Hole 3 at Oakland Hills Country Club (South Course)

Par 3 • 198 Yards • Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

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Brutal

The third hole at Oakland Hills' legendary "Monster" course presents an early test of precision on this storied layout that earned its fearsome nickname from Ben Hogan's 1951 U.S. Open victory. This demanding par-3 requires pinpoint accuracy to navigate successfully, setting the tone for the championship-caliber challenges ahead.

Tees:

198y178y164y110y

Green:40y × 19y

5 Bunkers dogleg

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Oakland Hills Country Club (South Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 198 yds
Green: 5103 sq ft
Bunkers: 5
Course Slope: 135
Course Rating: 75.5

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Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 198-yard par 3 demands precision over power - focus on club selection that gets you to the pin distance rather than trying to overpower this historically challenging hole that earned its 'Monster' reputation.

hazard warning

Three strategic bunkers guard the green at 193.5, 205.9, and 214.3 yards - the front bunker at 193.5y is particularly penal for short shots, while the back bunkers await overly aggressive approaches.

green

The compact 5,103 square foot green measuring 40x19 yards rewards accurate approach shots - with such a narrow target (19 yards wide), focus on hitting the correct section of the green rather than going for pins.

approach

With no fairway landing area available, this is a pure carry shot to the green - ensure your club selection accounts for wind conditions and pin position on this historically demanding hole.

tee shot

Honor the 'Monster' nickname by playing conservatively to the center of the green - Ben Hogan's 1951 U.S. Open victory here was built on precision, not aggression on holes like this opener.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 198 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 moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?

Key hazards include: 5 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 3?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. 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 Oakland Hills Country 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 →