Hole 3 at Whistling Straits

Par 3 • 147 Yards • Sheboygan, Wisconsin

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Moderate

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.

Tees:

147y138y128y118y87y

Green:44y × 38y

3 BunkersWater dogleg

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Whistling Straits

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 147 yds
Green: 7069 sq ft
Bunkers: 3
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 146
Course Rating: 75.6

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Recommended Gear

Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

At just 147 yards, this short par 3 requires precision over power. Focus on club selection and accuracy rather than distance, as the compact yardage leaves little room for error with Lake Michigan and bunkers lurking.

approach

Aim for the right side of this massive 7,069 square foot green. The course knowledge confirms that shots landing on the right half will naturally feed left due to the green's slope, helping you avoid the lake and deep bunkers on the left.

hazard warning

Three strategic bunkers guard this hole at 172.7, 154.8, and 113.3 yards from the tee. The bunker at 154.8 yards is particularly dangerous as it sits in the prime landing zone for most approach shots on this short par 3.

green

With dimensions of 44 yards by 38 yards, this is one of the largest greens you'll encounter. Use the generous target to your advantage by playing away from trouble, knowing you have plenty of green to work with for your approach.

hazard warning

The complete absence of fairway (0 yards at both 200 and 250 yards) confirms this is a direct tee-to-green shot over hazards. There's no bailout area - your tee shot must carry all the way to the putting surface or find serious trouble.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your short iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

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?

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?

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?

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 a legitimate birdie opportunity for accurate iron players. Most golfers should target par, with birdie chances if you hit the green in regulation.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Whistling Straits. 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 →