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The Drivable Par 4: How do you play it?

In this video we're going to breakdown a drivable par 4 and see how we, the average Joe, can take advantage of it!

The drivable par 4. The most exciting and yet daunting & frustrating hole in golf. You can come up roses and you can also go down in a ball of flames.

We all want to take a crack at it, we all want to be the hero! But let’s be realistic, not all of us can hit a 298 yard power fade over trees, possibly over water to a landing area we couldn’t hit with our pitching wedge.

In this video we’re going to breakdown a drivable par 4. Let’s see how we, the average Joe, can take advantage of it and how we can avoid that big number. These are only options to take into consideration…the only right way to play the hole is the way that takes the least amount of strokes.

5 Comments

  1. joel Watson

    January 6, 2019 at 3:17 pm

    Dear Mr. Johannson,
    Though I am probably 40 some years older then you, I use the formal address out of respect for your knowledge of the game and as a True Lover who takes the time and efforts to teach others about the wonderful game of Golf. This video was a very good eye opener for someone who does not understand all the intricacies of the layout of a golf hole and the manner in which one should look at the terrain and analyses it to a player’s advantage given the player’s skill with golf clubs. I am looking forward to seeing more of these teaching episodes.
    I have a Par Three on my course that has a very slight dog leg right with water from the front of the tees running to the green parallel to the very narrow fairway running left of the tees to a small area of 200 square feet of rough located on the left side of the green which is rather small as well. From middle of the right side the green, it slants slightly to the right down to the water. The front of the green runs up to the middle of the green with a small slant so hitting the lower front of the green means rolling backwards to the water. Anything hitting there usually goes for a swim. Anything hit to mid left to right and is a bit short of the 114 yards falls into the body of water. A bit too hard and the ball is in the traps on the back side or rolling down the backside to the cart path winding behind the hole to the next set of tees.
    I have landed on the green say once out of every 4 to 6 times but mostly overrun the green or take a bath. I have calmed down now and go for the small rough on the left side or left side of the green and I am happy with a Par. But getting over my pride has cost me many a water ball. I work on my 8 and 9 irons for this hole and seem to be making progress but with a swing average of 67 miles per hour I do not expect to conquer this green anytime soon with constancy. I just don’t have a club speed to get my wedge there. But more lessons like yours will help me recognize and address the real issues of a hole and allow me to realize what my skill set will allow me to do without much risk and perhaps a bogie or take the chances and end up with triple bogie. Thank you so much Las Vegas Duffer Joel.

    Reply
    • Quite The Chap

      January 7, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      Hey Joel, course management can be a tough pill to swallow. Playing to the centre of the green on a par 3 or laying back on the drivable par 4 can be hard on the ego but also has the potential to lower your score. Have fun with it and keep it up!

      Reply
  2. Steve Ruis

    August 2, 2019 at 11:45 am

    I do not use the term “drivable par four” as it is a provocation, a temptation, sir. I use the terms “short par four” or “birdie opportunity”. Using the term drivable par four is an inducement to go eagle hunting and in my game, eagles are still a protected species.

    Reply
  3. Donald D Gates

    August 19, 2019 at 5:29 pm

    I am 62 years old and have had 18 back surgeries including 9 fusion surgeries. I’ve lost a bit of mobility, my swing is short but I hit it about 220 max. I am a 7.8 handicap ( thank God for a good short game) any ideas what I can do to gain a little more distance. I have tried everything. Thank you. Donald Gates

    Reply
  4. Bob Kapp

    August 28, 2021 at 11:19 am

    Colby, not only did I enjoy your tips on this “drivable par 4” but I especially like your introduction: “But let’s be realistic, not all of us can hit a 298 yard power fade over trees, possibly over water to a landing area we couldn’t hit with our pitching wedge.” Oh so true…

    Reply

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