Hole 3 at Pinehurst Resort #4
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 431 yds
- Stroke index
- 11
- Hazards
- 12 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 24 yds deep × 30 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Orange tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Orange tees · Par 4 · 431 yards
The plan for No. 3
The fairway's gentle turn asks for a drive that leaves the green in view.
Off the tee
Choose a line into the broad middle, allowing room from the sandy ground on the left as the fairway turns.
Approach & recovery
The approach straightens toward the green. Use that open view to choose the body of the putting surface rather than a narrow edge target.
On the green
Check the depth from the actual approach angle. A shot that remains on the central surface leaves a putt instead of a recovery from the perimeter.
Watch for
- Left sandy ground
- Turning fairway
- Rear green-side bunker
Hole 3 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 8,196 sq ft
How did Hole 3 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Orange tees · 431 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 428-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 3?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 3?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 3?
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This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.
Research notes
- No. 4 reopened August 7, 2025 after a full greens reconstruction. Pinehurst says laser scans were used to replicate the surfaces and Gil Hanse signed off on the contours. A 2024 terrain model predates this work; geometric equivalence still needs review. (Paragraphs beginning No. 4 reopened, It wasn’t just ripping, and The first step)[1]
- The architect’s episode notes place the 2018 rebuild alongside No. 2 and describe designing within Pinehurst’s larger identity. (Architect-published episode highlights; not audio)[2]
Sources
- Around the Greens in 80 Days — Pinehurst No. 4 Reopens — Pinehurst Resorthttps://www.pinehurst.com/news/no-4-reopens/
- Golf Advisor Podcast Ep. 17: Gil Hanse and Matt Ginella at Dornoch Cottage — Hanse Golf Course Design / Golf Advisorhttps://www.hansegolfdesign.com/news/golf-advisor-podcast-ep-17-gil-hanse-and-matt-ginella-from-the-dornoch-cottage-in-pinehurst/