GOLF INFORMATION ARTICLES

Par Holes - Types

In a complete Round of Golf, you will have to play through 18 holes. You will notice that some Holes are nearer to the Tee than others. This is because the Holes are situated at varying distances from the Tee-box. The shortest distance will be in a Par-three Hole while the longest will be in a Par-five Hole. The number of shots you take will depend largely on the Type of Par you are in. In the Par-three, you are only expected to take three shots to get your ball into the Hole. One below three means you will have achieved a Birdie, and taking four shots mean you have a Bogey. Determining the distance between the Tee and the Holes is also important in Choosing the Golf Club that you need to use. Since the distance is longer in a Par-Five, at least 460 yards, you will need to take a stronger Tee-Shot to get your ball closer to the Green. In formulating a strategy in playing these Holes, you also need to know the location of the Hole in the Green. Some Holes are located at the center, in the side, or at the rear of the green based on the Type of Tee. For the Women's Tee, which is marked by a Red Flag, the Hole is usually located at the front part. In a Regular Tee, the Hole is at the center, and at the rear part of the Green for the Championship Tee.

Par Three Holes

Par-Three Holes range from 90 to 230 yards, for Regular Tees it usually measures no longer than 180 yards. This is the shortest Hole you will have to play. Your strategy when playing in a Par-Three is to include the 15 yard area around the Green in your target. Hitting your ball towards this area is nearly as good as hitting it onto the Green. Playing in a Par-Three:

Know how far you are from the Hole and where the Hole is located in the Green. You may use your scorecard as reference, this indicates the distance to the center of the Green.
Think about the worst possible lie your ball may fall into. Aim away from it to be sure you're still out of trouble in case you miss your target.
Stick to your club. In case you can't choose, try using the longer one for more distance and make a smooth Swing.

Par Four Holes

The average size of a Par-Four is 375 yards. Your first goal is to keep your ball in play off the Tee. The farther you hit your ball and the more accurate your shot is, the easier it will be to get to the Green. But never sacrifice accuracy to distance. Playing in a Par-Four:

Choose a Club that will take your ball into the Fairway when you Drive.
In case you fall short on hitting into the Green, your next shot should at least take you to the closest possible position.
If you feel that you have a chance to take your ball into the Green, focus on a 30-yard area around the Green. This will give you a greater room for error.
In your Approach Shot, analyze the area around the Green. Determine the worst case scenario that your ball may get into in case you miss the Green. Once you know where the worst is, aim away from it just like in playing in a Par-three. If the worst is in the right side of the Green, aim for the left.

Par Five Holes

The distance of a Par-Five Hole is the largest, ranging from 460-600 yards, making the need to make a farther Tee shot even stronger. Beginners may already make use of their driver when hitting from a Par-Five since distance is relatively important to be able to get at least a bogey. Sacrificing distance though is wise if you have a real tight fairway. In this case, you need accuracy more than distance to stay out of the hazards. Keys on playing a Par-Five:

Use a Driver or a three-wood to hit your ball farther.
It is important to get the ball in play even if you're not able to make a perfect shot, just get the ball into the fairway and towards the Hole.
Just like in playing in the Par-three and the Par-four, you need to analyze the area around the Green to give you an idea for your Approach Shot. In this way, you will lessen your risk of having your ball out of the obstructions by aiming away from it.

Those are the types of Par Holes you will encounter in a Golf Course. Be acquainted with every Par Hole and study the different playing strategies and techniques in each type. It will make it easier for you to learn and master Golf.

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