Hole #1 - Sand Hills Golf Club, Mullen NE - 550 yards Par 5

First and foremost, the first hole should make you want to play golf.  No where in my travels has this been more the case than at Sand Hills.  It is a medium par five that tumbles across and between dunes and is in the center of the expanse of green ribbons through auburn fescue that is Sand Hills Golf Club.  Although some courses believe in a relatively easy first hole (Riviera, Merion, Sebonack) and others in a difficult first hole (Crystal Downs, Oakmont, Oakland Hills), my preference is actually for something in between.  The first at Sand Hills is that perfect mix of an easy par if played well, but a bogey or worse if not played well.  In addition, having a diagonal carry off of a tee is always a well conceived design as it forces the player to decide how well he is going to hit the ball prior to the shot, and then punishes him if his body can't keep up with his mind.  Having a diagonal carry on the first hole is even better as the player does not yet have a feel for how well he is hitting the ball that day.  At the first at Sand Hills, the further to the left the shot is played, the shorter the hole plays, but the longer the carry.  With a big drive on an aggressive line, the better player can reach the green in two; however, a big drive on a conservative line will run through the fairway and lead to a likely bogey or worse.  Another great aspect to this hole is that as much as I am found of blind or semi-blind shots (in moderation), there is something to be said for seeing an entire hole laid out before you with the flag stick waving 550 yards away between two huge dunes.  This fairway really follows the lay of the land, and even on a course that is remarkable for its expansiveness, huge blown out bunkers and unforced design, this hole stands out.  The green is set high between two dunes with a huge blown-out bunker sculpted into the front right of the green.  It is no coincidence that this is one of the first three holes "discovered" at Sand Hills by Coore and Crenshaw (the other two being the 17th and 18th).  Truly one of the world's great holes, and in my opinion, the best first hole in the game.

Next best:  Crystal Downs, Merion (East), Sebonack, Old Course, Oakmont, Pine Valley, Friar's Head, Shinnecock Hills, National Golf Links of America
Most likely to take its place, but have not yet played: Macrihanish