Hole 3 at Minnehaha Country Club

Par 4 • 474 Yards • Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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Brutal

Earning its designation as the number one handicap hole at Minnehaha Country Club, hole 3 stands as the ultimate test of sustained ball-striking on this Sioux Falls layout. This par 4, stretching 474.0 yards, demands a commanding tee shot to set up any realistic chance at reaching the green in regulation. The straight layout offers no tricks of geometry to hide behind—success here is earned through pure execution and disciplined golf strategy rather than clever routing. Every yard must be respected, from the drive through the approach shot. Players who conquer this demanding hole walk away with a genuine sense of accomplishment, having faced Minnehaha's most rigorous challenge head-on.

Tees:

474y

Green:34y × 32y

Water dogleg

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Minnehaha Country Club

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PGA Tour Venue

Sanford International

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 474 yds
Green: 6796 sq ft
Water: Yes

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

At 474 yards, this par 4 plays as a genuine long two-shotter. Prioritize a controlled drive with a fairway wood or driver that favors accuracy over maximum distance, setting up a mid-to-long iron approach rather than leaving yourself a hero shot into a medium-sized green.

approach

Given the 474-yard length, most players will face a long approach (likely 170+ yards depending on drive distance). Club up and commit to a smooth swing rather than overswinging a long iron or hybrid to reach the green in regulation.

green

The green measures a medium 6,796 sq ft (34y x 32y), offering a reasonably forgiving target. Aim for the center of the green on approach shots to take advantage of this medium-category surface rather than firing at tucked pin positions.

green

With green dimensions of 34y x 32y, the surface is nearly square, meaning long or short misses are almost as penalizing as those left or right. Focus on precise distance control on your approach to this medium green.

train this shot at home

This 474-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 474-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 3?

This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, water in play.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?

Key hazards include: water at 337.0 yards. 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 one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.

Can I watch hole 3 at the Sanford International in person?

Yes — the Sanford International at Minnehaha Country Club is one of the PGA Tour's most-attended events, drawing over 200,000 spectators across the week. Hole 3 is a popular viewing spot. StubHub typically lists single-day grounds passes starting around $75–$150, with premium grandstand and hospitality options available for serious fans. Prices tend to climb as the tournament approaches, so buying early often saves 30–40%. Buy Sanford International tickets on StubHub →

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Minnehaha Country Club. You can play this exact 474-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 →