The best par-3 holes in Muskoka

Par-3 holes are often the most memorable holes on a golf course.

Not only are they situated on some of the most dramatic terrain, they also present a do-or-die dilemma. It’s one shot for glory, and many times the alternative comes with a big number.

In Muskoka, we’re used to seeing lots of trouble: rock, trees, wetlands, did I mention rock? The spectacular courses carved out of the rugged Canadian Shield have danger lurking at every turn. Often the course designers will use some of the most inhospitable spots to plant a par-3 hole with little room for a bailout and no recovery from a mis-hit shot.

Whether you have to hit across a pond, a marsh, a canyon or creek, whether it’s uphill or downhill, you can generally expect that the tee shot is only the first obstacle to overcome. Muskoka greens are notorious for slopes, contours and run-off areas, meaning that sticking the shot is something else again. And then there’s putting.

Following are 10 of the best par-3 holes in Muskoka (public and resort courses). They’re beautiful yet challenging, and walking off with a par on any of them will let you breathe a sigh of relief and put a smile on your face. (Note: yardages shown are from the back tees.)

Deerhurst Highlands, Huntsville, Ontario (Bob Cupp and Tom McBroom / 1990):  Hole #8 / 231 yards

There aren’t too many double greens around but this one’s a beauty. The par 3 8th green backs onto the par 3 17th. The 8th plays severely downhill across rock and wetland while the 17th traverses a pond. Either could have been my “best” par 3 at Deerhurst but I have a bias for elevated holes, so the 8th gets the nod.

The Rock Golf Club, Minett, Ontario (Nick Faldo / 2004): Hole #11, 150 yards

This one looks deceptively straightforward but the green falls off on the left and behind. Rock guards the right side too. Faldo’s greens generally aren’t too severe but there’s enough slope here to require caution on this long narrow green.

South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club, Bracebridge, Ontario (Robbie Robinson / 1974): Hole #8, 169 yards 

As pretty as a post card. I almost made a hole in one here.

Taboo Resort, Gravenhurst, Ontario (Ron Garl / 2002): Hole #15, 193 yards

Taboo is closed for the 2026 season as it undergoes a “major redevelopment.” Not sure what that means for individual holes but the 15th was always an adventure, especially if you encountered the rock bordering the front of the green.

Lake Joseph Club, Port Sandfield, Ontario (Tom McBroom / 1997): Hole #8, 158 yards 

Elevation can really mess with your distance estimates. The 8th green at Lake Jo sits 75-80 feet below the tee deck and is surrounded by large bunkers and back-stopped by a sheer rock face. Anything goes if you miss the putting surface.

Oak Bay Golf Club, Port Severn, Ontario (Shawn Watters / 2010): Hole #6, 167 yards 

A very daunting tee shot. There’s some bailout room across the water but you can’t see it well because the tee deck is below the landing area and the green. The putting surface is quite contoured with several run-off areas.

Manitou Ridge, McKellar, Ontario (Tom McBroom / 2004):       Hole #17, 216 yards

This spectacular hole has a series of tee decks that step down the hill as you move closer to the green. There’s a temptation to hit less club because the green is sharply downhill but experience teaches you that the green across the valley is actually raised above the bottom of the valley. A large green with substantial slope and contours.

Rocky Crest Golf Club, MacTier, Ontario (Tom McBroom / 2000): Hole #17, 201 yards

Trust your yardage. There isn’t much of a backdrop to help assess the distance across the wetlands but fortunately there is room in front if you come up a bit short of this large undulating green.

Muskoka Bay Club, Gravenhurst, Ontario (Doug Carrick / 2007): Hole #17, 214 yards

As the penultimate hole at Muskoka Bay, the 17th presents one more test near the end of a spectacular round. Getting there is just half the battle. The green slopes towards the water and is divided left and right by a substantial ridge. Landing on the wrong half can really test your putting skill.

Seguin Valley Golf Club, Parry Sound, Ontario (Ron Dennis & Ted George / 2003): Hole #7, 212 yards

Gorgeous scenery and a long carry across the water with little margin for errant shots on the other side. The middle tee deck at 170 yards is often a better choice. The forward tee on the platform half way along the bridge is a fun shot too.

Those are my favourites. I’d love to hear about yours if you want to leave a comment below.