Ever found yourself on a long par 5 and wondered if golf holes can get even longer? The answer is a definitive yes. This article breaks down exactly what the highest par in golf is, introducing you to the official guidelines and the real-world monster holes that push the very limits of the game. We'll even give you some solid, coach-approved advice on how to strategize for these epic challenges.
Before we can talk about the highest par, we need to be crystal clear on what par represents. Simply put, par is the predetermined number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a hole. It's the benchmark, the gold standard for scoring on any given hole.
The calculation is pretty straightforward and almost always follows a simple formula: a certain number of strokes to reach the green, followed by two putts. It's a system designed for consistency and fairness in measuring performance.
Let’s break it down:
This "two-putt" rule is the cornerstone. While we all love sinking a one-putt for a birdie, the par system's architecture is built on the foundation of a two-putt standard on every green.
Now for the main event. While you’ll mostly encounter par 3s, 4s, and 5s, the official governing bodies of golf, the USGA and the R&A, absolutely do have guidelines for higher par ratings. Yardage is the primary factor used to determine a hole's par.
According to the official recommendations, the highest recognized par is a par 6.
Here’s a look at the yardage guidelines that golf course architects use when assigning par. Note that these are just recommendations, and factors like elevation, doglegs, and prevailing winds can influence the final decision.
As you can see, a par 6 hole must be exceptionally long - well over four-tenths of a mile! Anything beyond a par 6, like a par 7, is considered a "novelty" and falls outside of the standard framework for course design and rating. While a couple exist, they are extreme rarities.
Thinking about playing a Par 6 is one thing, seeing what they look like in the wild is another. These holes are legendary for their length and the demand they place on a golfer's strategy and endurance. Here are a few of the most famous ones:
Often considered the most famous of the bunch, the 6th hole at Meadow Farms is a titan. Measuring a staggering 841 yards, this hole is a true three-shotter just to get *near* the green for most amateurs. It’s long, it’s straight, and it requires three solid, well-placed shots before you're even thinking about your approach wedge.
If you thought 841 yards was long, buckle up. The 3rd hole on the Jeongeup course at Gunsan Country Club stretches to an almost unbelievable 1,097 yards from the back tees. At over a kilometer long, this par 6 tests not just your swing but your mental fortitude. Playing this hole is less of a golf shot and more of a pilgrimage.
During the 2012 Volvo Golf Champions tournament on the European Tour, host Gary Player famously converted the 18th hole at The Links into a par 6. By moving the tee back, the hole played at around 780 yards for the pros, creating a dramatic and memorable finish to the tournament. It showed that even at the highest level, a par 6 can be an exciting test.
The 9th hole at Ronnacarte is one of Europe's longest, clocking in at 708 yards. This par 6 is known for its winding fairway and strategically placed hazards, proving that extreme length can also be paired with clever design to produce a fascinating challenge.
As a coach, the first thing I’d tell a golfer standing on the tee of an 800-yard hole is this: breathe. Your instinct might be to pull the driver and swing for the fences, but brute force isn't the smart play here. Surviving, and even scoring well on a par 6, is all about strategy.
You have to completely change your mindset. Don't think of it as one long, intimidating hole. Instead, break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
The most effective mental trick is to re-frame the hole. Instead of seeing a "Par 6," see it as an easy par 4 followed by a flick with a wedge onto the green. Or maybe it's two back-to-back 400-yard par 4 tee shots. Break it into segments you're comfortable with.
For an amateur, making double bogey (an 8) is far from a failure on a hole this long. Making a bogey (a 7) is a fantastic score you should be proud of. Making par is a monumental achievement.
By playing for position and avoiding penalties, you take the pressure off. The big mistakes on these marathon holes come from players trying to hit miracle shots - threading a 3-wood through trees or trying to carry a water hazard from 250 yards out. Play smart, patient golf. Make your goal to avoid a big number, and you might surprise yourself by carding a good one.
While a normal round of golf will have you facing par 3s, 4s, and 5s, the officially recognized par 6 stands as the game's ultimate test of length and endurance. These rare holes require a shift from a power-first mindset to one of patience and intelligent course management, breaking the hole down into a series of smaller, simpler challenges.
That kind of strategic thinking is powerful, but it can be hard to do alone when you're overwhelmed on the tee. That's a huge part of why we built Caddie AI. Standing on a massive hole, you can describe the situation and our AI will serve as your personal strategist, helping you break it down into a smart, shot-by-shot plan. By recommending fairway finder-clubs and a target for that critical third shot, Caddie AI takes the guesswork out of intimidating situations, allowing you to play with clarity and confidence on even the longest holes in the world.
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