Hole 3 at Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

Par 3 • 140 Yards • Half Moon Bay, California

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Hole 3 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 offering golfers their first taste of the course's renowned blend of challenging play and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Tees:

140y118y109y101y82y

Green:24y × 34y

3 Bunkers dogleg

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Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 140 yds
Green: 4719 sq ft
Bunkers: 3
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 short par-3 plays just 140 yards, making club selection critical in the coastal winds. Focus on a controlled swing rather than forcing distance, as precision trumps power on this oceanside hole.

hazard warning

Three bunkers guard the approach at 145.7, 123.9, and 116.0 yards from the tee, creating a gauntlet around the green complex. The bunker at 145.7 yards is particularly dangerous as it's positioned right in the flight path for most approach shots.

green

The green measures 4,718 square feet (24y x 34y), providing a relatively generous target for this short par-3. Use the slope left of the green to your advantage in windy conditions - balls can feed onto the putting surface, effectively expanding your landing area.

approach

With no fairway landing zone available, this is a direct shot to the green. In the formidable coastal winds, consider taking one extra club and making a smooth, controlled swing to ensure you clear the bunkers positioned at 123.9 and 116.0 yards.

green

The green's 34-yard length provides multiple pin positions and strategic options. When the pin is in the back portion of this elongated green, be aggressive; when it's front, use the natural slopes to work the ball close to challenging pin positions.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your short 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 140 yards, most golfers will need a short iron (9-iron to PW) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 3?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 3?

Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 3?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

What's a good score on hole 3?

This hole is a legitimate birdie opportunity for accurate iron players. Most golfers should target par, with birdie chances if you hit the green in regulation.

Can I practice hole 3 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 →