Spring 2025

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT B Y L A I RD SMA L L The Art of Mastering Par-3s ar-3 holes on golf courses are designed to test every aspect of your game.With narrow greens, shifting winds, elevation changes and beautiful scenery, par-3s are both challenging and rewarding. Most courses feature four par-3s, each offering a solid scoring chance.With the distance set, you can tee up the ball, but the challenge lies in hitting the green with one shot and two-putting for par.The course designer won’t make it easy, so here are some strategies and tips to help you score low and walk off these holes with 2s and 3s on your card. Create the Perfect Lie When Ben Hogan was asked if he teed up the ball on par-3s, he replied, “Son, I play for money.” Hogan understood that teeing up pro- vides the best chance for solid contact, helping you land the ball close to the pin. In the past, golfers might kick up some grass to place the ball on, but today’s modern clubs are designed for teeing up to improve accuracy and distance control. With game-improvement irons, which have a higher sweet spot, tee the ball about a half-inch above the ground. This positioning aligns the ball with the club’s sweet spot, enhancing solid contact. If the tee is too low, you risk a thin shot due to the weight distribution on the club’s sole...and, if too high, you’ll hit near the top of the face, losing distance. Aim to make a swing that brushes the grass and knocks the tee out, catching the sweet spot more consistently. For players using thinner blade irons, tee lower, as the sweet spot is generally farther down on the face. Test different heights to find what works best for you. Grip Down Between Clubs Each par-3 hole has its unique challenges, and often you’ll find yourself “in between clubs.” Since par-3s typically feature smaller targets, precision is key. Most amateurs tend to take the longer club and swing softer, but this can lead to disconnect between the arms and body, often resulting in poor shots. Professionals often opt for the shorter club and swing harder, aiming to leave the ball below the flagstick for an easier putt. A great solution is to grip down on the longer club and make your reg- ular swing. Gripping down about an inch shortens the club and reduces its distance by roughly seven yards, which can help you control your shot without guessing or overthinking a partial swing. For instance, if you’re uncomfortable hitting a 4-iron or 5-iron 180 yards, try gripping down on a hybrid. Hybrids are forgiving, easier to hit, and will allow you to make a smooth swing, getting the ball closer to your desired distance. Avoid Sucker Pins Arnold Palmer once advised, “Hit it at the middle of the green.” Some golfers prefer aiming straight for the flag, but if you miss, the penalty can be steep.When Palmer’s design team creates par-3s, they ensure trouble lies on all sides of the green but also provide a safe play option. Going for the middle of the green is often the best choice, especially on challenging par-3s. Aiming at the center gives you a good birdie chance and virtually guarantees a makeable par. This conservative approach can save strokes and keep you out of trouble, leaving you with a steady score on these demanding holes. Visualize a Full Shot Routine Approach each par-3 shot with a clear routine to get in the right mindset. Start by visualizing the shot shape, take a few deep breaths, and execute your pre-shot routine fully. This can reduce nerves and help you focus, which is essential since there’s only one shot to reach the green. Mastering par-3s is all about strategy, precision and consistency. By cre- ating a perfect lie, gripping down when needed, and aiming smart, you can walk off the course with a handful of pars or even birdies, helping to improve your score and your enjoyment of the game. Golf is a game we play for a lifetime—be a lifelong learner. Laird Small recently retired from a nearly half-century career as a golf professional. Most well known for his 19 years of leadership of the Pebble Beach Golf Academy, Small is a PGA Master Professional, one of GOLF Magazine’s top 100 teachers in America and was 2003 National PGA Teacher of the Year. When Palmer’s design team creates par-3s, they ensure trouble lies on all sides of the green but also provide a safe play option. P 106 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 5