Hole 3 at Balboa Park Executive Golf Course

Par 4 • 395 Yards • San Diego, California

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Challenging

Hole 3 at Balboa Park stands out as one of the more interesting challenges on this municipal layout, offering a refreshing change from the course's typically straightforward design. This par 4 provides golfers with strategic decisions while showcasing the scenic beauty that makes Balboa Park special. It's a hole that rewards thoughtful play over pure distance.

Tees:

395y395y

Green:16y × 21y

1 Bunker dogleg

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Balboa Park Executive Golf Course

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 395 yds
Green: 1887 sq ft
Bunkers: 1

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 395-yard par 4 requires strategic positioning off the tee. With the fairway measuring 42 yards wide at the 200-yard mark but narrowing to zero width at 250 yards, lay up with a controlled shot to the 200-yard area to stay in the short grass and set up your approach.

tee shot

Avoid the temptation to bomb your driver on this hole - the fairway completely disappears at 250 yards from the tee. A 3-wood or long iron to the 200-yard mark keeps you safely in play while maintaining good position for your second shot.

approach

After a conservative tee shot to 200 yards, you'll face a mid-iron approach of approximately 195 yards to the green. The compact green measures just 1,887 square feet (16x21 yards), so club selection and accuracy are critical - consider taking one extra club and swinging smoothly.

hazard warning

Be aware of bunkers positioned at 343.5 yards from the tee - while these are beyond normal driving distance, errant long shots or those playing from forward tees should note their location when planning approach shots.

green

The small green dimensions of 16 by 21 yards make this a precision target. Focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pins, as the limited real estate (1,887 sq ft) leaves little room for error on approach shots.

train this shot at home

This 395-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Focus on getting your approach inside 20 feet. Two putts from there and you walk away with par.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 395-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 3?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 3?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 3?

This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.

Can I practice hole 3 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Balboa Park Executive Golf Course. You can play this exact 395-yard par 4 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →