Hole 9 at Memorial Park Golf Course
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 202 yds
- Stroke index
- 17
- Hazards
- 1 bunker · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 45 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 3 · 202 yards
The plan for No. 9
The closing hole at Memorial Park Golf Course presents a deceptively challenging par 3 that demands precision over power. At 202 yards, this straight-forward test requires golfers to carry their tee shot to a small, well-protected green that offers little margin for error. The relatively open approach may seem inviting, but the compact putting surface punishes anything but the most accurate iron play. As the 17th handicap hole, it might appear forgiving on paper, but Memorial Park's ninth has a reputation for humbling overconfident players who underestimate its subtle challenges. The hole serves as a perfect finale to the front nine, rewarding those who can deliver under pressure while exposing any weaknesses in mid-iron accuracy.
Off the tee
From 202 yards, most golfers will need anywhere from a 5-iron to a hybrid depending on conditions and personal distances. The key is selecting a club you can swing with confidence rather than trying to muscle a shorter iron. Take one extra club if there's any doubt, as coming up short on a par 3 often leads to difficult up-and-downs. Pay attention to wind conditions, which can be significant in Houston's open terrain. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position - with a small target, the middle gives you the best margin for error on all sides.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach shot, making execution critical. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to overpower the shot. The small green demands accuracy over aggression. If the pin is tucked to one side, resist the temptation to fire directly at it unless you're feeling particularly confident with your iron play. A shot to the center of the green will rarely leave you more than 20-25 feet from any pin position.
On the green
Memorial Park's greens typically feature subtle breaks that can be tricky to read. Take time to study the putt from multiple angles, especially since you'll likely have a mid-range putt regardless of where you hit the green. The small surface means most putts will have some break to them. Focus on speed control - with limited green to work with, leaving yourself a challenging comeback putt can quickly turn a par save into a double bogey. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities due to its straightforward design. The main decision is club selection - taking enough club to comfortably reach the green versus the risk of flying it long. Given the small target, the reward for aggressive pin-seeking is minimal compared to the risk of missing the green entirely. The smart play is always center green, making this more about course management than shot-making heroics. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus entirely on finding the green with your most reliable long iron or hybrid. Don't worry about pin positions - just try to hit the putting surface and give yourself a chance at par. If you typically struggle with longer irons, consider taking one more club and making a smooth swing. **Low Handicappers:** While you have the skills to attack pins, the small green size makes center-green the percentage play unless conditions are perfect. Use this hole to maintain momentum rather than chase birdies. Your short game skills give you the best chance to salvage par if you do miss the green, but avoiding that situation entirely is the preferred strategy. The 9th hole at Memorial Park rewards patience and precision over aggression, making it a true test of your iron play and course management skills as you finish your round.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 9 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 6,637 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 9 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 202 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 202 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.