Our panel have traversed the top Scottish tracks ahead of concocting the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list – but what is their favourite par 3?
Golf’s lowest par hole can consist of varying characteristics, from length to backdrops. Scotland boasts some of the most iconic holes but also some hidden gems.
This list consists of those that are displayed on TV in professional tournaments, and yet others that have rarely been discovered before.
What do our panellists think? There are many incredible par 3s across the country, but will our panellists go with the majority? Or will there be numerous arguments for an underappreciated prospect that perhaps does not garner the affection it deserves?
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What do our panellists rate as the best par 3 in Scotland?
Chris Griffiths: 15th hole at North Berwick. It has inspired the design of so many holes around the world, and I can see why
Chris Myatt: The Machrie 3rd. The hole plays along the coast to a large tiered green framed by modest dunes. Subtle, aesthetically pleasing and demands a good golf shot
Paul Watson: Hole 18 Durness. Measuring 155 yards, it requires a tee shot over the cliff to a small green with no bailout possible. Do or die!
Greg Webber: The 8th across the bay at Kilspindie. Or the 13th at The Glen, which has water long or right
Stu Bennett: The 8th at Royal Aberdeen – stunning short hole defended by classic pot bunkers and the wind
Charles Abraham: The 13th at Muirfield – plenty of pot bunkers await an errant tee shot
Oliver Baker: The sixth at Brora (Witches)
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One venue in the Highlands received votes for different par 3s, showing the quality of the course…
Craig Morrison: The second at Royal Dornoch. As simple as you like. As hard as can be. And the promise of what lies ahead
Michael Atkinson: Royal Dornoch’s 6th hole – a long, thin green, deep bunkers and gorse to the left, steep slopes to the right and the back
While there were a number of holes that had many of our panellists raving about them…
Neil White: The 9th on Turnberry’s Ailsa. The lighthouse, the gorge, the drama
Steve Watton: 9th Turnberry
Jim Marshall: Number 9 at Turnberry Ailsa. Over the water to the lighthouse – a cracker
Lewis Marr: 17th Castle Course, simply one of the best par 3s I have ever played
Dove Jones: I love the 17th on the Castle Course at St. Andrews and the 11th on the Old Course
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David Walker: 4th Cruden Bay – inlet to the left over a valley. Dunes framing both the right side and green, and this is a stunning hole, but at 190 yards, this is not just beauty; it’s a beast where par is cherished
Michael Verity: 4th at Cruden Bay. Honourable mention to the 16th at Golspie
Hugh Masson: The 11th at Castle Stuart. A stunning little par three. Two vast bunkers stand guard to a green that drops into the firth
David Fox: 11th at Castle Stuart. A signature hole overlooking the Moray Firth, with a rolling green guarded by perfectly placed, tricky bunkers. Perfection!
Jim Banting: The 15th at Kingsbarns. It is visually stunning, and pure ball striking is required
David Elliott: 15th at Kingsbarns probably just pips a few others. Somehow manages to combine a classic hitting over the sea links par 3, with a view which wouldn’t be out of place in the Caribbean (on a good day)
Ian Woods: 15th at Kingsbarns. Not too long. Not too short. Plenty of room for embarrassment. Deep contentment if you walk away with par.
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And of course, there was a number of nominations for one of the most famous par 3s of them all…
Ed Battye: Royal Troon‘s 8th – the Postage Stamp – small but perfectly formed
Phil Bedford: Postage Stamp
Andi White: Royal Troon, the Postage Stamp. Hit an excellent tee shot, heading for the green, but watched it slip slowly into the coffin bunker
Craig Redston: Postage Stamp, Troon
Peter Rudd: Hole 8 Troon – a short hole but so punishing if you get it wrong
Listen to the NCG Top 100s Podcast
NOW READ: What is the best par 5 in Scotland?
NOW READ: What is the best par 4 in Scotland?
NOW READ: What is the best hole in Scotland? – COMING SOON
Now have your say
Would you agree with our panellists? What do you think is the best par 3 in Scotland? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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