Your round of golf begins at No. 1, a 458-yard par 4 from the black tees. The green is visible straight down the middle of the fairway, appearing well within reach for an easy par—an inviting way to start your round. However, looks can be deceiving.

A tee shot hit too far right may find one of two fairway bunkers or miss the fairway entirely, ending up beyond the cart path. Meanwhile, straying too far left can leave you blocked by trees or trapped in the second fairway bunker, making your approach shot far more difficult.

As you near the green, additional challenges come into play. A creek runs just short of the green, ready to catch any misjudged approach, while a greenside bunker lurks nearby. And though the view of the lake is spectacular, finding your ball in the water is far less enjoyable.

The most direct route to the green—and the lowest score—is also the riskiest. Keeping your ball as close to the center of the fairway as possible will set up an easier second shot, but precision is key. Playing No. 1 at Rancho Del Sol demands confidence and control. Overestimating your game can quickly turn a promising par into a double or even triple bogey. True to Pete Dye’s signature design, Rancho Del Sol’s opening hole presents both beauty and challenge, setting the tone for the round ahead.