How The Owner Plays Redstone: Hole 3

Hi there,

Hole 3 is a scorer’s dream today — a short, downhill par 3.

But before we play the modern version, I need to get a little nostalgic about the original Hole 3.

Back in 1995 — long before Redstone became what it is now — Hole 3 was an insane par 3.

Not because it had water or bunkers.

Not because it was tricky.

It was insane because it was 240 yards downhill, with a tiny green — maybe 1,000 square feet — and you had to land the ball on the putting surface to have any chance of holding it.

I remember arriving that day and getting paired up with a couple locals. One of them was Gene Berglund.

If you know Gene, you know he’s friendly, warm, welcoming… and quietly hilarious.

We get to the tee, and Gene says, completely casually:

“Well, this one’s easy.”

Then he tees it up, hits one dead centre, and turns to me with a wry smile:

“Just do that, and you’ll be okay.”

Classic Gene.

My shot looks good — lands about ten feet left of the green on the dry slope — and before the ball even starts moving, Gene says:

“That’s gone.”

Sure enough, it ripped across the green like it had somewhere better to be and disappeared into the bushes.

Gene doesn’t know it, but I remember that moment like it was yesterday.

And honestly… it still shapes my mindset standing over the ball on Hole 3 today.

Back to the present

Today, Hole 3 is much friendlier.

It’s 142 yards, all downhill, and on this day there’s no wind.

A slight draw is helpful, but not necessary.

The green is now protected by beautiful bunkering — five bunkers in total — and there’s a downhill slope on the right that can gather a ball if you leak it.

But there’s also a supportive slope on the left that will help a slight pull.

The flag today is back left, and I’ll say one important thing:

Those left-side bunkers are the worst places to be.

The green slopes away, and if you catch one thin out of there, an easy three turns into an easy five.

So for the sake of the story, let’s assume you hit a good shot — just slightly right of the flag.

That’s the spot.

This green slopes left to right, so being below the hole makes a two-putt much more likely… and a three-putt much less likely.

And if you’re from out of town, I’ll repeat my favorite advice:

Walk around these greens.

Look at them from every side.

And remember… as Kevin likes to say…

Putts don’t break uphill.

Next up: Hole 4 — where the course starts asking for something a little more serious.

See you up here,

Cary, Owner