I have no problem with a 250 yard par 3 if the tournament is an "even-par" tournament like the US Open. When I watch the US Open I want to see Tour players looking human and sweating to make pars (just like my normal round of golf at the local 9-hole muni).
Paul Casey said all the par 3's at Cog Hill this week can be stretched out to 230+ yards... that could be a long one.
A golf hole is supposed to make you think about what to hit and how to manage the hole. While I am not an advocate for 250+ yard par 3's, I understand the Tours challenge. PGA Tour guys hit 4 irons that far, and others (like me) need a driver. Am I happy about that? Heck no. But I get it.
This does make me think about playing from the correct set of tees based on my ability, because I do have some 200+ yard 3 par holes on my course, combined with 300 yard par 4's. When I go from the proper set of tees, the risk & reward surely comes into play for both types of hole. Once again, I have to think on each tee, plus I have to review more than just a courses "total yardage" when I tee off someplace new.
JustLikeSilk: I have no problem with a 250 yard par 3 if the tournament is an "even-par" tournament like the US Open. When I watch the US Open I want to see Tour players looking human and sweating to make pars (just like my normal round of golf at the local 9-hole muni).
I have some problems with the longer par 3s in that most average players, like myself, have some trouble reaching them. Only one course I was on had one and it proved be a real gut-wrencher. I had to use my driver and the end result was not pretty. For the pros, the challenges are a better test for them as they are at the level they are for their talent and scoring ability.
I see no need for them.... Look no further that 17 at Sawgrass!
i am not a fan of 250yd par 3's. I dont want to watch pro's hit really long irons or hybrids into those holes. It's hard to make them stop, its hard to get it close. I want to see the holes under 200. I like when they hit it close, and get it to check up on a couple hops. The postage stamp is sweet. Didn't Gene Sarazen get an Ace on that hole when he was in his 70's or something like that?
i just looked it up, i was right. It was the 73' open and he was 71 at the time. Really cool. You can see the video on you tube.
I don't mind the 200+ yard par 3's (250 might be stretching it a bit) but, I think it should be a good mix. Make the challenge hitting 4 different clubs, including a low iron, into the Par 3's.
for the pros I don't think 250+ yard par 3s are as bad as we make them out to be, they hit long irons or hybrids into them. However, for the amature golfer anything over 215-220 yards is a little crazy. Also when there are hazards involved on a par 3 of that distance it makes it even more difficult for us as amatures.
Medinah course 3 hole #13 plays 245 yds for the pros. It was almost rediculous to look at this hole . All carry over water to a narrow green.
OUTIGER: Medinah course 3 hole #13 plays 245 yds for the pros. It was almost rediculous to look at this hole . All carry over water to a narrow green.
I wonder how many John "Tin Cup" Daly would put in that pond... lol
Geez, not much of a bail out area!
Justinu3: OUTIGER: Medinah course 3 hole #13 plays 245 yds for the pros. It was almost rediculous to look at this hole . All carry over water to a narrow green. I wonder how many John "Tin Cup" Daly would put in that pond... lol
Two of my favorites, plenty of trouble without having to be a monster!