4th Hole / 182 Yards / Par-3
Architect: Pete Dye with Bruce Lietzke
San Antonio, Texas
The 36-hole complex at TPC / San Antonio is no stranger to top tier competitions. Both the Canyons and Oaks courses, have hosted PGA Tour and Champions events respectively with the Oaks the annual venue for the Valero Texas Open each spring.
The Canyons Course is situated on the rolling terrain of the Hill Country and provides a good mixture of hole types.
Architect Pete Dye is renowned for creating stellar holes with the likes of the par-3 17th at TPC Sawgrass leading the way. The par-3 4th on the Canyons is a worthy challenge for all levels of players.
The green is protected by a pond that hugs closely to the left side of the green. The general prevailing wind is from the southwest and when it does blow the golfer will encounter winds blowing across the hole from left-to-right.
Six bunkers are placed in various key positions and the putting surface is diagonally aligned from the tee areas. There are also subsections within the green and being able to pinpoint one’s approach shot is a crucial element.
A rock wall forms the far left boundary separating one’s golf ball from being dry and wet.
When the pin is cut in the rear left corner the wherewithal to get ball nearby is no small task. All in all, the 4th at the Canyons is a hole that mandates careful strategic thought in tandem with solid execution.
Photos courtesy of Chip Henderson and TPC San Antonio
M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”