The term “drivable par-4” is relatively new. Back when hickory shaft clubs defined play, a 300-yarder was considered a “drive and pitch.” Now, gym-fit players with explosive tech take dead aim off the tee — and designers build sub-350 par-4s accordingly.
Below are GOLF’s architecture editor Ran Morrissett’s 10 favorite drivable par-4s from either era (limited to one per architect).
GOLF’s architecture editor ranks his 10 favorite drivable par-4s
1. No. 12 at the Old Course at St. Andrews
Ran’s comments: “Getting a ball to stop on this dreaded plateau green is as exasperating from 50 yards as it is from 330.”
2. No. 4 at Barnbougle Dunes
Ran’s comments: “Dare you carry the 20-foot deep blowout bunker to reach the hole’s punchbowl green?“
3. No. 10 at Riviera Country Club
4. No. 2 at Gamble Sands
Ran’s comments: “The stunning Pacific Northwest backdrop only adds to the drama on this downhiller.”
5. No. 10 at Royal Melbourne (West Course)
6. No. 14 at Trinity Forest
7. No. 4 at St. Enodoc
Ran’s comments: “Stick to your line off the tee or the playing angles and out of bounds will undo you.”
8. No. 12 at Gozzer Ranch
9. No. 15 at Fenway
Ran’s comments: “A game of ping-pong readily breaks out if you go left or right of this long, narrow target.”
10. No. 14 at Ohoopee
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