LOS ANGELES – There’s also the 12th at Augusta National. TPC Sawgrass’ 17th. The seventh at Pebble Beach.
The par 3s are all iconic for different reasons. There are many other famous short holes in the United States.
The par-3 10th hole at Bel-Air Country Club has been making waves this week in the U.S. Amateur.
The hole is 205 yards long. This is not the full story. It’s about 15 yards steeper. The tee-shot goes from the clubhouse to a green that is nestled in between hills, giving it the appearance of an amphitheater. The famous swinging bridge, on the left, takes you from the tee to the green.
U.S. Women’s Amateur: Photos
Gianna Clemente said, “It is really unique.” We don’t see many par 3s with 210-215 uphill.
This hole was the subject of much discussion during the U.S. women’s amateur, and with good reason. The intimidating shot was the opening shot for the first two stroke play days. The target appears small from the teebox, compared with the canyon and bridge below.
It almost didn’t happen. The hole was created when Bel-Air gave some land away to UCLA. A canyon crossing enabled the course to use adjacent land for its back nine. The elevator takes players to the tee and the bridge gets them to the green.
The hole was averaged at 3.31 and 3.38 strokes in the first two rounds. It was not the hardest hole in Bel-Air on either day, even though it is the most intimidating visually.
Caroline Canales said, “I think that people might be a bit overwhelmed when they step onto the tee.” She plays for UCLA and has played this hole about 100 times. “I’ve been to the green more times than I have missed it.” It’s a very intimidating hole.
Megan Meng’s tee-shot on hole ten at the 2023 U.S. women’s amateur at Bel-Air Country Club, Los Angeles, Calif., on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. (James Gilbert/USGA)
The thick rough around the green is designed to keep the ball from rolling downhill, even though the terrain slopes towards the putting surface. This can lead to difficult chip shots, and the chance to make a bogey.
Golfers began their match on Wednesday morning with the par-3 10. Eight out of ten golfers made par or higher, with one birdie. Two bogeys were also recorded.
The 10th hole is likely to be crucial on Sunday. Even a par score can be enough to give you an advantage over your opponent. It’s likely that players who are able to conquer this difficult hole will be successful the rest of the week.
Briana Chacon, medalist and number one seed said: “It is a great hole.” It’s difficult to make birdies but I am happy with a par.
