[Scott McWethy]

I was looking through some photo threads on this site and when it comes to par 4's, I'm immediately attracted to the short holes.  From Riviera's 10th, Sand Hills 7th, Cypress Point's 9th, and so on.  I don't know if this subject has been brought up before on GCA, but if it has, lets rehash it please.  I think every course should have at least one.  They're so fun and on some of the ones I've played, I've been fortunate enough to putt for eagle and on other occasions have walked away with a double bogey.  Is it one of the architects favorite type of holes to design and are they becoming the "signature" type hole for a golf course?  What are some of your favorite short par 4's and why are they such great holes.  Aside from the obvious ones I mentioned above, I'd love to hear about some other courses that have memorable ones.   

[Tim Gavrich]

TPC River Highlands (Cromwell, CT) - Hole 15 is terrific. Sometimes rewards but usually confounds the pros every year at the Travelers Championship.

[David Whitmer]

The 7th at Ballyneal, the 17th at Double Eagle, the 5th at Long Cove, and the 17th at TPC Scottsdale. I love a well-designed short par 4, where I can make anything from a 2 to a 6, depending on how good or stupid I am.

[Richard Fisher]

For an English sextet,

4th St Enedoc
9th/18th The Sacred Nine
17th Huntercombe
9th Rye
6th Deal
3rd Swinley Forest

are not exactly original choices in this context, but all holes that I look forward to playing, and find full of challenge.

[Brett Wiesley]

They are great, usually some of the most vexing approaches in golf.  Of the top of my head here are a few...


Streamsong Blue #13
Streamsong Red #4
Old Town #14
Applebrook #3
Winged Foot West #6
Long Cove #5
May River #7
Pine Valley #5!!!

[David_Tepper]

#5 at Royal Dornoch is a great one. #15 is pretty good too.

The very deep (and relatively narrow) green, set on a diagonal to the right, makes the 2nd shot quite a challenge, even with a wedge. When the pin is in the back half of the green, it really helps to keep your tee shot down the left side of the fairway, but that can bring the rough & gorse into play. 

[BCowan]

Franklin Hills  #13
Mid Pines #4 (It's 330 from tips)
Naples National  #14

[BShannon]

4th at Flossmoor
5th and 12th at Cuscowilla
8th at Lawsonia

[Keith OHalloran]

You have already mentioned the 7th at Sand Hills and that is my all time favorite but (homer alert) I also love the 5th at Southampton GC. The hole measured 286 with a slight uphill. During the restoration by Brian Silva, the grenade bunker was moved back about 30 yards. The bunker is now semi blind from the tee and 255 to carry with a step face. Many members try to carry it, but if you do not,t he punishment can be harsh. The green is a bit domed on the edges, so if you lay up and have 120 to 80 yards, the shot is no gimme.
The new bunker location has made for a tremendous amount of strategy for a short hole.

[Tom_Doak]

I don't think the 7th at Ballyneal is under 325 yards.  [Maybe, on the direct line, which I never take.]


The 6th at Pacific Dunes and the 4th at Barnbougle Dunes are my two best that are under 325.  The 7th at Tara Iti could be a new challenger.

[Tim Gallant]

14th on the King's Course at Gleneagles is one of my favourites. Also the 11th on the Old Course at Sunningdale.

[David_Tepper]

#5 and #7 at Golspie are both under 300 yards and are both very entertaining. Making a 3 or a 6 on either is always possible.

[Mark Bourgeois]

For failing to mention Ganton 14, I am having all UK-based posters on this thread brought up on charges. Everyone else will be prosecuted for failing to mention RMW 10.

They are awesome because of the multitude of choices -- like getting 5 holes for the price of one, and no particular choice is always the right choice -- and because I love greens that make you think about simultaneously hitting the accelerator and brake and the same time.

[Eric Smith]

Royal Melbourne West 10
Ganton 14


Peter P.

[Tim Gallant]

Royal Melbourne West 10
Ganton 14


Peter P.

Ha!

[Ryan Hillenbrand]

The 277 yd #5 at Glen Echo CC. They call it Roadway because the driveway to club goes right through the middle,  distinguishing itself from a Road hole as it has none of those traits.

Tiny green surrounded by bunkers, but otherwise not very penal. Making it very easy to grab the big dog!

[Tommy Williamsen]

14 at Muirfield Village
10 at Westward Ho!
11 at Misgrove Mill
10 at Riviera

[Thomas Dai]

Currently pondering those I've played.


One I've not played but have heard others rave about is the 290 yd par-4 4th at Irvine GC in Ayrshire with a small plateau green hard up against the railway line wall.




(club website images)


Looks a cracker. Anyone played it?


atb

[Chris Macios]

#3 at Eastward Ho! is one of my favorite (326 tips so slightly cheating), mainly because of the excellent, narrow green.

[Nigel Islam]

The 277 yd #5 at Glen Echo CC. They call it Roadway because the driveway to club goes right through the middle,  distinguishing itself from a Road hole as it has none of those traits.

Tiny green surrounded by bunkers, but otherwise not very penal. Making it very easy to grab the big dog!

Just don't hit it right. The heckling is worse than 16 at TPC Scottsdale

[Mark Bourgeois]

10 at Westward Ho!

Officially too long to qualify which is just as well, for this being one of the world's great holes of any length or par, we do a disservice to pigeonhole it.

I think the 4th at Barnbougle is my favorite post WWII short 4. What a hole!

If Eric is Peter P (my money is on either Marlowe or a committee) this could be the biggest news to hit this site since we found out "Jordan Wall" was really Tom Doak.

[Scott McWethy]

I forgot about the 17th at Crystal Downs.  Surprised Doak didn't mention that one since it's in his backyard.  Love that hole so much that I double bogeyed it the one and only time I had a chance to play it!
 
It's great hearing about all these other courses with wonderful short par 4 holes.

[Jon Wiggett]

Mine is the 5th hole at Golf Club Rastenmoos. A dogleg which is measured at just under 300 yards it actually plays shorter than this and is easily reached off the tee for even a modest player. There is neither water nor deep rough and no OOB that comes into play.

However, due to the clever placement of two bunkers and the thoughtful contouring of the green and its surrounds the player going for birdie or eagle is just as likely to walk away with a score over par. Playing for par will almost always result in this result but standing on the tee it takes a lot of discipline to not go for glory. A real tempter of a hole.

Jon

[Jamie Pyper]

Here are my favourites that bring a smile to my face, although all brought me to my knees;;


Northern Hemisphere:
#3 Castle Stuart, # 4 Highlands Links, # 6 Pacific Dunes # 14 Dismal River


Southern Hemisphere
# 4 Barnbougle Dunes, # 14 Lost Farm, # 10 Royal Melbourne , # 3 Kingston Heath


My favourite short opener: # 1 Victoria         
Go for it bravado clashed with my declining abilities resulting in changing my club selection a dozen times, only adding to my first tee shakes.


My favourite short closer:  # 18 North Berwick
The words from the starter 17 holes prior now fixated in my mind " Don't go right, Don't go right" ! ..and what a fabulous swale

[Alan Ritchie]

obviously the 4th at barnbougle gets high praise but I also think the 12 is a great wee hole where a bold tee shot gives great reward but still a tricky little chip or putt. likewise I was a great fan of the 15th at Dornoch.

agree with the 3rd at castle Stuart too.

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