The challenge of a par 3
The par 3 seventh hole on the Bay Course at Seaview, site of the ShopRite LPGA Classic. This 170-yarder was the third-hardest hole during the 2020 tournament. FRITZ SCHRANCK PHOTO
Fritz Schranck
Short holes meet several requirements for a golf course, including variety, linkage and challenge.
Players enjoy the opportunity to reach the green in a single shot. Golf architects work to find places for several par 3s with different yardages.
Par 3s provide ways to use the best features of a property. Sometimes there is a great place for a short link in the chain of holes that would not work as well if it were lengthened to a par 4 or 5.