Par 6 golf courses are a rarity in the world of golf, with only a handful existing worldwide. These courses offer a unique challenge to experienced golfers, as they are often longer than others and require more accuracy to make par.
A par 6 golf course is a course with at least one hole that measures greater than 670 yards (612 m) for men or greater than 570 yards (521 m) for women. These ultra-long holes require a combination of power and precision to be played successfully and are an actual test of a golfer’s ability.
The rest of this article will discuss a par 6 golf course in more detail to help you understand the challenge of this unique type of course.
What Is a Par 6 Golf Course?
A par 6 golf course is a course where the par – or the number of strokes a competent golfer should take to finish a hole – is six on at least one hole. A golfer needs to hit a very long drive, and then an exceptionally accurate approach shot to finish the hole in six strokes.
Golf courses are typically divided into par 3, par 4, and par 5 holes, with the majority being par 4. Par 3 holes are generally the shortest, with par 5 holes being the longest. Par 6 holes fall outside the traditional golf course structure and are considered a novelty.
One of the main reasons that par 6 holes are so rare is that they require a tremendous amount of land to be built on. The hole must be exceptionally long, and the approach to the green needs to be wide enough for a golfer to hit the green in regulation. This means golf courses with par 6 holes are usually very exclusive and expensive.
The hole length means it takes a long time to play, making a round of golf on a course with a par 6 hole much longer than a traditional round. This can be a drawback for golfers looking to play a quick round, as well as for the course itself, which may need help attracting players due to the length of the round.
Despite the challenges of building and maintaining a par 6 hole, some courses have opted to include one in their design. These holes are often used as a marketing tool to draw in golfers looking for a unique and challenging golf experience. In addition, some golfers enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully completing a par 6 hole.
The Challenge of Playing a Par 6 Hole
Playing a par 6 hole can be a very different experience from playing a traditional golf course for a few reasons:
- The length of the hole means that golfers need to have a greater level of control over their shots and a higher level of fitness to be able to walk the distance.
- The extra length of the hole means that golfers need to be able to plan their shots more carefully, as there are more variables to take into account.
- Par 6 holes require a greater level of concentration and focus. As the hole is so long, there is a greater chance that golfers will tire or become distracted, which can affect their performance.
For these reasons, golfers need to be well-prepared when playing a par 6 hole. Golfers should ensure that they are adequately warmed up, have enough energy to complete the hole, and have the correct equipment and strategy to complete the hole successfully.
Conclusion
Par 6 golf courses offer a unique challenge to experienced golfers and are a great way to test your skills and challenge yourself. Although these courses require more effort, the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction you get from completing a par 6 hole is well worth the effort.