Many of the best and most famous holes in the golfing world are par 3s which are often the most picturesque and in some cases the most difficult holes on the course. Whether it’s an elevated tee, a carry over a lake or a challenging green it is often difficult to make a par. Here some of the very best and most stunning par 3s in the world that you can play on your next golf break…well there is one that you probably won’t get a chance to play!
Rugged bunkering, towering pines and a stunning backdrop await golfers who visit Bear Mountain in Canada. As the name would suggest there are probably some hazardous critters nearby as well!
The 12th hole on the world famous Augusta is widely regarded as one of the finest par 3s in golf. The green is unbelievably shallow and those slopes that lead to the water are deceptively steep…club selection is important then!
As with many links courses the weather is a constant factor at Kingsbarns. When the wind is howling the par 3 15th can play from anything from a wedge to a long iron and the crashing waves can be quite intimidating!
The Sandy Lane Green Monkey Course in Barbados is home to some stunning holes; least of which is this par 3 with a ‘you know what’ in the greenside bunker.
Monkeys can be mischievous at times and this one is no different if you find the wrong part of this vast bunker.
No par 3 photo guide would be complete without a picture of the famous 17th hole at Sawgrass. If it weren’t for an intrepid group of divers the lake would surely be overflowing with golf balls by now!
You don’t have to go to an exotic paradise to come across a great par 3. Here in England we have gems like this at Old Thorns Manor. Water…check…towering pines…check…miniscule green…check…bogey…check!
Many of the best par 3s in golf are played from elevated tees which makes club selection tricky and adds a sense of drama that can rarely be recreated on longer holes. The 15th at Lemuria in the Seychelles is a great excample of this…the ocean in the background is a nice bonus as well.
If you thought the island green on the 17th green at Sawgrass was dramatic then Coeur d’Alene in Idaho will knock your socks off. This is a true island green and the only way to get to the green having hit you tee shot is to catch the ferry. Oh…and the green can move!
The unique moving green at Coeur a’Alene can go from being a paltry 100 yards from the green to a whopping 275 yards out into the lake. This course is officially on Your Golf Travel’s bucket list and I imagine it’s now on yours as well!
Castle Stuart is home to some stunning holes and the par 3 11th is one of the best. It is a real joy to behold in the setting sun and when the wind gets up a par will be a handy score.
The 7th on the Teeth of the Dog course in the Dominican Repbulic is just one of a stunning stretch of holes laid down by the great architect Pete Dye. I wouldn’t fancy this tee shot with a strong left to right breeze!
The daunting 14th hole at the magnificent Doonbeg proves that par 3s dont have to stretch to silly lengths to provide a challenge to low handicappers. Despite the yardage of 111 yards this is a scary tee shot; especially when the wind is rolling in from the Atlantic.
The 16th hole on the Royal Course at Vale do Lobo is known as the most photographed hole in Europe and that comes as no surprise. Measuring 240n yards this is a real beast and will require your Sunday best to walk off with a par.
Formby Ladies is home to many picturesque holes thanks to its rugged looks. The 12th is no different and the tiny putting surface will make walking away with a three a difficult proposition.
Whistling Straits has hosted many a professional tournament including the 2010 PGA Championship. The 17th hole is a particular highlight.
Aphrodite Hills also features some stunning elevation changes…including the deep gorges that wait to gobble up any stray tee shots on this downhill par 3.
Gary Player’s Fancourt Links is a breathtaking course and anywhere but on the green on this par 3 could be a disaster!
The Xtreme 19th at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort in South Africa is undoubtedly the most outrageous par 3 in the world. The only way to get to the tee is via helicopter and there is $1,000,000 waiting for the first player to bag a hole in one.
The view form the tee on the Xtreme 19th!
Pebble Beach is one of the most famous golf courses in the world and the 7th is just one of the many highlights. This stunning par 3 is only a wedge for the top players but it still torments them year after year.
Hole 3B on the Pacifico Course at Punta Mita is one of the world’s greatest par 3s and a whole that Jack Nicklaus says is the best hole he has ever designed.
The view from the tee doesn’t inspire much confidence if your not on song with your irons!
I’ve played Kingsbarns and Val do Lobo but undoubtedly better is the 7th at Nirwana Bali golf course in the south of Bali. Standing on the tee one looks over a bay to the green 194yds off the whites, 144 off the yellows, with the ocean and the island Hindu temple of Tana Lot to the left. Hard to keep one’s eyes on the shot.
Awesome collection. As they say a picture speaks a thousand words!
I have been lucky enough to play three of these holes. (Old Thorns, Castle Stuart and Doonbeg) The rest of them are now officially on my golfing bucket list!
That floating green at Couer d’Alene puts the 17th at Sawgrass to shame!
Excellent photo guide…keep them coming!
Every picture I have ever seen of the Links Course at Fancourt looks amazing! I guess I will have to save uo for a South African golf trip and have a go at the Xtreme 19th while I’m there!
17th @ TPC Sawgrass is a real tough one! Landed two balls on, only for them to trickle over the back ready for the divers!
The great second hole at Royal Dornoch. Tom Watson calls its second shot, the hardest in golf ! Just a beautifully designed par 3, 180 yards with an overturned saucer green , deep bunkers and slippery slopes. It can play, depending on the wind anything between a seven iron to a 3 wood !
A truly great par 3.
13th at The Addington, without a doubt.
Described by many as the best inland par three in golf. Go on the website and see the pictures.