Hole 3 at Bethpage State Oark (Red Course)

Par 4382 Yards • Farmingdale, New York

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Challenging

The 3rd hole at Bethpage Red presents a severe dogleg right that serves as a strategic complement to the preceding left-turning 2nd hole. This tree-lined par 4 challenges golfers with its sharp bend and requires precise positioning to set up an optimal approach to the subtly sloped green.

Tees:
382y368y354y
Green:30y × 27y
Fairway @250y:51y wide
1 Bunker dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par
4
Yardage
382 yds
Green
4943 sq ft
Bunkers
1
Course Slope
130
Course Rating
75.1

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

The dogleg left turns sharply at 250 yards where the fairway widens to 51 yards, but at the crucial 200-yard mark the fairway narrows to just 31 yards. Position your tee shot to carry at least 200 yards to avoid being blocked by trees on the turn.

tee shot

Avoid bailing out right on this 382-yard par 4 - while it may seem safer, you'll face a much longer and potentially blocked approach shot to the green. Commit to working the ball left around the dogleg.

approach

The bunker positioned at 346 yards is just 36 yards short of the green, creating a significant hazard for approach shots. Club selection is critical to clear this bunker while still holding the back-to-front sloping green.

green

Target the front portion of this 4,943 square foot green (30x27 yards) as it slopes back-to-front. Shots hit too far back will roll away from pins positioned in the front, making for difficult two-putts.

hazard warning

The left greenside bunker combined with the tree line creates a narrow corridor for approach shots. Missing left of the 27-yard wide green will likely result in a difficult bunker shot or worse.

train this shot at home

This 382-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Focus on getting your approach inside 20 feet. Two putts from there and you walk away with par.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 382-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 3?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 3?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

What's a good score on hole 3?

This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.

Can I practice hole 3 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Bethpage State Oark (Red Course). You can play this exact 382-yard par 4 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

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