Hole 3 at Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

Par 3 • 221 Yards • Bethesda, Maryland

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Brutal

The third hole at Congressional Country Club's Gold Course presents an early test of precision on this prestigious Maryland layout. This mid-length par 3 demands accurate iron play to find the putting surface, setting the tone for the strategic challenges that await throughout the round.

Tees:

221y195y177y142y138y

Green:31y × 21y

2 Bunkers dogleg

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Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 221 yds
Green: 3872 sq ft
Bunkers: 2
Course Slope: 134
Course Rating: 73.2

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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

At 221 yards, this par 3 demands precision with a long iron or hybrid. The green measures 31 yards wide by 21 yards deep, giving you a decent target, but accuracy is still paramount on this signature finishing hole.

hazard warning

Two strategic bunkers guard the approach at 213 yards and 192.9 yards from the tee. The closer bunker at 192.9 yards is particularly dangerous for shorter hitters who might catch it with a mishit.

green

The compact green at 3,872 square feet rewards precise distance control. With dimensions of 31 yards by 21 yards, missing the putting surface will leave you with a challenging up-and-down to save par.

approach

Club selection is critical - the 29-yard difference between bunker positions (213.0y vs 192.9y) shows the varied hazard placement. Aim for the center of the green to avoid both bunkers and give yourself the best chance at birdie on this memorable closer.

tee shot

As Congressional's Gold course signature hole and best par 3, this 221-yard finisher demands your best swing. The relatively generous green width of 31 yards allows for some margin of error, but don't let that fool you into being careless.

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 221 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 a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?

Key hazards include: 2 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 wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. 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 Congressional Country Club (Gold 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 →