Par three strategy, with emphasis on certain templates

[JJShanley]

I've developed a fondness for template holes since I had the opportunity to play a well-regarded Raynor in 2014.


In the course of a discussion, I wondered: what strategy can a player adopt on a par three?  As someone noted recently: the point of a par three involves having a shot of a uniform distance that all players in the match will hit.


Does a Redan strategy involve deciding how adventurous a shot you want to undertake?  You **can** fly the front hazard, but you might do better running a shot up front the green's entrance?  If you go that route, do you decide to simply get the ball in play, or off the green and take your chance getting up and down in two more shots?


How does strategy work on a short?  How does it work on a Biarritz?  Similar to a Redan?


I have only played one Eden.  I haven't had much chance to consider that template to the extend that I have the Redan, for example.

[Brent Gremillion]

JJ, in my opinion the beauty of the designs you mention requires the answer to be "it depends". Player ability, course condition, and atmospheric conditions being the primary determinates.
The better player will measure success relative to the precision of his/her distance control on the short or Biarritz. The high capper still has a reasonable chance to make par.
My understanding of the redan is the classic risk/reward type design that also presents options. Can the player shape the shot into the slope and stop it? Can you stop it on the front?  Shape it to run around the hazard to reach a protected portion?  Players with less skill have the option to try using the ground. We all get to try any of the above at any time! That makes it fun and forever interesting.
I'm new here. Don't know you and don't know if that's what you were wanting to discuss or not. If not, let me know and I'll try to delete the post.

[Jack Carney]

I think that "strategy" on any par 3; templates Eden, Redan, Biarritz and Short; all start with the wind followed by the players decision relative to confidence, risk and the pin location. All of these templates play different today than as originally designed but I think they have stood the terse of time. They all remain with one truth - a shot not struck well will be in peril. The Redan was originally a long shot to the greens right corner which is guarded by a series of bunkers followed by a funneling of the ball across the greens edge/ ridge toward the hole. Todays equipment allows for a more direct line with consideration given to the greens slope. The diagonal line now punishing a pull or push. The Eden is a shorter problem and more exacting with a reverse green cant from the Redan. Originally the ball could be bounced to the front pin locations at the cost of the Strath or pot bunker but todays equipment allows for a more direct line. The Biarritz was originally the most fun of the group with a long club followed by a long roll in and thru the huge green swale. unfortunately modern equipment has taken this shot away but the design still requires a well struck straight long shot to what is now in essence a double plateau green. The Short is not much different with modern equipment and requires a play to a very small area. In all the above cases if the green is obtained but not in the correct portion of the green a very difficult two putt is the result.


I'm a Newbie as well so not sure of your direction but the bottom line is that "strategy" of these templates requires numerous decisions and then a very well struck shot today as in the 1800's. Pretty cool.

[Adrian_Stiff]

Strategy barely exists at par 3 holes for the best players. It needs a combination of firm and fast with wind for any design intent to play it's part. It also needs to be combined with the pin location in a demanding place that day. The higher the golfers handicap then the more strategic a hole can play as they can't execute some shots.


For the best players strategy would come in a different form where they would to hit the shot in order to putt slightly uphill, or they play away from potential disaster.


I think the evolution of the game has taken most of the real strategy out of par 3 holes.

[Sean_A]

Thanks Adrian...I have been saying (on deaf ears) forever that strategy (options) means more to handicap players because their odds of pulling off the most aggressive shot are fairly low.  But this is also why its cool to have subtle features on "safe" sides of play which grind safer players down to the point where they may throw caution to the wind and eventually go for the aggressive shot...which is when they remember that high scores can quickly pile up that way.  Its also why more strategic courses aren't suitable for experts (touring pros)...they cannot often be given that comfy choice...they are simply too good unless mother nature cooperates and/or a tricked up course is in play.  Unless of course...we are all happy to have -30 win tournies.  It doesn't bother me so long as the course is interesting from a spectator PoV...which few are.


Ciao

[Jeff_Brauer]

JJ,


Interesting points, all.  I have always liked the templates, too.  As noted, less strategy on a par 3 hole, so designing holes that feature an unusual "concept" shot make sense to me.  The reverse/canted slope of the Redan, the Biarritz, etc.


I have never thought the Eden concept is that great, master bunker front, with secondary bunker to keep you aiming to far left?  Let them choose to aim away from the green without visible hazard (although a sneaky slope away from that area is neat) It is  better than bunker right/bunker left of the typical green.


The short is not a bad concept, big green, 2-4 smaller targets within, but close to a no options, dreaded "straightforward" par 3 where the goal is to avoid bunkers on all sides.  I guess if you are going to demand accuracy, a short par 3 is a logical place to do it, and the larges, sectionalized green is a practical and two step way to do it (hit green first, then hit right part of green, with ridge, etc. dividing it, plus fewer ball mark problems)


Lastly, in this day and age, I think the Biarritz works better on a reachable par 4 or 5, where there might be a running shot coming to the green.  Yes, over 200 yards you might get a fw metal or long iron running shot, but seems less likely.

[JJShanley]

Lastly, in this day and age, I think the Biarritz works better on a reachable par 4 or 5, where there might be a running shot coming to the green.  Yes, over 200 yards you might get a fw metal or long iron running shot, but seems less likely.

I only Biarritz I've played was Angel's Crossing.  My tees had a 207 to the center, with 20 more to the flag.  That's a solid 2 hybrid for me, and I think it did run up the slope on at least one occasion.  (Camargo might have one on the front nine.  If it did I spanked it into a RHS bunker and then splashed it out over the front of the green.) 

[Marc Haring]

The main strategy for me on par threes is creating a "sucker pin spot". It is amazing the number of people that will fall for this con! Me included.

[Thomas Dai]

The shorter the better seems to be a great equaliser (with potential sucker pin positions aplenty )
Watch longer hitters hit high shots and see the wind move the ball all over the sky (!) or applaud the skill of the better player to flight and land the ball appropriately.
Postage Stamp at Troon, 7th at 8th St Olaf/Cruden Bay, 7th at RCD, 8th at Royal Aberdeen, 8th at Burnhams Channel course. Wonderful....http://burnhamandberrowgolfclub.co.uk/channel-course/8/
Hiding behind the settee now waiting for the flak!

atb


PS - I wonder why so many terrific tiddler holes are the 7th or 8th?

[Mark Pearce]

Is it really true that strategy doesn't exist for good players?  I remember playing in a corporate event at Bovey Castle a few years ago and, on the short 9th, there was a "beat the pro" where every group played the hole with a young European Tour pro (I'm struggling to remember his name).  The hole played about 150 yards with a steeply sloped green, with the slope down towards the front right.  The pin was close to the left edge.  The pro commented that he was playing the hole the same every time.  Aim for the front right.  From there it was an easy three and a birdie if he drained a putt.  Missing right gave him plenty of green to make an up and down.  A bit of a pull might leave a birdie chance.  He was very unlikely to make a bogey.  If he aimed at the flag and missed left then bogey was a real possibility.  As it happens he only made one bogey all day and a few birdies.  Only one of the amateurs made a birdie and beat him on the hole.


Isn't that strategy?