Hole 1 at Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

Par 4 • 394 Yards • Half Moon Bay, California

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Challenging

The opening hole at Arthur Hills' acclaimed Ocean Course sets the tone for a round that masterfully blends Scottish seaside golf tradition with California's stunning coastline. This strategic opener welcomes golfers to one of Northern California's most celebrated public courses, where every shot is framed by the Pacific's dramatic beauty.

Tees:

394y376y360y316y316y

Green:25y × 28y

Fairway @250y:43y wide

9 Bunkers dogleg

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Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 394 yds
Green: 4236 sq ft
Bunkers: 9
Course Slope: 129
Course Rating: 72.5

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Hole 2

Par 4 • 332y

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Recommended Gear

Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

At 394 yards, this par 4 demands precision off the tee. The fairway widens significantly from 38 yards at the 200-yard mark to 43 yards at 250 yards, so longer hitters have more room to work with. Aim for the 220-240 yard range to set up the best approach angle.

approach

With the green measuring just 4,236 square feet (25x28 yards), accuracy is paramount on your approach shot. This compact target requires precise club selection and committed execution - there's little margin for error on this seaside finishing hole.

hazard warning

Three bunkers guard the approach zone at 371, 373, and 378 yards from the tee. These strategically placed hazards can catch both lay-up shots and aggressive second shots, so factor in the coastal wind conditions when selecting your approach club.

approach

From a well-positioned tee shot at 220-240 yards, you'll face a mid-to-short iron approach of 150-170 yards to this elevated green. The compact 25x28 yard putting surface sits dramatically on the bluff, so take one extra club to ensure you carry the front edge in the ocean breeze.

tee shot

Conservative players should target the center-left of the fairway at the 200-yard mark where the corridor is 38 yards wide. This safer line avoids trouble and still leaves a manageable approach to this world-renowned finishing hole with its spectacular Pacific Ocean backdrop.

train this shot at home

This 394-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

With bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 394-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 1?

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

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 1?

Key hazards include: 5 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 1?

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

What's a good score on hole 1?

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 1 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 394-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 →