Hole 3 at Pinehurst Resort #2

Par 4 • 384 Yards • Pinehurst, North Carolina

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Challenging

The third hole at Pinehurst Golf & Country Club (#2 Course) presents a deceptively straightforward par 4 that embodies Donald Ross's masterful design philosophy. At 384 yards, this straight hole appears inviting from the tee, offering a generous fairway that encourages aggressive play. However, the true challenge reveals itself in the approach shot to a small, subtly contoured green that demands precision and course management.

The absence of traditional hazards doesn't diminish the hole's difficulty—instead, Ross relied on strategic green positioning and his signature crowned putting surface to test players' short iron accuracy. The compact green complex punishes wayward approach shots with challenging recovery situations, making distance control paramount. This classic design exemplifies why Pinehurst No. 2 remains one of golf's most respected championship venues, where strategic thinking trumps raw power.

Tees:

384y327y317y307y250y

Green:37y × 37y

Fairway @250y:25y wide

6 Bunkers dogleg

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Pinehurst Resort #2

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 384 yds
Green: 7191 sq ft
Bunkers: 6
Course Slope: 137
Course Rating: 76

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Recommended Gear

Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Target the center of the fairway with your tee shot, as the landing area maintains a consistent 24-yard width at both 200 and 250 yards, giving you room to work with for your preferred approach distance.

approach

Plan your approach carefully to this substantial green measuring 36 by 37 yards - club up if the pin is in the back portion to ensure you clear any front hazards and give yourself a makeable putt.

hazard warning

Be aware of bunkers positioned at 376 yards from the tee - while not in play off the tee, aggressive second shots or errant approaches could find these greenside hazards.

tee shot

At 384 yards total length, consider laying up to your favorite wedge distance rather than forcing a driver - the consistent 24-yard fairway width rewards accuracy over distance.

green

Take advantage of the large 7,191 square foot putting surface by being aggressive with your approach shot - this generous target area should give you confidence to attack pins.

train this shot at home

This 384-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

With bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 384-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. Key challenges include: large green requiring good lag putting.

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 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 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 Pinehurst Resort #2. You can play this exact 384-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 →