Use these 10 tips to finally conquer those tricky par-3 holes.
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Playing par-3s can be fun, as it often gives players hope that they will stick their shot close enough to give themselves a chance at birdie.
Since these holes are short in distance, there is no need to use a driver – which is often a difficult club for many recreational players. So for short yards, you can use a variety of club options, making sure you go with the one you're most comfortable with.
But actually doing well on par-3s requires some tricks and techniques, which is why I'm giving you 10 ways to see more success on these types of holes.
Use these tips for more success in stage 3
Whether you're new to the game or a veteran, par-3s are a great way to improve your game. Again, with the USGA as well GOLF recently hosted a fun par-3 event in Greenville, SC to celebrate the announcement of par-3 courses being added to the handicap system, now you can post scores on these short tracks – which is huge for growing the game of golf.
But before you get out there and mix it up, figure out how to play your best and have the most fun on every par-3 hole.
1. Using tea is always helpful
Some players opt against using the tee on a par-3, but why? If the rules allow you to use one, I always suggest doing so.
When the ball goes up, you don't have to hit the ground – which is good news for many golfers who often try to lift the ball incorrectly or find themselves hitting the ground.
2. Set it up accordingly
Of course, there are suggestions as to how high or low you should mix, but there are no rules against choosing one over the other. So if you're trying to get the ball up in the air, just put it up to make life easier for yourself.
When using an iron on a par-3, a good practice to get into is to make sure you hit and break off the tee (assuming it's a plank). If you do this, you are likely to make contact with the center of the face and gain enough speed to increase the distance.
3. Know your yards
Knowing how far you carry each club in your bag is very important on par-3s, as is having a feel for their overall distance. This will help you make an important decision before you go, rather than an educated guess based on general results.
Photo by Kellie Stenzel
4. Look for the best angle
A common misconception when playing par-3s is that you should just line it up from the tee box – but that may not be the best strategic play. Instead, look for the side of the tee box that gives you the path of least resistance.
Depending on what the hole looks like, just taking a better angle will allow you to avoid hazards like water and/or bunkers without having to hit the right shot. So make things easy for yourself.
5. Play some par-3 courses
Par-3 courses are growing in popularity these days, with many top country clubs and facilities offering this type of option to players. And the new concept I mentioned earlier is something called 3's Golf, which launched its flagship location in Greenville, SC. .
6. Par-3 courses now count towards your handicap
The USGA recently began rating par-3 courses, which means you can now post scores for handicap purposes. So even if you don't belong to a club or play long courses regularly, you can get a USGA official handicap. Just be sure to sign up for the GHIN app from the USGA website, which allows you to post scores directly from your phone.
7. Angle in the air
A great advantage players can use on par-3s is to position their tee to face the wind – which will bend the ball less. So if the wind is going from left to right, take your shot from the right side of the tee box, which will allow you to make more shots against the conditions.
8. If needed, plan your next shot
Yes, most par-3s are short holes, but that doesn't mean they aren't deceptive! In some cases, they are more demanding of the player than a par-4 or par-5 hole. These types of holes can have sloping greens protected by multiple bunkers, water, and/or tall fescue, so you need to approach each one with some planning.
If the greens are difficult for you to hit regularly, it may be wise to aim for a place where you can safely stay if you don't hit them. Aim for an area that allows you to have the best chance of getting back up, meaning you aim to stay away from the bunkers if you can so you can hit a chip or putt from the green.
9. Be a good bunker player
Many par-3 holes are protected by greenside bunkers – many of which are deep traps that can be very difficult to get out of. For that reason, you must learn to be a good player in the sand.
Besides understanding how to get out in one swing, another important part is controlling the distance from the bank. To do this, use the correct setup where the ball is forward and the grip is towards the middle of the body. This allows the bounce of the club to glide through the sand, which will help produce that “bounce” you want to feel as you blast the sand through your shot.
10. Practice in the distance
If you can't get to a par-3 course, the next best thing is to challenge yourself on the driving range – which can build your confidence and help identify which clubs to use for different yards. Just target the different markers as if they were a putt on a par-3 hole, and see how close you can get to the carry and perfect distance.
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