Every hole on the course is a puzzle, and par 3s, par 4s and par 5s each ask different questions. On a par 3, you get one swing to find the green. On a par 4, the tee shot sets up everything. On a par 5, you have choices: go for the green, lay up or play it as three solid shots. Understanding how to approach each type of hole is one of the simplest ways to lower your scores without changing your swing.
Par 3s
Par 3s range from short pitches to long holes needing a fairway wood or hybrid. Your tee shot is your approach shot.
Club selection
- Use the yardage to the middle of the green, then adjust for the pin position, wind and elevation.
- Take enough club. Most amateurs come up short on par 3s. If you are between clubs, take the longer one and swing smoothly.
- Know your real distances. Use our club distance chart.
Target
- Aim for the centre of the green in most cases.
- Avoid short-siding yourself: if the pin is close to a bunker or water, aim to the side with more green.
- Look at the miss: where is the safest place to miss? Short, long, left or right?
Use the tee
- Tee the ball up, even with irons. A low tee gives you a perfect lie.
- Tee up on the side of trouble and aim away from it.
Read which tees should I play? and our hole in one guide.
Par 4s
Par 4s make up the majority of holes on most courses. The goal is to reach the green in two shots, or to set up a straightforward third.
The tee shot
- Think about your second shot first. Where on the fairway gives you the best angle and distance into the green?
- Choose the club that finds that spot. On tight or short holes, a fairway wood, hybrid or iron may be better than the driver. Read fairway woods: how to choose and hit them.
- Aim away from the biggest danger, such as out of bounds or water.
- Play the dogleg: on holes that bend, choose a line and club that keep you out of trouble at the corner.
Short par 4s
Short par 4s tempt long hitters to go for the green. Consider:
- The reward: a chance of birdie or eagle.
- The risk: bunkers, water or a tricky pitch from a bad angle.
- The alternative: a lay-up to a full wedge distance often leads to more birdies and fewer doubles.
Long par 4s
On long par 4s you may not reach the green in two. Treat them as "par 4.5":
- Lay up short of trouble to a good wedge distance.
- Accept a bogey as a good score, with a chance of a par if your short game is sharp.
Read how to score without distance.
The approach
- Middle of the green unless you have a short iron or wedge and a safe flag.
- Take more club into the wind and less downwind. Read how to play golf in the wind.
Par 5s
Par 5s are the best birdie chances for many golfers, and the most common source of big numbers.
Plan backwards
- Decide where you want to play your approach from: your favourite full wedge distance.
- Work back: where must the second shot finish to leave that distance?
- Then the tee shot: where must it finish to make that second shot easy?
Going for the green in two
Consider going for it only if:
- You can comfortably reach with a club you hit well.
- The lie is good.
- The miss is not catastrophic (no water, out of bounds or deep bunkers around the green).
If any of these are missing, lay up.
The lay-up
- Lay up to a specific distance, not just "as far as possible". A full wedge is easier than an awkward half shot.
- Lay up to the widest part of the fairway, away from hazards.
- Use the club that guarantees the lay-up even if you don't hit it perfectly.
Read wedge play: pitching and spin.
General strategy for every hole
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Where is the biggest danger? | Aim away from it to avoid penalty strokes |
| Where do I want to play my next shot from? | Plan the hole backwards |
| What is my most reliable club for this shot? | Confidence beats ambition |
| What is a good score on this hole for me? | Use your handicap strokes realistically |
Use your handicap
If you receive a stroke on a hole, a bogey is a net par. Read the stroke index on the scorecard and plan accordingly. Read how golf scoring works.
After a bad shot
Get back into play with the simplest option. Read golf trouble shots.
Read golf course management.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always hit driver on par 4s?
No. Choose the club that leaves the best second shot. On tight or short holes, a fairway wood, hybrid or iron is often smarter.
Should I go for par 5s in two?
Only if you can reach comfortably with a club you trust, from a good lie, and the miss is not severe. Otherwise lay up to your favourite wedge distance.
Why do I keep coming up short on par 3s?
Most golfers overestimate how far they hit their irons. Use your average distance, not your best, and take more club.
What is a good lay-up distance?
The distance of your favourite full wedge shot, often between about 70 and 110 yards.
The bottom line
Each type of hole needs its own plan. Hit the middle of par-3 greens with enough club, place your tee shots on par 4s to set up the approach, and plan par 5s backwards to your favourite wedge distance. Aim away from danger, accept bogeys and avoid doubles, and your scores will drop. For a bigger goal, read how to break 80.