Hole 3 at Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 204 yds
- Stroke index
- 13
- Hazards
- 1 bunker · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 31 yds deep × 29 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 3 · 204 yards
The plan for No. 3
The third hole at Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside) embodies the essence of proper links golf, where wind becomes your greatest adversary or unexpected ally. This 204-yard par 3 demands complete commitment to club selection, as coastal breezes can transform what appears to be a comfortable mid-iron into a white-knuckle long iron battle. The small green sits defiantly exposed, offering little margin for error on approach shots that must navigate the ever-changing atmospheric conditions. Without significant hazards framing the target, the challenge lies purely in reading the wind patterns that Bobby Jones himself encountered during his legendary 1930 visit. Success here requires patience, precise yardage calculation, and the wisdom to accept that two rounds at Seaside are never the same.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy must begin with a thorough wind assessment before even considering club selection. On calm days, this plays as a comfortable mid-iron, but coastal conditions can easily force you into anything from a smooth 7-iron to a hard-struck 5-iron. Take extra practice swings to feel the wind's effect on your balance and swing plane. Aim for the center of the small green regardless of pin position - the margin for error is minimal, and the wind can push even well-struck shots offline. Commit fully to your club choice and swing with conviction, as tentative swings get punished severely in windy conditions.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach shot, making precision paramount. The small green demands pinpoint accuracy, so resist the temptation to attack tucked pins. Instead, focus on finding the putting surface and letting your short game handle the scoring. Watch for wind gusts between your practice swing and actual shot - coastal winds can shift quickly. If you feel uncertain about conditions, take an extra moment to reassess rather than rushing your swing.
On the green
The small green means most putts will be relatively short, but don't underestimate the subtle breaks that links-style greens can present. Coastal winds affect putting as well, particularly on longer putts where the ball travels slower. Focus on speed control over line reading - getting the ball to the hole with proper pace is more important than trying to play dramatic breaks on this compact surface. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers little in terms of traditional risk/reward scenarios, but the reward comes from playing smart, conservative golf. The risk lies in getting too aggressive with pin hunting or fighting the wind conditions. Your best scoring opportunity comes from accepting what the wind gives you and playing to the fat part of the green, then relying on your putting to convert birdie chances. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus entirely on finding the green center, regardless of pin position. Take one extra club in headwinds and don't be afraid to take less club with a tailwind - better to be putting from 40 feet than chipping from the rough. **Low-Handicap Players:** You can be more aggressive with pin hunting, but only when wind conditions are stable. Use your course management skills to recognize when to attack and when to play safe. Remember that even tour professionals respect the wind at links courses. **All Players:** Spend extra time on the practice range before your round hitting shots in the wind. The more comfortable you become with wind adjustments, the better you'll score on holes like this one where conditions change everything.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 3 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,650 sq ft
How did Hole 3 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 204 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 204 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.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?
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Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker; water at 171.4 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 3?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.