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Best Par 3 Holes in the World

from the Experts in Golf Holidays

⏱ 8 min read

Best Par 3 Holes in Golf

The Waste Management Phoenix Open and THE PLAYERS Championship feature two of the most famous tournament holes in the golf.

The 16th hole on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale is the only fully enclosed hole on the PGA Tour, it can be challenging to define what makes a great par 3 hole, given the wide range of preferences among golfers.

The island green on the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass is arguably the most famous hole in golf, those playing here are sure to enjoy life long memories.

Each of these par 3 holes offers a unique and memorable golfing experience, showcasing the diversity and beauty of golf courses around the world. Whether you prefer a short and sweet par 3 or a long and challenging one, there is something for every golfer on our list of the top ten par 3 holes worldwide.

TPC Scottsdale (Stadium) - Hole 16

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.

Hole 16 Yardage
Championship 163 yards
Players 140 yards
Resort 119 yards
Forward 98 yards

More info on TPC Scottsdale (Stadium) >>

TPC Scottsdale (Stadium) facts
Location Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
Length 7,261 yards
Par 71
Designed by Tom Weiskopf, Jay Morrish
Established 1986

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TPC Sawgrass (Stadium) - Hole 17

No par 3 golf hole 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!

Hole 17 Yardage
The Players 137 yards
Blue 128 yards
White 115 yards
Green 92 yards

More info on TPC Sawgrass (Stadium) >>

TPC Sawgrass (Stadium) facts
Location Florida, USA
Length 7,245 yards
Par 72
Designed by Pete Dye & Deane Beman
Established 1982

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Royal Troon (Old) - Hole 8

Royal Troon's 8th hole, the "Postage Stamp," is one of the most iconic and intimidating short holes in golf. Measuring a mere 123 yards, it demands absolute precision due to its minuscule green. This green is fiercely protected by cavernous bunkers, punishing rough, and the ever-present coastal winds.

Hole 8 Yardage
Blue 123 yards
White 123 yards
Yellow 114 yards
Red 118 yards

More info on Royal Troon (Old) >>

Royal Troon (Old) facts
Location Ayrshire, Scotland
Length 7,208 yards
Par 71
Designed by George Strath, Willie Fernie & James Braid
Established 1878

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Augusta National - Hole 12

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!

Hole 12 Yardage
Masters Tee 155 yards
Members Tee 145 yards
Augusta National facts
Location Georgia, USA
Length 7,768 yards
Par 72
Designed by Bobby Jones, Alister MacKenzie
Established 1933
Augusta National - Georgia, USA
Augusta National - Georgia, USA
Augusta National - Georgia, USA
Augusta National - Georgia, USA

Sandy Lane (Green Monkey) - Hole 16

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.

Hole 16 Yardage
Masters 226 yards
Open 205 yards
Challenge 205 yards
Seniors 187 yards
Ladies 146 yards

More info on Sandy Lane >>

Sandy Lane (Green Monkey) facts
Location St James, Barbados
Length 7,343 yards
Par 72
Designed by Tom Fazio
Established 2004

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Pebble Beach Golf Links - Hole 7

The seventh hole at Pebble Beach is only 107 yards, sometimes under 100 during the US Open, with a drop of 40 feet from tee to green. Wind conditions along the Pacific coastline mean that everything from lob wedges to 3-irons and putters have been used to try and find the green.

Hole 7 Yardage
Blue 107 yards
Gold 98 yards
White 94 yards
Green 90 yards
Red 87 yards

More info on Pebble Beach Golf Links >>

Pebble Beach Golf Links facts
Location California, USA
Length 7,080 yards
Par 72
Designed by Jack Neville & Douglas Grant
Established 1919

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Bear Mountain - Hole 14

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!

Hole 14 Yardage
Golden 165 yards
Grizzly 138 yards
Black 116 yards
Spirit 99 yards
Cinnamon 64 yards
Bear Mountain facts
Location British Columbia, Canada
Length 6,810 yards
Par 71
Designed by Jack & Steve Nicklaus
Established 2003
Bear Mountain - Mountain Course, Canada
Bear Mountain - Mountain Course, Canada
Bear Mountain - Mountain Course, Canada
Bear Mountain - Mountain Course, Canada

Kingsbarns Golf Links - Hole 15

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!

Hole 15 Yardage
Black 212 yards
White 185 yards
Green 161 yards
Blue 151 yards
Red 110 yards

More info on Kingsbarns Golf Links >>

Kingsbarns Golf Links facts
Location St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Length 7,224 yards
Par 72
Designed by Kyle Phillips
Established 2000

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Royal County Down (Championship) - Hole 4

Throughout its more than one hundred years of existence, Royal County Down has built an impressive legacy and is often regards as the finest golf course in the world.

