Hole 16 at Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

Par 4 • 381 Yards • Half Moon Bay, California

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Challenging

The 16th hole at Half Moon Bay's Ocean Course presents one of the most challenging approach shots on the property, demanding a precise tee shot downhill between menacing pot bunkers before facing a forced carry over a deep creek. This demanding par-4 tests accuracy over distance, with the creek guarding a deceptively wide green that features one of the course's most treacherous putting surfaces.

Tees:

381y365y360y316y281y

Green:32y × 24y

Fairway @250y:41y wide

4 BunkersWater dogleg

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Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 381 yds
Green: 4693 sq ft
Bunkers: 4
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 129
Course Rating: 72.5

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Target the center-right of the fairway with your tee shot, as the fairway narrows from 45 yards wide at the 200-yard mark to just 41 yards at 250 yards. This positioning sets up the best angle for your approach while avoiding the pot bunkers mentioned in the course description.

approach

Plan your approach to favor the right side of the pin position on this 32-yard wide by 24-yard deep green. The course notes specifically recommend staying right of the flagstick on your second shot to avoid the challenging ridge that runs through the center of the putting surface.

hazard warning

Be aware of the forced carry over a deep creek on your approach shot. With bunkers positioned at 268.6, 298.4, and 349.8 yards from the tee, club selection is critical to clear both the creek and avoid the greenside hazards on this downhill approach.

green

The green's compact 4,693 square feet and prominent center ridge make putting extremely challenging. Focus on leaving your approach below the hole and on the correct tier to avoid difficult two-putts across the ridge that divides this putting surface.

approach

At 381 yards, this par-4 requires precise distance control on your approach. The combination of downhill lie, forced carry over water, and the relatively shallow 24-yard green depth demands accurate yardage calculation and proper club selection.

train this shot at home

This 381-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

When water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 381-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 16?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker; water at 359.2 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 16?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

What's a good score on hole 16?

This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.

Can I practice hole 16 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 381-yard par 4 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 →