Hole 3 at Memorial Park Golf Course
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 587 yds
- Stroke index
- 5
- Hazards
- 2 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 31 yds deep × 31 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 587 yards
The plan for No. 3
The third hole at Memorial Park Golf Course presents a classic risk-reward par 5 that epitomizes strategic golf design. At 587 yards, this straight-away hole invites aggressive play while demanding precision throughout. The generous fairway provides ample room off the tee, encouraging golfers to unleash their drivers and set up potential eagle opportunities. What makes Memorial Park Golf Course hole 3 particularly challenging is the small green complex that awaits at the end of this lengthy journey. Players must carefully consider their approach strategy—whether to go for the green in two with a long iron or hybrid, or lay up to a comfortable wedge distance. The compact putting surface demands accurate iron play and rewards those who can control their distance. Without significant hazards to navigate, success hinges purely on execution and course management, making this a true test of golfing fundamentals and strategic thinking.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy should focus on finding the fairway center with a controlled swing rather than maximum distance. A driver or strong 3-wood aimed down the middle gives you the best angle for your second shot while keeping you in play. The straight layout means there's no dogleg to cut, so accuracy trumps distance here. For most golfers, a good tee shot will leave somewhere between 280-320 yards to the green, setting up either a layup or aggressive second shot depending on your skill level and confidence. Avoid the temptation to swing out of your shoes – a smooth, controlled swing that finds the short grass is far more valuable than extra distance in the rough.
Approach & recovery
Your approach strategy depends heavily on whether you're going for the green in two or laying up. For those attempting to reach in regulation, target the center of the small green rather than chasing pin positions – the limited green size makes any part of the putting surface a good result. If laying up, position your second shot to leave a comfortable wedge distance to the flag. The ideal layup leaves you 80-120 yards out with a clear angle to the pin. This conservative approach often leads to better scoring than aggressive plays that miss the small target and leave difficult up-and-downs.
On the green
The small green size means precision putting becomes crucial for scoring. Focus on speed control above all else, as the limited real estate makes three-putts costly. Without specific knowledge of the green's contours, play conservatively by aiming for the center of the cup on most putts. Pay attention to grain direction and any subtle slopes during your practice rounds, as these factors become magnified on smaller putting surfaces. Leave approach putts just short of the hole rather than charging past – you'll have fewer comeback putts to navigate. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole presents a clear risk/reward decision on the second shot. Going for the green in two offers legitimate birdie and eagle chances, but the small target means misses often result in difficult chips or pitches. The conservative layup approach sacrifices the eagle opportunity but significantly increases your chances of walking away with birdie. Weather conditions should heavily influence this decision – into the wind or on firm conditions, the layup becomes more attractive. With helping wind or soft conditions, the aggressive play gains appeal for longer hitters. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Play this as a straightforward three-shot hole. Hit driver or 3-wood off the tee for position, lay up to your favorite wedge distance, and focus on hitting the green with your third shot. Don't be tempted by the lack of hazards to play beyond your abilities – par is an excellent score here. **Low-Handicap Players:** This hole rewards aggressive, calculated play. If you can consistently carry the ball 230+ yards with accuracy, going for the green in two becomes a viable option. However, even skilled players should consider course conditions, pin position, and match situation before committing to the aggressive line. The beauty of this par 5 lies in its strategic flexibility – it rewards both conservative course management and aggressive shotmaking when executed properly. Choose your strategy based on your current form, the conditions, and your comfort level with risk.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 3 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,001 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Memorial Park Golf Course — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Texas Children's Houston Open highlights
Texas Children's Houston Open | Final Round Highlights
2025
How did Hole 3 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 587 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 587 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 3?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5.
What's a good score on hole 3?
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This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.