Like many holes to come at Lincoln Park, the first hole offers up a stout challenge despite its short distance on the scorecard. At only 316 yards from the back tee, the hole is defined by a large, overhanging tree in front of the green that blocks access from much of the right side of the fairway. A right-to-left drive is preferred as the fairway opens up dramatically around the left corner, though a row of bushes and out of bounds lurks for tee shots that are overdrawn. Players who hit a straight or fading tee shot will have to contend with the grove of trees.

The approach is to a semi-volcano green, with both the front and the back of the green sloping away steeply. Most players should ignore the pin position and aim to stop the ball in the center of the green. If the approach is blocked by the tree, rightward movement or a punch may be required.

Take note of the Kong Chow ruins short right of the green, once part of a 200-acre burial ground situated on the land that is now Lincoln Park Golf Course. To this day locals observe Chung Yeung, a ritual of respect held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, at this site.