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Country: gb Page generated at: Wednesday, 15 April 2026 at 9:41:04 British Summer Time
golf-tips
Tips
How to play a par-3 over water

published: Mar 15, 2019

|

updated: Jul 23, 2023

How to play a par-3 over water

Dan Whittaker

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Elite golf coach Dan Whittaker helps you overcome your fears on the tee box with some course management advice

Dan Whittaker on how to play a par-3 over water

Table of Contents

Jump to:

  • how to play from an elevated tee
  • when you should play a low pitch shot

Do you struggle when it comes to how to play a par-3 over water?

One of the first things you need to consider is starting to understand where the dangers are. When you come to that conclusion you can then try and eliminate in your head what parts of the green and surrounding areas are a no go zone.

Secondly you need to be aiming for the fat of the green. When conditions are tough and you have a long shot there are no time for heroics. Let’s be sure you don’t bring any danger into play.

How to play a par-3 over water: Main points

You also need to understand the length of the green. When you understand this you can then divide the green into sections so you can be aiming for a particular part if you know there is a bit of danger near one of the zones.

Finally, playing to the conditions is so important. If you can judge the conditions you can then decide what shot shape to play. If the wind is hard off the right, try and play a draw to hold against the wind.

Watch the full video at the top of the page for more tips on how to play a par-3 over water…

putting tips

How to play from an elevated tee

Read full article - How to play from an elevated tee

When you should play a low pitch shot

Read full article - When you should play a low pitch shot

Dan Whittaker is an elite golf swing and performance coach based at High Legh. For more information, visit his website or click here for more advice.

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