This week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open features one of the most famous tournament holes in the golf – the par-3 16th hole on the Stadium Course is the only fully enclosed hole on the PGA Tour.
Here is our guide to the best par-3’s in the world…
TPC Scottsdale
The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is the most iconic hole on the Stadium Course when it comes to the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The grandstand for the tournament completely surrounds the 163 yard par 3 and so it has been nicknamed “The Coliseum”. With or without the raucous fans, this hole will test your nerves. The tee has a slight elevation and the green is dutifully guarded by three bunkers.
Bear Mountain
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!
Augusta National – Golden Bell
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!
Kingsbarns
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!
Sandy Lane – Green Monkey
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.
TPC Stadium at Sawgrass
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!
Old Thorns Golf & Country Estate
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…minuscule green…check…bogey…check!
Coeur d’Alene
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!
Doonbeg
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.
Pacifico Course – Punta Mita
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.
