Hole 3 at Bethpage State Park (Black Course)

Par 3 • 205 Yards • Farmingdale, New York

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Brutal

The third hole at Bethpage Black represents the kind of demanding test that has challenged golfers since A.W. Tillinghurst's 1936 redesign of Devereux Emmet's original layout. This par-3 exemplifies the course's reputation for precision and punishment that has made it a worthy host for major championships including U.S. Opens and the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup.

Tees:

205y158y128y

Green:37y × 44y

3 Bunkers dogleg

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Bethpage State Park (Black Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 205 yds
Green: 7246 sq ft
Bunkers: 3
Course Slope: 152
Course Rating: 77

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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

This 205-yard par 3 demands precision with no fairway landing area - it's green or trouble. Club selection is critical as the green measures 37 yards wide by 44 yards deep, giving you a decent target but requiring accurate distance control.

hazard warning

Three strategically placed bunkers guard the green at 182, 186, and 202 yards from the tee. The bunker at 202 yards is particularly dangerous as it sits right at the front edge of this long par 3, catching shots that come up just short.

green

With 7,246 square feet of putting surface, this green offers multiple pin positions and recovery options if you miss your target. The generous size (37x44 yards) means aiming for the center gives you the best chance for par, especially when pin positions are tucked near hazards.

tee shot

As one of the most challenging holes for amateur players at Bethpage Black, take an extra club and focus on solid contact rather than trying to hit it perfect. The 44-yard depth of the green means a longer club that lands safely on the putting surface is far better than coming up short in the bunkers.

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 205 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: long par 3, large green requiring good lag putting.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?

Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 3?

The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.

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 Bethpage State Park (Black 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 →