Welcome to North Shore Golf‘s newest feature. We begin the series with some of the region’s toughest holes. The selections were based on input from club pros, who also offer some advice on how to best play these deceptively difficult par-busters. Do you agree? Let us know. Email sports@essexmediagroup.com.

Beverly Golf and Tennis Club #12

This par 3 measures 195 yards from the back tee, and the slightly uphill hole comes with a false front. Drives that barely reach the green often slide back down and off the green. Sand traps and out-of-bounds to the left make it more challenging.

“So, you have to take a little extra top for the ball to spin on the green (and avoid going past the pin),” said Head PGA Pro David Dionne. 

The green has a steep slope from back to front, and depending on where the pin location is, “You could putt it right off the green.”

When asked how often players birdie or ace the hole, Dionne was quick and to the point.

“Not often,” he said. “If you can get a hole-in-one on that hole, that’s pretty good. We might go a year or two on that hole.” 

A pro’s advice: Try not to go past the pin because you could very well putt the ball off the green coming back down.

Gannon Municipal Golf Course #8

This long par 4 measures 416 yards. Head PGA Pro David Sibley says the length of the hole is its biggest challenge. But putting on a severely-sloped green is no picnic.

“The green is sloped significantly from back to front,” he said. “So, getting (the ball) to the left or above the hole presents you with a very quick putt.”

Long hitters have an advantage. The extra yardage from the tee allows their drive to reach a downward slope that can make the ball roll another 30 or 40 yards.

“But only the longest of hitters can get that. It’s almost like a big valley that you’re hitting. If you stay up top, you’re hitting it over to a green that sits up a little bit with that severe slope.” 

A pro’s advice: Be smart. Keep the ball underneath the hole for a more makeable putt.

Hillview Golf Course #9

This is an “extremely difficult” par 3, said Chris Carter, head PGA pro at the North Reading course. It starts with an intimidating, long carry over a large pond and onto an uphill green. 

“The yardage states 191 yards on the scorecard, but it plays at least 10 yards longer due to the green being elevated,” said Carter, who added it’s 175 yards from the white tee and 153 from the forward red gold tee. “Most players aren’t able to hit the green (which is on the smaller side) on their first shot.”

A par 3 is a “great accomplishment,” said Carter. Most players score a bogie or higher.

“Honestly, try to keep it as a bogie and move on,” said Carter, who recommends recharging at the snack bar for an easier back nine.

A hole-in-one has only happened “once or twice” during Carter’s 28 years at the club. 

“As far as birdies go, maybe one a week.”

A pro’s advice: Select a club that you can hit to the front edge of the green.