Figuring out the average length of a golf hole seems like it should have a straightforward answer, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. The distance of any given hole depends entirely on its par, the set of tees you’re playing from, and the overall design of the course. This article will break down the typical yardages you can expect for Par 3s, 4s, and 5s, explain how your choice of tee box changes everything, and give you a clearer picture of how it all adds up.
Before we can talk about distance, we have to talk about "par." Par is the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole. It’s the benchmark you’re playing against. This number is determined primarily by the distance from the tee to the green, always assuming two putts on the green.
Every standard golf course is a mix of these three types of holes, usually adding up to a total par of 70, 71, or 72 for 18 holes. The distance of the hole is the main factor that dictates its par.
Par 3s are the shortest holes on the course and are designed to be reached in a single shot from the tee. They are the ultimate test of your iron (and sometimes hybrid or wood) accuracy.
The yardage for a Par 3 can vary dramatically. You might find a short, tricky "pitch and putt" style hole playing around 100-120 yards. On the same course, you could face a monster Par 3 stretching to 220, 230, or even 250+ yards from the back tees, often requiring a fairway wood or even a driver for some amateur players.
A typical 18-hole, par-72 course will have four Par 3s. Their primary purpose is to challenge your ball-striking and distance control with a specific club.
Strategy on a Par 3 is all about one thing: hitting the green. Unlike longer holes, there's no "layup" shot. You have to select the right club and execute a quality swing. The biggest mistake I see golfers make is focusing only on the flag. Instead, your target should almost always be the center of the green. This gives you the largest margin for error. Hitting it a little left, right, short, or long might still leave you with a putt, whereas aiming at a tucked pin and missing slightly could leave you in a bunker or deep rough.
Par 4s are the backbone of any golf course. They are the most common type of hole you'll encounter - a standard par-72 layout usually has ten of them. They are designed to be "two-shot" holes, where you ideally hit the green with your second stroke.
The length of Par 4s dictates the strategy more than any other hole type. There's a huge difference between a “short” Par 4 and a “long” one.
Game management is everything on a Par 4. Before you pull the driver, take a look at the hole. Where are the bunkers? Is there water? Does the fairway narrow at a certain point? Sometimes, the longest club isn't the best choice. Your goal off the tee is to put your ball in the location that gives you the best angle and opportunity for your second shot.
Par 5s are the longest holes on the course and are often seen as the best scoring opportunities. For most amateur golfers, these are "three-shot" holes. A good drive is followed by a "layup" shot to position yourself for a short approach to the green.
Similar to Par 4s, the length and design of a Par 5 dictate the best way to play it.
A typical 18-hole course features four Par 5s.
The big decision on a Par 5 comes after your tee shot: do you go for the green in two? For most players, most of the time, the answer should be no. The amount of risk you take on by hitting a fairway wood over hazards to a distant green is usually not worth the potential reward.
Here’s the smarter play: Treat your second shot as a positioning shot. Instead of just advancing the ball, pick an exact yardage you want to have left for your third shot. Do you love your 100-yard wedge? Then figure out where you need to hit your second shot to leave yourself precisely 100 yards from the green. This turns a long, intimidating hole into three manageable shots and drastically increases your chances of making a par or birdie.
You can't talk about average hole length without talking about tee boxes. The yardage on the scorecard is just a guideline. The actual distance you play is determined by the tees you choose.
Most courses have at least three sets of tees, and many have five or more, often color-coded:
The difference between the forward tees and the championship tees on a single Par 4 can be over 100 yards! Choosing the right set of tees for your skill level is one of the most important decisions you can make. Playing from tees that are too long for your game is a surefire way to have a frustrating day. "Playing it forward" is smart golf - it allows you to hit the clubs the course architect intended and gives you a better chance to score well and have fun.
So, let's tally it up for a standard 18-hole, par-72 course (four Par 3s, ten Par 4s, four Par 5s).
As you can see, there isn't one "average length." It's a range that depends on par and, most importantly, where you start the hole.
Understanding the typical distances for Par 3s, 4s, and 5s provides a framework for how a course is designed and how you should approach your game strategy. The real key is matching your own abilities to the challenge in front of you by choosing the proper set of tee boxes for your current skill level.
Knowing the averages is a great start, but true confidence on the course comes from having a plan for the specific shot in front of you. That’s why I've designed Caddie AI to be your personal on-course expert. When you’re unsure if you should lay up on a long Par 4 or what club to hit on a tricky Par 3, you can get instant, simple advice. You can even snap a photo of a difficult lie to get a recommendation on how to play it, removing the guesswork so you can commit to every swing.
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