Roddy Bisset looks at some of the best par 3s in Europe and America with his ultimate par 3 course
Normally par-3 courses are fun, quaint and beginner friendly, perfect for introducing someone to the frustratingly difficult game that is golf. This par-3 course is anything but that.
With nine of the most iconic and difficult holes from tournament golf across Europe and America, this is a look at my dream par 3 course.
TPC Sawgrass 17th hole - 137 yards
Many of golf’s greatest par 3s have water in play, not all of them involve an island green surrounded on all sides. The flagship hole at the PGA Tour's Players Championship.
TPC Scottsdale 16th hole - 162 yards
Perhaps not the most unique hole, but in tournament play many will argue that there is nothing else like it. With grandstands housing over 20,000 raucous spectators, it's home to the PGA Tour’s most electric atmosphere.
Old Course St Andrews 11th hole - 174 yards
The most difficult par 3 on the ancient links, [layed into the wind as the course reaches its most exposed point at the edge of the Eden Estuary. The green slopes from the back with the ominous ‘Strath bunker’ lurking at the front edge.
Augusta National 12th hole - 155 yards
With Azaleas lining the back of the green and ‘Rae's Creek’ protecting the front, this is a beautifully set and fiendishly difficult hole. Scene of some of the most dramatic moments in Masters history.
Royal Troon 8th hole - 123 yards
Named ‘Postage Stamp’ due to it’s incredibly small putting surface. A short par 3, which is not to be taken lightly. One of the signature holes at this Open Championship venue.
Le Golf National 2nd hole - 213 yards
Water hazards feature throughout the 2018 Ryder Cup course and French Open host. The 2nd hole is no different, with the green cut ominously on the banks of a pond.
Oakmont Country Club 8th hole - 288 yards
A monster hole that became the longest par 3 in US Open history in 2007. Controversial, but certainly in line with the US Open’s reputation for being one of golf’s most rigorous tests.
Valderrama 12th hole - 212 yards
A long par three which is played from an elevated tee through a narrow funnel of trees, to a green well protected by bunkers.
Pebble Beach 7th hole - 106 yards
One of the most famous holes in American golf. It's beautifully set, with an elevated tee facing towards the Pacific Ocean, which lurks immediately behind the green. There is no scope for going long here.
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