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How to play par 3’s like a pro

You might be surprised when you find out how some of the PGA TOUR’s top golfers play par 3’s…

While some take dead aim at the flagstick on certain holes, many of the game’s most elite players will shoot for the MIDDLE of the green on par 3’s.

This common sense strategy is often ignored by many amateur players at their own peril.

Golf course architects equip par 3 holes with water hazards, bunkers, and thick rough to punish players who shoot for sucker pins.

To AVOID these traps and master par’s remember these simple tips:

1) Forget about the flag.

Find a spot of grass on the middle of the green that you can use for your target and visualize your ball landing right on top of it.

2) Dial in your distance.

Evaluate the wind and weather conditions, as well as any change in elevation between the tee box and the green to determine exactly how far your ball will need fly to hit your spot.

3) Execute your plan.

When you step up to the ball you’ve got to be 100% committed to your plan. If you’re second guessing yourself while you’re standing over your ball step away and re-evaluate your strategy until you feel ready to make a confident swing.

With these tips you’ll be hitting more par 3 greens in regulation, and since a long putt is always better than a chip you’ll have a better chance of making pars and birdies even when you do miss the dance floor with your tee shot.

12 Comments

  1. Avelino

    November 29, 2016 at 7:53 am

    Make sense. Great tips. Continue for more. Thanks

    Reply
  2. Raymond

    April 24, 2017 at 12:51 am

    That’s a Cold feet way OF thinking .This Why THE US lost THE RYDER CUP at VALDERRAMA .
    Just go for THE pin when ever you CAN.

    Reply
    • Keith @ GolfersRX

      January 16, 2021 at 10:18 am

      Ha! I like your style Raymond. Go big or go home!

      Reply
  3. 68Namvet

    April 24, 2017 at 8:11 am

    While a good sense tip, there is one thing you must also consider. Many of the par 3 greens on my home course (which stymied many of the Web.com players) have as many as 3 distinct tiers and some greens are over 250 feet long by over 100 feet wide. Shooting for the center can leave you with a 150 foot putt going up or down two levels with three distinct breaks where 3 and 4 putts are common. Sometimes it’s better to be on the same level and off the green with an easy pitch shot then face a 150 foot putt with multiple levels and breaks involved.

    Reply
    • Rexy

      September 20, 2017 at 2:36 pm

      Unless you’re Jack Nicklaus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9KrMQDU94g

      Reply
      • Leon

        June 24, 2018 at 7:34 pm

        Nicklaus is famous for designing greens with multiple tiers too.

        Reply
        • Keith @ GolfersRX

          January 16, 2021 at 10:14 am

          Thanks for sharing Leon. Two-tiered greens are cruel and unusual punishment for the golfer, lol.

          Reply
    • Keith @ GolfersRX

      January 16, 2021 at 10:17 am

      Thanks 68Namvet. Mr. Short Game has a tip I think you’ll like on the full swing stock shot vs clubbing up on Par 3’s.
      https://youtu.be/oeNR5U2s6JU

      Reply
  4. Wayne

    September 20, 2017 at 7:56 am

    When your playing for greenies, I am going to shoot for the pin. Middle of the green doesn’t win you any bucks….

    Reply
  5. Bob

    September 20, 2017 at 8:48 am

    There are exceptions to every rule! Most amateurs do not use common sense.

    Reply
  6. JoeinAz

    January 10, 2018 at 8:05 am

    Without complicating the decision, more info needs to be included. Skill level of player, size of green, current status in the competition, past history playing the course. Still, the basics were good.

    Reply

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