Hole 17 at Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

Par 3 • 184 Yards • Half Moon Bay, California

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Tough

The spectacular 17th hole at Half Moon Bay's Ocean Course is often compared to Pebble Beach's famous 7th, perched dramatically on the blufftop overlooking the Pacific. This challenging par-three demands precision to an elegantly placed green just steps from one of the Bay Area's most beautiful beaches.

Tees:

184y149y129y111y74y

Green:24y × 28y

2 Bunkers dogleg

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Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 184 yds
Green: 3940 sq ft
Bunkers: 2
Course Slope: 129
Course Rating: 72.5

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Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This scenic 184-yard par-3 requires precise club selection to carry the bunkers positioned at 169.8 and 174.5 yards. Choose a club that comfortably clears these hazards while accounting for coastal wind conditions that are common along this spectacular oceanside stretch.

green

The compact 3,940 square foot green measuring 24 by 28 yards demands accuracy over distance. This relatively small target leaves little margin for error, so focus on smooth tempo and commit fully to your club selection rather than trying to finesse the shot.

approach

With the green dimensions of 24 by 28 yards, pin position becomes critical on this hole. Aim for the center of the green when the pin is tucked behind bunkers or near edges, as the compact putting surface punishes aggressive shots that miss their mark.

hazard warning

The bunkers at 174.5 yards are positioned to catch shots that come up just short of the green. Take one extra club to ensure you clear these hazards, especially when playing into any coastal headwind that's common on this clifftop location.

tee shot

At 184 yards to a 3,940 square foot target, this hole rewards precision over power. Take time to assess wind direction and intensity before selecting your club, as the exposed coastal location can significantly affect ball flight and distance.

train this shot at home

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

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 184 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 17?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?

Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 17?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 17?

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 17 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 →