be aimed to the left of the apparent line — the rightward lean on the putting surface creates more break than expected. Pace is the key variable on this firm, exposed green.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The giant right bunker dominates the visual from the tee — players subconsciously aim away from it to the left and underestimate how far left they drift. Check alignment carefully.
- •The bunker's scale makes it look further away than it is — a solid drive of 230 yards with any rightward tendency lands squarely in the sand.
- •The false front on the green rejects approach shots that land short — take enough club to reach the center of the putting surface.
Wind Intelligence
The 1st hole runs roughly east, providing some shelter from the prevailing southwest wind in the early stages. It typically plays in a quartering left-to-right crosswind that accentuates the danger of the right-side bunker. In a strong southwest blow, allow for rightward drift and aim more aggressively left off the tee.
Hazard Map
- ▲Giant Macdonald-inspired bunker right of approach zone
- ▲False front on green
- ▲Fescue rough both sides of fairway