Third Hole A Devilish Gem At Pine Needles
The third hole at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club speaks volumes for the overall character of the course. A short par-three requiring only an eight-iron to wedge approach shot, the hole can yield its share of birdies. But if you make a mistake, the small green, a variety of hazards surrounding it and subtle contours to the putting surface will take its toll. Since Pine Needles opened in 1928, the third hole has been one of the most photographed on the course. The trees around the hole are larger and fuller and the bunkers are smoother in their perimeters, but otherwise, little has changed about the hole. The hole measures 134 yards from the gold tees, 127 from the blues, 124 from the whites and 107 from the reds. Club selection is a key to making a good score. The green is very deep and narrow, and pin placement can sometimes mean the difference in two clubs. The hole plays slightly downhill as well, which can throw off depth perception. The best strategy on the third hole is to aim for the center of the green, no matter where the flag is. A hole placed in the front neck of the green can be a tempting target, but the shot has to be played perfectly. Otherwise youčre in the pond fronting the green, a bunker, or youčre faced with a difficult, downhill approach putt if your tee shot is long.
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