Par 3s hold a special place in the game of golf. These “one-shotters” can be the catalyst for an entire golf trip, like the 17th hole at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. They’ve also inspired unique names over the centuries, such as “Redan,” and nicknames like “Devil’s Cauldron.”
As the world continues to turn back to golf, we were inspired to compile our “Top 10 Par 3s of Pinehurst Resort.” So take dead aim and visualize your next tee shot on these diminutive dandies.
Honorable Mention
Pinehurst No. 4 – Hole 11 (165 Yards, Blue Tees)
This newly created par 3 on No. 4 (shown above) features native-style bunkers on either side, making the hole feel as if it’s been there for centuries. It’s the easiest hole on the course from any set of tees but flying the green can easily lead to a bogey.
10. Pinehurst No. 9 – Hole 9 (158 Yards, Blue Tees)
The ninth hole on our Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is a stout front-nine-finisher with water guarding the left side of the green. The clubhouse is on the right and the stone work around the lake is an amazing sight to behold.
9. Pinehurst No. 6 – Hole 16 (181 Yards, Blue Tees)
The 16th hole treats golfers to a beautiful view and a neotraditional green complex with a narrow entry guarded by two deep bunkers. It’s a downhill tee shot, but the bunkers cause most players to club-up to be safe.
17th Hole, Pinehurst No. 28. Pinehurst No. 2 – Hole 17 (185 Yards, Blue Tees)
Always a pivotal hole in U.S. Opens (when it plays to 205 yards), the 17th asks for a mid- to long-iron into a green that slopes right to left. The “Sunday” pin placement is traditionally back-right requiring a tee shot over two bunkers that holds the green and avoids running off into the back bunker.
The signature 16th features the large hand-shaped waste area known as “Jones’s Fingers” for architect Rees Jones.7. Pinehurst No. 7 – Hole 16 (177 Yards, Blue Tees)
The namesake of this par 3, “Jones’ Fingers,” is the massive, hand-shaped waste area running the entire length of the hole. It’s the signature hole on this Rees Jones design, and the difference between birdie and bogey often boils down to clearing Jones’ Fingers.
6. Pinehurst No. 2 – Hole 6 (203 Yards, Blue Tees)
Caddies have been known to shout, “Short!” as soon as the ball is struck from the tee. Not long after, the incredulous player watches as his ball lands on the green, only to watch it slowly trickle off the false front and out of sight. Hey, that’s better than right or left, where devastating bunkers await – and may await again on your third shot. Even Martin Kaymer putted off the green at the 6th in the 2014 U.S. Open.
5. Pinehurst No. 3 – Hole 4 (151 Yards, White Tees)
Ross’s No. 3 is the shortest course at Pinehurst and houses a compelling collection of par 3s. The fourth hole plays over the water with bunkers surrounding the back of the green forcing the water into play. A short-iron hole and full of birdie opportunities.
Natural marshlands make Pinehurst No. 8 one of the resort’s most beautiful landscapes.4. Pinehurst No. 8 – Hole 8 (204 Yards, Blue Tees)
Arguably the most beautiful par 3 at Pinehurst, the eighth calls for a mid- to long-iron off the tee into a large, deep green that is classic Tom Fazio. The hazard to the right forces a tee shot left, making par a challenge and bogey a real possibility.
3. Pinehurst No. 5 – Hole 14 (180 Yards, Blue Tees)
A Donald Ross original that was once the 15th hole on No. 4, this par-3 dubbed “Cathedral” features a tee shot over a small pond to a downhill green with bunkers flanking both sides. In the spring it has one of the best dogwood tree bloom backdrops on property.
Pinehurst No. 4, hole 62. Pinehurst No. 4 – Hole 6 (200 Yards, Blue Tees)
The sixth hole offers the best view on Gil Hanse’s No. 4, which means it affords the most stunning vista on property with sight lines to 15 holes. All the trouble is on the right, including a deep greenside bunker that all but ensures a bogey.
Players walk to the ninth hole during the second round of stroke play at the 2019 U.S. Amateur at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2) in Village of Pinehurst, N.C. on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019. (Copyright USGA/Michael Reaves)1 Pinehurst No. 2 – Hole 9 (174 Yards, Blue Tees)
A visually stunning hole surrounded by bunkers and native wire grass. It’s the shortest hole on No. 2, but several beguiling hole locations and a two-tiered green can make it a “hard par.” It’s also a beautiful representation of No. 2’s Ross, Coore and Crenshaw influence.