Hole 3 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 395 yds
- Stroke index
- 9
- Hazards
- 5 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 25 yds deep × 35 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 4 · 395 yards
The plan for No. 3
The third hole at Bay Hill Club & Lodge offers one of the more manageable scoring opportunities on the front nine. With its straight layout and lack of significant water or sand hazards, this hole rewards good course management and precise iron play. The key strategic consideration is positioning your tee shot to leave the ideal approach distance to a small, receptive green that won't forgive wayward shots.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the optimal position in the landing zone rather than maximum distance. Most players should focus on the center-right portion of the fairway, which typically provides the best angle for the approach shot. A well-struck driver or 3-wood depending on your comfort level will leave you with a manageable mid-iron into the green. The straight layout eliminates concerns about dogleg positioning, allowing you to commit fully to your target line. Avoid the temptation to overswing - smooth tempo and solid contact will serve you better than extra distance on this hole.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole's true challenge reveals itself. The small green requires precise club selection and committed execution. Favor the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the compact target leaves little margin for error. A well-struck mid-iron to short-iron, depending on your tee shot position, should be your go-to play. Pay attention to wind conditions, as they can significantly affect club selection on this exposed hole. The key is landing the ball on the correct level of the green and letting it release naturally toward the pin.
On the green
Bay Hill's greens are known for their subtle breaks and firm conditions, and the third hole is no exception. The small putting surface means most putts will be relatively short, but don't underestimate the importance of reading the grain and slope correctly. Focus on speed control rather than trying to be overly aggressive with your line. Two-putt pars are excellent scores here, and the occasional birdie will come from solid approach shots rather than heroic putting.
Watch for
- This hole presents a classic risk/reward scenario in club selection rather than target selection. The temptation to attack with a longer club off the tee to leave a shorter approach must be weighed against the precision required for the sec
- Sand (center)
- Water (center)
- Woods (center)
- Sand crossing at 314y
- Water in play
Hole 3 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,364 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Bay Hill Club & Lodge — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Arnold Palmer Invitational highlights
Arnold Palmer Invitational | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Bay Hill Club & Lodge. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
Can Rick Shiels Break 75 at Bay Hill?
Can I BREAK PAR at Bay Hill?
Lots said about the greens at Bay Hill this week… here’s a perfect example of how BRUTAL they can be
This story from Kiz’s first year playing Bay Hill as the 4th alternate is too good 💀
Happy Hour: 2025 API at Bay Hill
Akshay Bhatia's comeback win at Bay Hill & Jon Rahm back in the winner's circle | The Shotgun Start
How did Hole 3 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 395 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 395-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 3?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?
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Key hazards include: water at 278.7 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 3?
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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?
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This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.