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 Resort, Hole #8, 231 yards
The Rock Golf Club, Hole #11, 150 yards
North Granite Ridge, Hole #9, 219 yards
Taboo Resort, Hole #15, 193 yards
Lake Joseph Club, Hole #8, 158 yards
Oak Bay Golf Club, Hole #6, 167 yards
Ridge at Manitou, Hole #17, 216 yards
Rocky Crest Golf Club, Hole #17, 201 yards
Muskoka Bay Club, Hole #17, 214 yards
Seguin Valley Golf Club, Hole #7, 212 yards
For more information on courses you can play in Muskoka, click HERE.
Good stuff, great area!
Seguin Valley has three incredible par 3’s… the mammoth 14th combines distance and elevation like no other… and the serene 4th hole that has an incredible variety of tee locations and a green set in one of the more idyllic locations in Muskoka… I like those two holes better than the 7th, which admittedly gets all the attention.
Thanks for the comment James. We went for the WOW factor in selecting holes for this article but many courses in Muskoka have other holes that are more challenging, have more interesting architectural features or present better shot values, as you suggest. Muskoka is such a great place to play. So much variety and spectacular scenery.