GolfClubAtlas.com > Golf Course Architecture
Par-3 first holes: bad or good?
Greg Smith:
The recent "best by hole sequence, 3/4/5" threads got me thinking about par-3 openers. I've only ever played one such hole (on a legitimate full-sized course, not exec, par-3, or "short"). I have decided I really like the idea -- let's try and talk me out of it.
I've heard some say that the initial par-3 creates good spacing, with the result being smoother flow and pace of play for the rest of the round. By this viewpoint, I guess you'd say it shifts the "backup" on an early par-3 from the 2nd or 3rd tee to the starter's shack, which is a better place to wait!
I've heard others say the opposite -- that the par-3 first HARMS spacing and gets one started off on the wrong foot. Still others have said that if you've got an opening par-3, follow it with a par-5 second and it helps the flow. The one par-3 first I have played DID have a par-5 second. I played that course maybe 10 times, and based on that data set I think this assertion is correct.
So I tried to think of all the short 1st holes I've seen mentioned on GCA or that I heard of elsewhere -- once again, not on exec, short, or par-3 courses. It's fewer than I thought! I looked them all up, and here they are, with back tee yardage listed, architect if I knew it, and what sort of hole follows:
In the UK:
Berkshire (Blue) -- 217 yd. Followed by a short par 4. (Fowler)
Kilspindie -- 158 yd. Par-5 second.
Huntercombe -- 146 yd. Followed by a long par-4. (Park)
Southport & Ainsdale -- 204 yd. Par-5 second.
Royal Lytham & St. Annes -- 206 yd. Followed by a long par-4.
Hayling -- 179 yd. Par-5 second.
LaMoye -- 167 yd. Par-5 second. (Braid)
The Addington -- 165 yd. Par-5 second. (Abercromby)
Walton Heath Old -- 235 yd. Followed by a long par-4. (Fowler)
In the USA:
York (Maine) Golf & Tennis Club -- 225 yd. Followed by a short par-4. (Ross)
Brooklake (NJ) -- 190 yd. Par-5 second. (Strong)
Pacific Grove -- 146 yd. Followed by a long par-3 (!!). (Egan)
Cumberland (MD) -- 230 yd. Par-5 second. (Robert Pryde)
I have to say that upon research, most of these holes looked like legit specimens with some kind of shot value and/or esthetic value. You'll also notice that many of these DO have a par-5 second following.
That one hole I've actually played is the last mentioned at Cumberland CC, a mountain course in western Maryland. The 1st at Berkshire Blue looked very similar in concept to that hole. On both, there's fairway off to the left, and the direct line to the green is over a "native area" -- in Berkshire's case the heather. Both tee shots are long, unless you're laying up short left to have some kind of lob wedge in -- a great half-par question.
So can anyone think of some more to add to this list? What about the effects on pace of play? Personally, I think the par-3 1st may add some feeling of "intimacy" to the start of a round, on a course that might otherwise be of rather large scale. What say ye?
Jeff_Brauer:
Greg,
Unconventional, but yes, Mr. Yates and others have said the beauty of waiting on a par 3 first hole is that, technically, those 10 minutes aren't included in the "4 hour, 15 minute" (or whatever) round. He says a course with 18 par 4 holes would play the fastest.
Other than that, balancing difficulty rather than a mix of harder and easier holes also helps flow, which also goes against the gca mantra of rhythm and flow. Turns out, you can have one or the other. For flow, having equally difficult holes, perhaps varied by difficult driving, approach shots and putting, with the other 2 challenges being somewhat easier, rather than a drop dead short, easy hole, helps flow, because the easy hole plays quick, and puts them on the next tee too soon.
Lastly, from a pure flow issue, having the hardest hole first, and then having each one just a bit easier would tend to let groups get out ahead and stay there, again, almost the reverse of the gentle handshake idea.
Times change, eh?
David Ober:
From an "enjoyment' standpoint for the majority of golfers, I'd say that any par-3 starting hole should be:
* Devoid of water or hazard (if if there is one, that it be quite removed from the playing lane)
* "Favorably" mounded for the player
* Be no more than 180 or so from the BACK teesSo the "gentle hand shake" concept, merely in par-3 form.
Adrian_Stiff:
If it is a straight question with no grey areas then it is a BAD for me.
Matt_Cohn:
It would seem to increase the likelihood of an embarrassing first tee shot for nervous golfers. You don't usually chunk, shank, or blade a driver, but you certainly could do any of those with a 9-iron.
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