Hole 12 at Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

Par 3 • 220 Yards • Half Moon Bay, California

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Brutal

The 12th hole at Half Moon Bay's Ocean Course exemplifies Arthur Hills' vision of bringing Scottish seaside golf to the California coast. This strategic par-3 demands precision shot-making while showcasing the course's reputation for blending challenging play with the dramatic natural beauty that ranks it among Northern California's premier public courses.

Tees:

220y195y164y146y139y

Green:32y × 26y

1 Bunker dogleg

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Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 220 yds
Green: 4993 sq ft
Bunkers: 1
Course Slope: 129
Course Rating: 72.5

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Recommended Gear

A hybrid or long iron makes this long par 3 far more manageable off the tee.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 220-yard par-3 demands precise club selection and commitment to your line. With no fairway landing area and bunkers positioned at 199 yards, you must carry your tee shot nearly to the green complex to avoid trouble.

green

Target the generous 4,993 square foot green (32x26 yards) which provides ample landing area. In windy conditions typical of this coastal setting, use the slope left of the green to help funnel your ball toward the pin.

hazard warning

Avoid the bunker complex positioned at 199 yards - just 21 yards short of the green. Coming up short here will leave you with a challenging sand shot to a potentially elevated green.

approach

With the green measuring 26 yards deep, club selection is critical. Take one extra club in the prevalent ocean winds and aim for the center of the green rather than attacking pins, especially on this dramatic clifftop hole.

tee shot

This hole offers no bailout areas - the 34-yard fairway width at 200 yards becomes irrelevant since you must carry the full 220 yards. Commit fully to your target line and trust your distance control.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your long iron or hybrid. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

On long par 3s, hitting the green is a win — don't be afraid to take one extra club and aim center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 220 yards, most golfers will need a fairway wood or hybrid to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 12?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 12?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 12?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

What's a good score on hole 12?

This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.

Can I practice hole 12 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course). You can play this exact par 3 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →