Hole 3 at Erin Hills Golf Course
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 476 yds
- Stroke index
- 7
- Hazards
- 8 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 27 yds deep × 40 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 · 476 yards
The plan for No. 3
The third hole at Erin Hills Golf Course presents a deceptive challenge that embodies the course's championship pedigree. This straight par 4 stretches 476 yards across rolling Wisconsin terrain, demanding both power and precision from the championship tees. The tee shot requires careful navigation as the fairway bends subtly right to left while the natural ground slopes left to right, creating a strategic tension that defines great golf architecture. An elevated green complex awaits, favoring a high, soft approach shot to hold the small putting surface. The backstop behind the green provides some relief for aggressive approaches, but the elevated target demands precise distance control. This hole exemplifies Erin Hills' ability to test every aspect of a golfer's game through thoughtful design rather than penal hazards.
Off the tee
The key to this hole lies in finding the optimal angle for your approach shot. Given the right-to-left bend and the opposing ground slope, target the right side of the fairway to work with the natural contours. This positioning will provide the best angle to attack the elevated green. Driver may be tempting given the length, but consider a 3-wood or hybrid if accuracy is a concern - leaving yourself with a longer iron from the ideal position is often better than a shorter club from an awkward angle. The straight layout means there's room to work with, but the ground movement requires respect.
Approach & recovery
The elevated green is the hole's defining feature and demands a high, soft-landing approach shot. From the right side of the fairway, you'll have the best angle to work the ball into this small target. Club selection should favor taking enough club to clear the front edge comfortably - the backstop behind the green will help prevent balls from running too far past. Mid-iron to long-iron depending on your tee shot position and conditions, but always err on the side of taking more club rather than coming up short of this elevated target.
On the green
With a small green surface, precision putting becomes crucial. The elevated nature means approach shots that find the putting surface deserve to be rewarded with careful attention to speed control. Uphill putts will play slower than they appear, while any downhill putts will be quick. Focus on lag putting to the correct level of the green, as three-putts can quickly turn a well-played hole into a bogey. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes with tee shot positioning versus distance. Aggressive drivers down the left side might provide shorter approaches but create awkward angles to the elevated green. The conservative play to the right side of the fairway sets up the ideal approach angle, even if it means hitting a longer iron into the green. Given the small target and elevation change, the percentage play favors position over power. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus on course management over distance. Use a 3-wood or hybrid off the tee to find the right side of the fairway, then take plenty of club for the approach to ensure you clear the front edge of the elevated green. Don't be afraid to aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position. **Low Handicappers:** Work the tee shot to optimize your approach angle, potentially using a controlled draw to work with the fairway's natural movement. Be aggressive with approach shots when the pin is accessible, but respect the small target area. Use the backstop strategically when pins are cut toward the back of the green. The 3rd hole rewards thoughtful golf strategy and precise execution, making it a true test of complete course management skills.
Watch for
- Sand_1 — Greenside center
- Sand_2 — Crossing center
- Sand_3 — Crossing center
- Sand_4 — Greenside center
- Sand_5 — Greenside center
- Sand_6 — Crossing center
- Sand_7 — Crossing center
- Sand_8 — Crossing center
Hole 3 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 6,315 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Erin Hills Golf Course — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Erin Hills Golf Course. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
The Major Cut @ Erin Hills
Can We Make Cut @ Erin Hills?! (Major Cut Ep. 5)
The back nine at Erin Hills with Riggs. Presented by @EveryManJack
World #2 Jeeno Thitikul at the U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills 🍀
Scottie Scheffler's peak, Erin Hills pops back, & Sponsor Exemption windfalls | The Shotgun Start
How did Hole 3 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 476 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
↓
For this 476-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: long par 4, heavily bunkered.
How big is the green on hole 3?
↓
The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 3?
↓
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.