Hole 3 at Oakmont Country Club
Par 3 • 155 Yards • Glendale, California
The shortest hole at Oakmont Country Club, this 155-yard par 3 presents a deceptively straightforward challenge that demands precision over power. With its straight-line approach to a small, intimate green complex, players must resist the urge to overclub on this mid-iron test. The absence of major hazards shifts the focus entirely to distance control and pin placement, making club selection critical as the compact putting surface offers little room for error. The hole's low handicap ranking of 15 shouldn't fool anyone—short par 3s at championship venues like Oakmont reward accuracy above all else. A well-struck wedge or short iron that finds the heart of the green sets up birdie opportunities, while anything offline can leave challenging recovery shots that quickly turn routine pars into bogeys.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 155 yds
- Green
- 2493 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 5
- Water
- Yes
- Course Slope
- 136
- Course Rating
- 75.5
Strategy Tips
This 155-yard par 3 requires precise club selection and distance control. With no fairway to bail out to, your tee shot must find the green or face challenging recovery shots.
Three bunkers guard the approach at 123.8, 134.7, and 153.5 yards from the tee. The bunker at 153.5 yards is particularly dangerous as it sits just short of this 155-yard hole, catching slightly mishit shots.
The compact 2,493 square foot green measures just 25 yards by 20 yards, demanding accuracy over distance. Aim for the center of this small target to avoid short-sided situations.
With bunkers positioned at 134.7 and 153.5 yards, there's only a narrow 1.5-yard window between hazards near the green. Take one extra club to ensure you clear the front bunker at 153.5 yards.
Since there's no fairway width at any distance (0 yards at both 200y and 250y), missing the green means playing from rough or hazards. Commit fully to your yardage and swing with confidence.
This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.
See launch monitors & simulatorsShort par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What club should I use on this par 3?
At 155 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 3?
This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?
Key hazards include: 5 greenside bunkers; water at 54.7 yards. 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 solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.
Can I practice hole 3 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Oakmont Country Club. You can play this exact par 3 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 →
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Play This Course at Home
Practice Oakmont Country Club Year-Round
Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.
Browse Launch Monitors & SimulatorsAmazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hole Stats
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 155 yds
- Green
- 2493 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 5
- Water
- Yes
- Course Slope
- 136
- Course Rating
- 75.5
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