The elevated tee on the 4th hole presents awe-inspiring vistas that may divert golfers' attention from the demanding tee shot they encounter. Featuring substantial precipices on both sides of the green and at the back, amidst a vast expanse of gorse and numerous bunkers.

Hole 4 Yardage
Blue 229 yards
White 215 yards
Yellow 202 yards
Red 159 yards

More info on Royal County Down (Championship) >>

Royal County Down (Championship) facts
Location Northern Ireland
Length 7,186 yards
Par 71
Designed by George L. Ballie, Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, Harry Colt
Established 1890

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Trump Turnberry (Ailsa) - Hole 9

Turnberry’s star attraction has long been recognised as one of the world’s most spectacular courses as well as one of the best the UK has to offer.

The recent upgrades to the 9th hole have enhanced its status as a truly breathtaking par 3, with golfers taking on the challenge of playing across the Ayrshire bay, providing an exciting test of skill. The iconic Turnberry Lighthouse can be seen clearly from the Ailsa course, along with the ruins of Robert the Bruce’s Castle, creating a picturesque and dramatic par 3.

Hole 9 Yardage
Black 248 yards
White 187 yards
Yellow 168 yards
Red 143 yards

More info on Trump Turnberry (Ailsa) >>

Trump Turnberry (Ailsa) facts
Location Ayrshire, Scotland
Length 7,357 yards
Par 70
Designed by James Miller, Mackenzie Ross, Mackenzie & Ebert
Established 1902

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Vale do Lobo (Royal Course) - Hole 16

The 16th hole on the Royal Course at Vale do Lobo is arguably one of the most captured holes in Europe, owing to its renowned tee shot over the majestic, orange cliffs. Experiencing this hole during sunset promises a delightful experience.

Hole 16 Yardage
White 224 metres
Yellow 190 metres
Red 133 metres

More info on Vale do Lobo (Royal Course) >>

Vale do Lobo (Royal Course) facts
Location Algarve, Portugal
Length 6,626 yards
Par 72
Designed by Sir H. Cotton/R. Roquemore
Established 1997

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Cabot Highlands (Castle Stuart) - Hole 11

Designed by Gil Hanse and opened by golf course developer Mark Parsinen who had also created Kingsbarns Golf Links, Cabot Highlands is a course that utilises modern design with the traditional links experiences you'll get at some of the best links courses.

The short 11th hole is quite challenging. If you hit your tee shot too long or to the left, your ball will end up in the water. On the other hand, if you hit it too long and to the right, your ball will find itself in thick rough or possibly in the large bunker that lies ahead.

Hole 11 Yardage
Black 144 yards
White 130 yards
Green 115 yards
Blue 115 yards
Red 91 yards

More info on Cabot Highlands (Castle Stuart) >>

Cabot Highlands facts
Location Inverness, Scotland
Length 7,009 yards
Par 72
Designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse
Established 2009

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Old Thorns - Hole 10

You don’t have to go to an exotic paradise to come across a great par 3. Here in England, we have gems like the 10th at Old Thorns. Water... check... towering pines... check... minuscule green... check... bogey... check!

Hole 10 Yardage
White 216 yards
Yellow 193 yards
Red 129 yards

More info on Old Thorns >>

Old Thorns facts
Location Hampshire, England
Length 6,461 yards
Par 72
Designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas
Established 1982

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Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg - Hole 14

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 138 yards this is a scary tee shot; especially when the wind is rolling in from the Atlantic.

Hole 14 Yardage
Black 138 yards
Gold 126 yards
White 132 yards
Red 121 yards
Green 96 yards

More info on Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg >>

Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg facts
Location County Clare, Ireland
Length 7,026 yards
Par 72
Designed by Greg Norman & Dr Martin Hawtree
Established 2002

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Punta Mita (Pacifico Course) - Hole 3B

Hole 3B on the Pacifico Course at Punta Mita is one of the world’s greatest par 3s and a hole that Jack Nicklaus says is the best he has ever designed.

Hole 3B Yardage
Black 181 yards
Gold 158 yards
Blue 134 yards
White 122 yards
Green 122 yards
Red 112 yards
Punta Mita (Pacifico Course) facts
Location Punta Mita, Mexico
Length 7,014 yards
Par 72
Designed by Jack Nicklaus
Established 1999
Punta Mita, Pacifico Course - Mexico
Punta Mita, Pacifico Course - Mexico
Punta Mita, Pacifico Course - Mexico
Punta Mita, Pacifico Course - Mexico
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