Hole 3 at TPC Craig Ranch

Par 4420 Yards • Mckinney, Texas

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Tough

The first par 3 at Tom Weiskopf's acclaimed TPC Craig Ranch sets the tone for what champions and world-class players have praised as superb design. This opening one-shotter demands precision with a mid to long iron, introducing golfers to the strategic challenges that define this celebrated championship venue.

Tees:
420y408y378y378y358y305y
Green:29y × 44y
3 BunkersWater dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par
4
Yardage
420 yds
Green
6653 sq ft
Bunkers
3
Water
Yes
Course Slope
148
Course Rating
76.3

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 420-yard hole plays as a challenging long par 3 requiring a driver or fairway wood to reach the green. Focus on accuracy over distance as there's no fairway landing area - it's all carry to the target.

hazard warning

Three bunkers guard the approach at 264.6, 248.4, and 230.1 yards from the tee. These create a significant hazard field that must be carried or avoided with precise placement.

approach

The green measures 29 yards by 44 yards (6,653 sq ft), providing a generous target for this long one-shot hole. Aim for the center of the green to avoid short-siding yourself.

tee shot

With no fairway landing zone available, this hole demands a precise tee shot that carries all the way to the green. Club selection is critical - ensure you have enough club to clear all hazards and reach the putting surface.

train this shot at home

This 420-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 420-yard par 4, most players will hit 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.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?

Key hazards include: water at 69.7 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 3?

The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.

What's a good score on hole 3?

This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for TPC Craig Ranch. You can play this exact 420-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

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