Hole 3 at Pasatiempo Golf Club

Par 3 • 214 Yards • Santa Cruz, California

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Brutal

The third hole at Pasatiempo showcases Dr. Alister MacKenzie's masterful design philosophy, presenting golfers with a demanding downhill par-3 that has challenged players since Bobby Jones graced the course in 1929. This deceptively serene hole exemplifies the breathtaking yet unforgiving character that has made Pasatiempo legendary among golf's most revered venues.

Tees:

214y195y175y

Green:17y × 36y

6 Bunkers dogleg

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Pasatiempo Golf Club

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 214 yds
Green: 4066 sq ft
Bunkers: 6
Course Slope: 140
Course Rating: 72.3

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Recommended Gear

A hybrid or long iron makes this long par 3 far more manageable off the tee.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 214-yard par 3 demands precision club selection and accuracy. With no fairway width at 250 yards, there's no room for error beyond the target area - commit to landing your tee shot on or short of the green.

hazard warning

Three strategically placed bunkers guard the approach at 236.2, 206.3, and 197.8 yards from the tee. The closest bunker at 197.8 yards is particularly dangerous as it sits just short of this 214-yard hole, leaving minimal margin for error on slightly under-hit shots.

green

The compact 4,066 square foot green measuring 17 yards by 36 yards requires precise distance control. This relatively small target at 214 yards means club selection is critical - be sure of your yardage and commit to your club choice.

approach

With the fairway measuring only 19 yards wide at 200 yards, this MacKenzie design emphasizes accuracy over distance. Focus on smooth tempo and solid contact rather than trying to overpower this classic par 3.

tee shot

Take one extra club and swing smoothly - the narrow 17-yard width of the green combined with surrounding bunkers means it's better to be long and safe than short and in trouble. The MacKenzie design rewards conservative, well-executed shots.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your long iron or hybrid. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

On long par 3s, hitting the green is a win — don't be afraid to take one extra club and aim center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 214 yards, most golfers will need a fairway wood or hybrid 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: long par 3, heavily bunkered, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?

Key hazards include: 5 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 3?

The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 3?

This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Pasatiempo Golf 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 →