The 10 best drivable par-4 holes on the 2016 schedule

February 18, 2016

By Joel Beall

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TPC River Highlands - 15th Hole

At less than 300 yards, this hole is an intriguing risk/reward at the Travelers Championship. Distance is not an issue for the players. The mounded green, lake on the left and sand on the right? That's a different tale.

Photo By: Getty Images

Riviera Country Club - 10th Hole

You could take our word on the 10th's difficulty. But it's better if you just watch this video of Scott Piercy hitting four separate shots into bunkers during the 2015 tournament.

Photo By: US PGA TOUR

Kapalua Resort, Plantation Course - 14th Hole

At 305 yards and aided by wind from the left, the pros lick their lips when coming to Kapalua's 14th. Yet, while 43 percent of the field made birdie on this hole during the 2016 event, zero eagles were recorded against 10 percent taking bogey or worse.

Golf Club of Houston - 12th Hole

The Shell Houston Open likes to refer to this 338-yard hole as a risk/reward endeavor, but given 95 percent of the 2015 field made par or better, it's safe to say it's more of the latter.

Quail Hollow - Eighth Hole

This picture doesn't do the hole's beauty, and tenaciousness, justice. If players decide not to take a run from the tee, Quail Hollow's No. 8 requires a tough lay-up, as the approach will likely be coming from a sidehill lie. Coupled with a deep green, this hole spurs guys to give it a go.

Photo By: Getty Images

Blue Monster at Doral - 16th Hole

All one has to do to reach the green, which sits 341 yards from the tee, is carry a lake and bunkers, as well as battle with swirling wind. No biggie, right? (Actually, 90 percent of last year's WGC - Cadillac field made par or better on the 16th, proving that these guys really are good.)

Photo By: Chris Condon/PGA TOUR/MetLife Blimp

TPC Deere Run - 14th Hole

This downhill, short par 4 is so easy -- the John Deere Classic field averaged 3.794 strokes during the 2015 tournament -- that you're giving one back by not making birdie. In his two career wins at the John Deere, Jordan Spieth has made "3" six out of eight times.

Photo By: Getty Images

Oakmont Country Club - 17th Hole

Keep an eye on the 17th hole during this year's U.S. Open. At 313 yards, players will undoubtedly take a rip at the green. However, deep rough and severe bunkering will make those hitting wayward drives pay.

Photo By: Getty Images

TPC Scottsdale - 17th Hole

Lost in the shadows of the 16th hole, the 17th is often where the Waste Management Open is decided, evidenced this year when Rickie Fowler drove through the green to find the water, losing his lead and ultimately the tournament to Hideki Matsuyama.

Photo By: US PGA TOUR

TPC Boston - Fourth Hole

To the weaker individual, the course's marsh, water, woods and sand can make this an imposing shot. If you're a pro? Not so much: 40 percent of Deutsche Bank Championship players carded a birdie here in 2015.

Photo By: US PGA TOUR

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Photo By: Getty Images

Photo By: US PGA TOUR

Photo By: Getty Images

Photo By: Chris Condon/PGA TOUR/MetLife Blimp

Photo By: Getty Images

Photo By: US PGA TOUR

The 10 best drivable par-4 holes on the 2016 schedule

TPC River Highlands - 15th Hole

Riviera Country Club - 10th Hole

Kapalua Resort, Plantation Course - 14th Hole

Golf Club of Houston - 12th Hole

Quail Hollow - Eighth Hole

Blue Monster at Doral - 16th Hole

TPC Deere Run - 14th Hole

Oakmont Country Club - 17th Hole

TPC Scottsdale - 17th Hole

TPC Boston - Fourth Hole

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