Hole 3 at Chambers Bay Golf Course
Par 3 • 165 Yards • University Place, Washington
Chambers Bay's third hole presents a deceptively challenging par 3 that embodies the course's rugged Pacific Northwest character. At 165 yards, this straight shot to a small green demands precision over power, with the hole's 17 handicap ranking belying its subtle difficulties. The compact target sits exposed to the prevailing winds off Puget Sound, making club selection crucial as conditions can change rapidly. Without major hazards to intimidate, golfers might be tempted to attack the pin, but the green's modest size punishes anything but accurate iron play. This hole rewards patience and course management, serving as a perfect example of how Chambers Bay's minimalist design philosophy creates memorable golf through strategic simplicity rather than manufactured difficulty.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 165 yds
- Green
- 5641 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Course Slope
- 142
- Course Rating
- 76.8
Strategy Tips
With no fairway landing area available, this 165-yard par 3 requires a precise tee shot directly to the green. Club selection is critical - choose a club that carries the full distance with confidence.
Bunkers positioned at 141 yards create a significant hazard zone just short of the green. Avoid coming up short - it's better to be long on this hole than trapped in sand.
The generous green measures 5,640 square feet (39 yards by 28 yards), providing a large target. Use this to your advantage by aiming for the center of the green rather than attacking pin positions.
With the green being 39 yards deep, pin position becomes crucial for distance control. A front pin plays closer to 150 yards, while a back pin requires the full 165-yard carry.
This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.
See launch monitors & simulatorsShort par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What club should I use on this par 3?
At 165 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 3?
This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
How big is the green on hole 3?
The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 3?
This hole is a solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.
Can I practice hole 3 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Chambers Bay Golf Course. You can play this exact par 3 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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Play This Course at Home
Practice Chambers Bay Golf Course Year-Round
Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.
Browse Launch Monitors & SimulatorsAmazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hole Stats
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 165 yds
- Green
- 5641 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Course Slope
- 142
- Course Rating
- 76.8
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