Five great short par threes in New Zealand

By Golfer Pacific writer Peter Thornton.

There’s nothing quite like the challenge of a short par three. Some of the best and most well-known holes on the world stage are short but complicated challenges.

‘The Postage Stamp’ at Royal Troon is perhaps the best example. It only measures 112m but caused all sorts of problems at last year’s Open Championship.

Of course, there is the 12th at Augusta National. It only measures 140m but it’s a narrow landing area with any shots that are short of the dance floor hitting the bank and finding the water. It has been the spot of many Masters meltdowns over the years.

There is the iconic 7th at Pebble Beach. The hole is only 97m from the back tees and can be an easy wedge or a five iron on some days. It’s the most idyllic location for a golf hole.

Any chat about classic par threes isn’t complete without mentioning the 17th at Sawgrass. This is probably the most famous par three in the world. Hitting to the island green on the 71st hole with the tournament on the line is no easy feat.

But what about back here in New Zealand? We take a tour of some of our favourite short holes around Aotearoa.

1. Jack’s Point, Queenstown – No. 7

Jack’s Point is a golf course that everyone has to experience at least once. The John Darby designed layout sits on the edge of Lake Whakatipu, with The Remarkables as a backdrop, and it’s an incredible layout. Towards the end of the front nine is one of their signature holes. Standing on seventh tee you have an uninterrupted panoramic view of Lake Whakatipu. It is only 128m from the white tees and it plays shorter than that as it drops aways significantly. Many players go long here, but if you hit the green you have a good chance for par on a green that slopes from back to front. It’s a memorable hole.

2. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, Wellington – No 5

Probably the most iconic par three in New Zealand. Paraparaumu Beach is an 12-time host of the New Zealand Open, and this hole would wreak havoc during those tournaments with our very best. Just ask Frank Nobilo. The New Zealand great was in contention to win the 1989 New Zealand Open at the spiritual home of golf when a triple bogey six put paid to his chances. I know how he feels. The fifth is a masterful design. It is only 145m, but it can play very differently depending on the wind conditions. It’s a huge relief to see your ball land on the green here. A good miss is short, in front of the green. If you hit it left into the gulley, you are left with a diabolical chip that will give you nightmares for months to come. A fantastic hole that has humbled the very best.

3. Tairua Golf and Country Club, Coromandel – No 4

This is a hidden gem. The Tairua Golf and Country Club is tucked away just outside of this sleepy Coromandel town. It is a popular spot in summertime. One of the best holes arrives early in your round. The fourth at Tairua is only 130m but there is a large tree that guards the front right of the green and there is a small pond to the left. From an elevated tee, it is a welcomed sight seeing a nine-iron fly high in the air and land safely on the green. The green is surrounded by native bush and it’s a lovely spot to try and make par or better. Tairua is a country course that is full of character and charm, summed up by this little par three.

4. Ngamotu Links, New Plymouth – No 14

This hole is notorious. It measures 120m from the back tees and the best players in the country who play Ngamotu on the Charles Tour will tell you that it can be anything from a nine iron to a five-iron depending on the wind conditions. A decade ago Grant Moorhead hit a 3-iron to this hole in the Taranaki Open. It is right on the westernmost point of the course and the view is stunning down the coast towards New Plymouth. There is a big bunker protecting the front of the green and when the wind is up, a par here is a brilliant score. It’s one of the iconic holes on a club course in New Zealand and after every Taranaki Open, you can guarantee that the 14th will be a talking point. It never plays the same four days in a row.

5. Bay of Islands Golf Club, Kerikeri – No 13

One of the most memorable holes on a Northland golf trip. The Bay of Islands Golf Club in the heart of Kerikeri is a real adventure of doglegs and undulation changes. But this course is famous for the 13th ‘Drop Hole’. It is only 110m from the white tees but the green is flanked by bunkers and there is water to the right. Such is the dramatic drop in elevation you only need to half hit a wedge to make the green. It’s a great hole that has played an influential role in deciding many match-play contests and one of many highlights on this layout.

A special mention of the Titirangi Golf Club in Auckland. It’s the only Alister MacKenzie designed course with four incredible par three that each face a different point on the compass. Probably most iconic of them all is 7th with a three-tier green in front of the clubhouse. It’s a tough hole.

Other notable mentions: 6th, 90 Mile Beach Links, Ahipara, 10th Lakes Resort, 11th Ohope Beach, 12th Tauranga Golf Club, 12th at Taihape, 6th Karori Golf Club, 16th Paraparaumu Beach, 8th Royal Wellington,10th Queenstown Golf Club, 7th Otago Golf Club and 4th Invercargill Golf Club.

Footnote: I haven’t played them, but I am told there are two stunning short par threes on the South Course at Te Arai Links (5 and 17) and the 17th at Tara Iti Golf Club is also a great hole.