Hole 3 at Seminole Golf Club
Par 5 • 501 Yards • North Palm Beach, Florida
Seminole Golf Club's third hole presents a deceptively straightforward par 5 that embodies the understated elegance of this legendary Donald Ross masterpiece. Stretching 501 yards along the Florida coastline, this straight-away hole demands precision over power, with its relatively compact small green serving as the primary defense. The absence of major hazards allows golfers to open up their swings, but the diminutive putting surface punishes wayward approach shots with challenging recovery situations. What makes this hole memorable is its strategic simplicity—longer hitters can reach in two, but the premium target requires surgical accuracy. The green's subtle contours, typical of Ross's genius, transform seemingly straightforward putts into delicate reads that separate good rounds from great ones at this storied North Palm Beach venue.
Play This Course at Home
Practice Seminole Golf 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
- 5
- Yardage
- 501 yds
- Green
- 5171 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 13
- Course Slope
- 143
- Course Rating
- 73.6
Recommended Gear
A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.
Shop Fairway Woods →Strategy Tips
With the fairway measuring only 12 yards wide at both the 200 and 250-yard marks, accuracy is paramount off the tee. Consider hitting a controlled 3-wood or hybrid to ensure you find the short grass, as missing the fairway will make reaching this 501-yard par 5 in regulation nearly impossible.
This 501-yard par 5 requires strategic course management. Most players should plan for a three-shot approach, laying up to a comfortable wedge distance for the third shot rather than attempting to force a long second shot into the green.
Be aware of bunkers positioned at 436 yards from the tee. If you're considering going for the green in two, ensure your second shot carries well beyond this distance or plan to lay up short of these hazards.
The green measures 25 yards by 40 yards (5,171 sq ft), providing a reasonably generous target for your approach shot. With this size, focus on hitting to the correct portion of the green based on pin position rather than simply aiming for the center.
The landing zone begins immediately from the tee with no forced carry, allowing you to focus entirely on accuracy rather than distance. Use this to your advantage by selecting a club that ensures fairway contact within that narrow 12-yard corridor.
This 501-yard par 5 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.
See launch monitors & simulatorsScoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
At 501 yards, Reachable in two for longer hitters. Consider laying up short of hazards if going for it is risky.
How difficult is hole 3?
This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
How big is the green on hole 3?
The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 3?
This hole is a solid birdie opportunity with smart layup strategy. Most golfers can reach in three. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge.
Can I practice hole 3 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Seminole Golf Club. You can play this exact par 5 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 →
Reviews & Tips
Only signed in users can add reviews.
Sign in to ReviewBe the First to Review
Played this hole? Share your thoughts and help other golfers know what to expect.
Content like this — for all 18 holes, customized for your course. Delivered in 48 hours. See pricing →
For course operators and clubs
Play This Course at Home
Practice Seminole Golf 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
- 5
- Yardage
- 501 yds
- Green
- 5171 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 13
- Course Slope
- 143
- Course Rating
- 73.6
Recommended Gear
A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.
Shop Fairway Woods →Get the Free Strategy Guide
All Seminole Golf Club holes — tips, yardages, and pro strategies delivered to your inbox.