Hole 3 at Mammoth Dunes

Hole 3 at Mammoth Dunes rewards a well-thought-out plan far more than pure length, so start your strategy at the tee. Rather than reaching for driver by habit, consider a club that puts your ball in a comfortable, controlled position on the fairway — this is a par 5 where positioning early sets up everything that follows. Take stock of the width available and favor the side that opens up your look at the green on your second or third shot rather than simply chasing distance.

Your approach strategy will hinge on how the hole unfolds in front of you. Because the green here plays medium in size, precision matters more than it would on a larger target — don't get greedy with a long second shot if it means bringing extra risk into play. Lay up to a yardage that suits your strongest wedge or short-iron distance, giving yourself the best chance to control spin and trajectory into a green that won't forgive sloppy speed control.

Around the green, be disciplined. With a medium green, misses need to be managed rather than compounded — favor the smart miss (usually below the hole or to the safer side) over a hero shot that flirts with trouble. Short-side yourself and you'll turn a two-putt par into a scrambling bogey.

Above all, avoid compounding mistakes: one loose shot is manageable, but forcing recovery after recovery is where big numbers happen on this hole.