If You Could Build a Short Par 3 . . .

[Ira Fishman]

Jim,


With the quality of my game, the two are combined. Think Pine Needles 3 or Pasatiempo 15.


Thanks.

[JNagle]

Because of the nature of some recent renovation work being completed at Concord C.C. and Philadelphia C.C. (both Flynn's) I used the 11th at Shinnecock and the 13th at Merion for inspiration.  The short drop 2nd on the Centennial course plays at 132 from the rear and has a greater elevation fall than Merion, but I was inspired more by the carry and the contours of the green.  It appears this hole is becoming a favorite of those that have had a chance to play the new holes.  The new 15th at Concord plays uphill and anchored by the hillside right of the hole and is therefore mirrored in its layout to the 11th at Shinnecock.


A few other previously mentioned are worthy candidates - agree on #8 Misquamicut and i'd add the 4th at Newport, 4th at Bedford Springs (Volcano Hole), 8th at Lancaster, 11th at Mannies, 13th at the Pete Dye GC and the 7th at Chicago

[Tom_Doak]

What are the common themes moving through this conversation? I see two generalized solutions to make a short par 3 inviting to this group.

1: Tempting short shot with penal outcomes for a miss, e.g. Postage Stamp

2: Short shot with a large green where three putts for being on the wrong part of the green is very much in play, e.g. McRaynor short templates

Jim:


This is an excellent observation, and exactly why I find creating a good par-3 hole difficult.


On longer holes, you can also use angles to make the hole difficult for those who get out of position, but on a par-3 you can't, so it comes down to having a small target [or multiple small targets].


In previous eras, there was a third option -- to build a strongly sloped green that rewards players who stay below the hole.  But it seems that option has been minimized so that superintendents and green committees can get the speeds to 12 or 13 and show how good they are. 

[James Bennett]

.... for the situation I've been enquiring about, the one opportunity that does present itself is having two angles of play 90 degrees apart, with the left tee a few feet higher than the green, and the right tee almost level.  I don't think your favourite works as well for that scenario, although you are free to disagree.

I suspect the Rules of Gold don't allow this in 'competition', but it would be cool to have a hole with a choice of teeing grounds.
Similar to a split fairway hole - you choose which path to take.
If the green had a diagonal tilt, a right handed draw would suit the left tee, and a fade the right tee.  Opposite for the lefties.


Perhaps the hole could contain elements of the redan and reverse redan, depending on the tee.


These are probably stupid ideas......


James B


ps  I remember St Andrews Beach #11 and the dual tees, with different lines and elevations of play.  Also the three seasons tees at Riviera #14.

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

#12 at Woodhall Spa or Royal Birkdale.
Two of my favourites, or take your pick from Sunningdale'sthree pars