Hole 3 at Colonial Country Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 467 yds
- Stroke index
- 3
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 32 yds deep × 21 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 467 yards
The plan for No. 3
The opening act of Colonial's infamous "Horrible Horseshoe" begins with this demanding 467-yard par 4 that sets the tone for one of golf's most challenging three-hole stretches. Colonial Country Club hole 3 presents a deceptively straightforward layout that masks its true difficulty through precise shot requirements and an unforgiving small green complex. The tee shot demands accuracy over distance, as the fairway narrows considerably in the prime landing area. What makes this hole particularly treacherous is the approach shot to a compact, elevated green that punishes anything less than perfect execution. As the first test in Perry Maxwell's legendary design sequence, this par 4 has humbled PGA Tour professionals for decades and continues to separate the skilled from the hopeful at Fort Worth's storied venue.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize finding the fairway over maximum distance. With 467 yards to work with, most players will need a solid drive to leave a manageable approach, but accuracy trumps distance here. Target the center of the fairway with your most reliable tee shot - whether that's driver, 3-wood, or even a long iron depending on conditions and your comfort level. The straight layout might seem forgiving, but the rough at Colonial can be penal, and missing the fairway will make the already challenging approach shot nearly impossible. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing that finds the short grass and sets up the best possible angle to the green. ## APPROACH The approach shot to the small green is where this hole earns its fearsome reputation. From the fairway, you'll likely face a mid-iron to long-iron shot that demands both accuracy and proper distance control. The small green leaves little margin for error, making club selection critical. Take one more club than you think you need and focus on the center of the green regardless of pin position. The green's compact size means that even a shot to the wrong portion will leave a manageable putt, while missing the green entirely often results in a difficult up-and-down opportunity. ## ON THE GREEN Colonial's greens are known for their subtle breaks and firm conditions, and the 3rd green continues this tradition. With the green's small size, putting becomes a premium skill here. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Read putts carefully, as the seemingly simple breaks can be deceiving. Two-putting from anywhere on this green should be considered a victory, especially during your first few rounds at Colonial. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, which is precisely what makes it so challenging. The straight layout and lack of significant hazards might suggest aggressive play, but the combination of length and the small green target makes conservative course management the winning strategy. The real reward comes from making par and avoiding the big numbers that can derail a round. Players who try to overpower this hole or take unnecessary risks often find themselves starting the "Horrible Horseshoe" with a bogey or worse. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus entirely on keeping the ball in play. Consider hitting 3-wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure you find the fairway. For the approach, aim for the center of the green with whatever club gets you there comfortably, even if it means laying up short and relying on your short game. **Low Handicappers:** You can be more aggressive with driver off the tee, but still prioritize the fairway. Your approach shot accuracy will determine your success - trust your yardages and commit to the center of the green. This is a hole where par is often a good score, even for skilled players. **Scratch Players:** Use your course management skills to play this hole strategically rather than aggressively. The small green demands precision, so focus on your approach shot setup from the tee. Consider this hole a test of patience and execution rather than an opportunity for fireworks. The 3rd hole at Colonial serves as an early reminder that this historic course demands respect. As part of the legendary "Horrible Horseshoe," it sets the tone for one of golf's most challenging three-hole stretches. Play it smart, and you'll be well-positioned to navigate the remainder of this demanding sequence.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot to the small green is where this hole earns its fearsome reputation. From the fairway, you'll likely face a mid-iron to long-iron shot that demands both accuracy and proper distance control. The small green leaves little margin for error, making club selection critical. Take one more club than you think you need and focus on the center of the green regardless of pin position. The green's compact size means that even a shot to the wrong portion will leave a manageable putt, while missing the green entirely often results in a difficult up-and-down opportunity. ## ON THE GREEN Colonial's greens are known for their subtle breaks and firm conditions, and the 3rd green continues this tradition. With the green's small size, putting becomes a premium skill here. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Read putts carefully, as the seemingly simple breaks can be deceiving. Two-putting from anywhere on this green should be considered a victory, especially during your first few rounds at Colonial. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, which is precisely what makes it so challenging. The straight layout and lack of significant hazards might suggest aggressive play, but the combination of length and the small green target makes conservative course management the winning strategy. The real reward comes from making par and avoiding the big numbers that can derail a round. Players who try to overpower this hole or take unnecessary risks often find themselves starting the "Horrible Horseshoe" with a bogey or worse. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus entirely on keeping the ball in play. Consider hitting 3-wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure you find the fairway. For the approach, aim for the center of the green with whatever club gets you there comfortably, even if it means laying up short and relying on your short game. **Low Handicappers:** You can be more aggressive with driver off the tee, but still prioritize the fairway. Your approach shot accuracy will determine your success - trust your yardages and commit to the center of the green. This is a hole where par is often a good score, even for skilled players. **Scratch Players:** Use your course management skills to play this hole strategically rather than aggressively. The small green demands precision, so focus on your approach shot setup from the tee. Consider this hole a test of patience and execution rather than an opportunity for fireworks. The 3rd hole at Colonial serves as an early reminder that this historic course demands respect. As part of the legendary "Horrible Horseshoe," it sets the tone for one of golf's most challenging three-hole stretches. Play it smart, and you'll be well-positioned to navigate the remainder of this demanding sequence.
On the green
Colonial's greens are known for their subtle breaks and firm conditions, and the 3rd green continues this tradition. With the green's small size, putting becomes a premium skill here. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive with birdie attempts. Read putts carefully, as the seemingly simple breaks can be deceiving. Two-putting from anywhere on this green should be considered a victory, especially during your first few rounds at Colonial. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, which is precisely what makes it so challenging. The straight layout and lack of significant hazards might suggest aggressive play, but the combination of length and the small green target makes conservative course management the winning strategy. The real reward comes from making par and avoiding the big numbers that can derail a round. Players who try to overpower this hole or take unnecessary risks often find themselves starting the "Horrible Horseshoe" with a bogey or worse. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus entirely on keeping the ball in play. Consider hitting 3-wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure you find the fairway. For the approach, aim for the center of the green with whatever club gets you there comfortably, even if it means laying up short and relying on your short game. **Low Handicappers:** You can be more aggressive with driver off the tee, but still prioritize the fairway. Your approach shot accuracy will determine your success - trust your yardages and commit to the center of the green. This is a hole where par is often a good score, even for skilled players. **Scratch Players:** Use your course management skills to play this hole strategically rather than aggressively. The small green demands precision, so focus on your approach shot setup from the tee. Consider this hole a test of patience and execution rather than an opportunity for fireworks. The 3rd hole at Colonial serves as an early reminder that this historic course demands respect. As part of the legendary "Horrible Horseshoe," it sets the tone for one of golf's most challenging three-hole stretches. Play it smart, and you'll be well-positioned to navigate the remainder of this demanding sequence.
Watch for
- Mapped bunkers (6) are in play around the landing areas and green.
Hole 3 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,948 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Colonial Country Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Charles Schwab Challenge highlights
Charles Schwab Challenge | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Colonial Country Club. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
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How did Hole 3 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 467 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 467-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 one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, 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 one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.