How to Be Smooth on a Long Par-3
By Les Miller
If you watch the pros on the PGA Tour, you will soon find the hardest holes they face each week are long par threes. The following tips will help you lower your scores on these most difficult holes.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
First, always choose the correct club on the tee. Based on where the trouble is pick a club that allows you to play away from that trouble. If the trouble is over the green play a shot short or to the front of the green. It's better to have an easy chip shot from the fairway or fringe in front of the green than a difficult pitch shot out of deep rough or a back bunker. Conversely, if the trouble is in front or to the side of a green choose a club to play away from that trouble. Bogey is always better than a double bogey. Proper planning leads to lower scores.
Another thought on a difficult long par 3 is to tee off with a club you have confidence in. I have witnessed many amateurs trying to hit a long iron when a fairway wood (which is much easier hit solid) should be their club of choice. Learn how to choke down on your fairway woods for better control and consistency.
Finally, Don't be afraid of what your playing partners say about your club selection. Play the club you have confidence in, even if you have to hit your driver on a long par 3. Learn to play your game, not what others do. Remember, they don't ask how, they ask how many when it comes to your score.
About The Author
Based in Southern California, Les Miller has been a freelance correspondent writing golf-related articles for more than 20 years. His articles have appeared in the "World Golf Wire," "Dicks Sporting Goods" magazine and Better Golf.net. A former PGA golf professional, Miller formerly worked for several major golf companies as the vice president of sales and marketing and the director of research and development.
