Hole 3 at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Par 4 • 367 Yards • Kiawah Island, South Carolina

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Moderate

The third hole at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island presents a deceptively strategic par 4 that demands precision over power. At 367 yards, this straight hole may appear straightforward, but the small green complex requires a calculated approach that rewards accuracy. The generous fairway invites an aggressive tee shot, yet players must carefully consider their approach angle to the compact putting surface. Without major hazards to intimidate, golfers can focus purely on execution and course management. The hole's true test lies in its subtle design—finding the right club selection for the approach shot becomes critical when targeting such a small green. This classic risk-reward scenario epitomizes Pete Dye's masterful design philosophy at this renowned championship venue.

Tees:

367y319y310y268y

Green:29y × 24y

Fairway @250y:36y wide

2 BunkersWaterleft dogleg

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The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 367 yds
Green: 4258 sq ft
Bunkers: 2
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 139
Course Rating: 73.4

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

The fairway dramatically widens from 12 yards at 200 yards to 36 yards at 250 yards, so longer hitters should take advantage of this generous landing area with driver or 3-wood to set up a shorter approach.

tee shot

Conservative players should lay up to the 200-yard mark with a mid-iron, accepting the narrow 12-yard fairway width to avoid the bunkers positioned at 244.7 yards.

hazard warning

Bunkers positioned at 244.7 yards create a critical decision point - drivers that carry 245+ yards risk finding sand, making club selection crucial based on your typical driving distance.

approach

With the hole measuring 367 yards total, a 200-yard tee shot leaves a manageable 167-yard approach, while a 250-yard drive creates just a 117-yard wedge shot to the green.

green

The compact 4,258 square foot green (29x24 yards) demands precise approach shots - use one extra club and aim for the center rather than attacking pins, especially with longer irons.

train this shot at home

This 367-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

When water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 367-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 3?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?

Key hazards include: water at 403.1 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 3?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

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 The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. You can play this exact 367-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 →