The Best Short Par-3s in America

Alex Elias

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Last year at the 123rd U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, the Par-3 15th became the shortest Par-3 in modern U.S. Open history, playing a mere 81 yards on Saturday. Ahead of Round 1, the eventual champion Wyndham Clark said, "Your shot can be right online with the flag, right where you want to hit it, but you don’t know whether to tell it to go or sit. If you hit the right yardage, you’re going to have a short birdie putt or maybe even make a hole-in-one. But if you’re off, it’s an easy, easy bogey."

Courtesy of Patrick Koenig (@pjkoenig)

Cypress Point Club - No. 15 - 139

​Often overshadowed by the Par-3 16th, No. 15 is not only one of the best short Par-3s in America, but one of the best in the world. Perched above the ocean rocks, the green is protected by several superbly designed Alister McKenzie bunkers and breathtaking cypress trees. 

USGA/John Mummert

Los Angeles Country Club - No. 15 - 133

​Listed at 133 yards, No. 15 played a mere 72 yards during one session of matches at the 2017 Walker Cup and played as short as 81 yards and as long as 124 yards at the 123rd U.S. Open. Protected by bunkers on each side, the green is divided by a ridge. ​

USGA/Fred Vuich

Merion Golf Club - No. 13 - 128

​The Par-3 13th played a mere 107 yards in the 2022 Curtis Cup. The oval-shaped green, obscured from the tee by a bunker, is one of the smallest on property.

Courtesy of Evan Schiller (@evan_schiller_photography)

Pebble Beach Golf Links - No. 7 - 107

​Perhaps the most famous Par-3 in the world, the cliffside seventh hole is set against the second-to-none backdrop of Stillwater Cove. At barely 100 downhill yards from tee to green, No. 7 might require a smooth wedge one day and a knockdown 5-iron the next.

Courtesy of Jon Cavalier (@LinksGems)

Shoreacres Golf Club - No. 12 - 136

​No. 12 is as equally demanding as it is picturesque. Playing downhill to a superbly Seth Raynor designed green, the false front is quick to send shots inches short of perfection back into the bunker. 

Courtesy of Jon Cavalier (@LinksGems)

The Country Club - No. 12 - 131

​The Par-3 12th features an elevated tee box, where the green sits roughly 30 feet below and is guarded by four daunting bunkers.

Courtesy of Jon Cavalier (@LinksGems)

Wannamoisett Country Club - No. 3 - 137
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​Perhaps Donald Ross' best short Par-3, bunkers surround the front and left demanding a precise short iron. The green is sloped severely back left to front right.