Let me say that for me 160 yards would be a normal 5 iron, from the fairway. Playing from a tee with a "perfect lie" I'd probably get a bit more.

The trouble with this hole is that if you don't hit the green there is a strong likelihood that you'll be in serious trouble. The fairway ends where the little creek runs across and the trees begin. Between that point and the green there's uneven ground, pine needles, roots, etc. On either side, trees, saplings. If you miss the 20 yard gap through to the green, there's a good chance you'll hit trees and ricochet into an unplayable lie or lose the ball in the gulley where the creek is. If you can hit straight onto the green, there's no need to go over the trees.

Conceptually, I find it best to think of this as an "island" green 60 yards from the near bank. If you miss it, you're not necessarily in water, but you're very likely to lose a stroke one way or another. I've seen plenty of better golfers than me (who isn't?) take a 5 or worse on this hole. I know that there are also plenty who aren't fazed by having to hit a green from 160 yards straight off the tee.

It reminds me of another par 3, on a different course. This one is a mere 130 yards. BUT...it's a nasty bugger. The green is at the top of a steep hill, 30 or 40 yards up. There's only 20 or so yards or fairway between the top of the hill and the green. The hill itself is covered with long weeds, woodchuck holes, branches, etc., and it's hard just to get a foothold. On either side there's deep forest. On this hole there's no possibility of laying up or you'll likely hit it into the side of the hill or into a woodchuck hole. I play this hole with an 8 iron, and I have managed to hit the green, and even shot a par a few times. But it's very intimidating because if the tee shot isn't properly lofted and pretty straight, this hole is likely to be a train wreck.

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Todd
Philadelphia, PA
USA

The reason the pro tells you to keep your head down is so you can't see him laughing. ~Phyllis Diller