Funny, I would have the 3rd at Chaska in my Worst Holes before I have it in my best holes, and it’s not cuz of the tree. It’s because it slows up the entire course right from the start and there isn’t actually a way to run a ball onto the green because of the way the fairway to the left of the bunkers is slanted.
“Going for it” isn’t really a smart play unless you can fly it 300 yards and hold that small green, and laying up to the right of the tree, while it seems optimal, is not because of how demanding that wedge shot is (70 yards, hard to spin, and bunkers short and water long). I’ve found the best option is blast driver into the side of the hill and hope it doesn’t hit the cart path that is way too close to the fairway.
Personally I think there isn’t a good par 3 (unless the pin is in the back on 15), 17 is stinky, the mounding to the left on 14 is septic tank adjacent. Maybe “bad” is too strong of a word, maybe it’s more mediocre. Meaculpa
I think 3 at Northland deserves at least a mention (although I’m sure it will earn a spot later in our Dream 18)
I don’t think it wins. And I don’t think it’s even the best uphill par 4 on the front (that’d be the 2nd, which can’t believe didn’t get mentioned). But it’s an absolute brute and kind of punches you in the face in a way I hate but also love.
Chaska 3 is probably not a best of 18 holes, but it’s certainly fun to play. To me it is a mixture of Hole 4 at Keller with a little Mammoth Dunes Hole 14 (more of a forced carry rather than run up).
Catching up after 4 nights in Pinehurst. Added myself to Landmand list. Begrudgingly cancelled my 10:03 tee time at Prestwick for Friday morning because I bet I’m going to feel the effects of 117 holes of golf this week.
Happy to say that Olympic Hills is no longer the hardest course I’ve ever played. #2 ate my lunch but happy to say I started with a sandy par save on the first hole and holes a 15 footer for par on the last. Luckily I opted for my full brim Aussie hat so I gave the patio a hat wave for their polite applause.
I swear these events only seem to fall on dates I’m busy… I land back at MSP on the 2nd from Ireland at 2:30 PM. Sad to miss this one. Had a ton of fun last year.
