There are a lot of great par threes and some courses are blessed more than others but for me, one course stands out and the honor goes for 2012 to Hartland Glen's north course. Located just over the line bordering Oakland and Livingston Counties, HG is very unusual for both the beauty, for having the most enjoyable set of par threes in a given 18 holes. It is true I have played many par threes that are tougher, have tougher shots but let's take a closer look.
What course has not one but two finishing holes that are par threes on both the ninth and 18 holes?
The first par three encountered on the course is a ho-hum 218-230 yard wack and will make most golfers get out their biggest fairway wood available. Missing the green is a chip to the large putting surface and while the greens roll true at the course, you could bogey a hole that has no real trouble. So what makes this hole special, it is collectively paired with three scenic and dangerous holes for those not careful.
The ninth hole ranges in play from 118-135 yards and this downhill par three is surrounded by water in the front, has beautiful weeping willows to the one side and a green that slopes from back to front. You want to play below the pin to putt uphill but there is always a slight wind at this hole and that brings the pond in play. Going long brings a nasty sand bunker and unless you have very deft touch, your sand shot will be bladed and will roll way past the pin and a poor shot will go into the pond. Still, a well struck shot is always welcomed and birdies and the occasional ace are welcome and so are the suds in the clubhouse right behind the green.
The third of the four par 3's happens dab smack in the middle of the back nine on number 14. A hole that looks easy is only measured at 137-145 yards but the green is long and narrow and is surrounded by sand bunkers. Knocking it stiff is always the best answer but once again, wind always seems to play a factor and the hole plays longer than the stated yardage. The grass bunkers are tricky and the sand always seems to make you wish you had a second chance. It's a birdie hole at best and a bogey hole where you kick yourself.
The final hole is the finishing par three hole that is shaped like a horseshoe. This 123-140 yard wedge to high iron will be good for your ego. The green is wide and needs to be as once again a slight wind will most likely catch your ball over the ample pond that surrounds this green. The tee box is elevated over the green. Once you are on and that part is easy, your ball will most likely drift one way or another. Making your putt will most likely give you a skin.
The clubhouse is friendly so having a beer after playing this course is a must before making the drive home. I hope there is disagreement. Comment either way.
http://www.hartlandglen.com/html/scorecards.html
