Hole 3 at Torrey Pines Golf Club ' South Course '

Par 3 • 200 Yards • La Jolla, California

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Brutal

The signature 3rd hole at Torrey Pines South stands as one of golf's most iconic par-3s, perched dramatically on coastal cliffs above the Pacific Ocean. This legendary downhill test has challenged PGA Tour professionals and U.S. Open competitors with its spectacular setting and demanding shot requirements. Swirling ocean winds and a well-guarded green make this cliffside gem both breathtakingly beautiful and strategically treacherous.

Tees:

200y159y149y142y105y

Green:31y × 34y

2 Bunkers dogleg

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Torrey Pines Golf Club ' South Course '

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 200 yds
Green: 5139 sq ft
Bunkers: 2
Course Slope: 143
Course Rating: 78.1

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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

Club selection is critical on this dramatic 200-yard downhill par-3. The severe elevation drop means your ball will carry significantly farther than the yardage suggests - consider taking 1-2 clubs less than normal and focus on smooth tempo to control distance.

hazard warning

Beware of the bunkers positioned at 183 yards - just 17 yards short of this par-3. With the downhill lie and coastal winds, it's easy to come up short into these well-placed hazards. Err on the side of taking enough club to clear them.

green

The green measures 31 yards by 34 yards (5,139 sq ft), providing a generous target, but pin position matters significantly on this oceanside hole. Aim for the center of the green and let the ball work toward the pin rather than attacking tight pins.

approach

There's no fairway landing area beyond 200 yards, confirming this is a direct tee-shot-to-green hole. Commit fully to your club selection and swing with confidence - there's no bailout area for a tentative shot.

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 200 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 3?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.

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 medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

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 Torrey Pines Golf Club ' South Course '. 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 →