Hole 3 at Whistling Straits
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 147 yds
- Stroke index
- 18
- Hazards
- 3 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 50 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 · 147 yards
The plan for No. 3
Known as "O'Man," this deceptively challenging par 3 epitomizes Pete Dye's strategic brilliance at Whistling Straits. The hole demands precise placement on its massive, undulating green, where shots landing right will feed dramatically left toward Lake Michigan's shoreline hazards.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should center on targeting the right side of the green complex. With the hole playing around 147 yards, most golfers will be hitting anything from a wedge to a 7-iron depending on wind conditions off Lake Michigan. The critical insight here is that any shot landing on the right half of the green will naturally feed left due to the slope, so you can use this contour to your advantage. Avoid the temptation to fire directly at left pin positions - the deep bunkers and dunes on that side, combined with the lake beyond, make recovery nearly impossible.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach shot. Focus on committing fully to your club selection, as the lake breeze can dramatically affect ball flight. Take extra club if there's any doubt, as being long and right is far preferable to being short and left. The green's undulations mean that even a shot to the correct side can leave you with a challenging putt, so prioritize finding the putting surface over attacking tight pin positions.
On the green
The green's dramatic contours create multiple levels and collection areas. Putts from the right side will generally break toward Lake Michigan, so read these slopes carefully. Pin positions on the left side of the green are particularly treacherous, as they're often positioned near the severe slopes that can send balls tumbling off the putting surface. Focus on getting below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are much more manageable on this undulating surface.
Watch for
- Water along the hole
- Greenside bunker (greenside)
Hole 3 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 7,069 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Whistling Straits — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Whistling Straits. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
Our $50,000 BUCKET LIST Golf Trip With LUKE KWON & TOOMS.... (Whistling Straits)
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I play one of the BEST Golf Courses in America 🇺🇸 (Whistling Straits)
The Good Good Whistling Straits Major
How did Hole 3 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 147 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 147 yards, most golfers will need a short iron (9-iron to PW) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 3?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, large green requiring good lag putting.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?
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Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers; water at 117.9 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 3?
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The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 3?
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This hole is a legitimate birdie opportunity for accurate iron players. Most golfers should target par, with birdie chances if you hit the green in regulation.