Hole 4 at Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

Par 5 • 481 Yards • Half Moon Bay, California

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Moderate

The 4th hole at Half Moon Bay's Ocean Course is part of what renowned architect Arthur Hills famously called a "par 9" when combined with the 5th hole. This reachable par five offers an excellent scoring opportunity with two well-executed shots, though coastal winds can dramatically alter the playing strategy.

Tees:

481y456y446y429y397y

Green:28y × 26y

Fairway @250y:25y wide

8 Bunkers dogleg

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Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 481 yds
Green: 4369 sq ft
Bunkers: 8
Course Slope: 129
Course Rating: 72.5

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A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Play your drive down the right center of the fairway, targeting the 200-yard mark where the fairway is at its widest at 32 yards. This positioning sets up the best angle for your second shot on this reachable par 5.

approach

Be aware that the fairway narrows significantly to just 25 yards at the 250-yard mark. If laying up, stay short of this pinch point to maintain room for error and avoid the squeeze play.

approach

For aggressive players going for the green in two, clear the bunkers positioned at 371.7 yards from the tee. With the hole playing 481 yards total, you'll need approximately 210 yards to reach the putting surface from this hazard.

green

The green measures 28 yards by 26 yards (4,369 sq ft), making it a substantial target for approach shots. Use this generous size to your advantage when going for the green in two, aiming for the center to avoid short-sided positions.

hazard warning

Greenside bunkers at 453.3 and 472.3 yards guard the approach to this 481-yard par 5. These hazards are positioned just 9-28 yards short of the green, requiring precise distance control on your second or third shot.

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This 481-yard par 5 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

Scoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

At 481 yards, Reachable in two for longer hitters. Consider laying up short of hazards if going for it is risky.

How difficult is hole 4?

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 4?

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

How big is the green on hole 4?

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

What's a good score on hole 4?

This hole is a reachable par 5 with eagle chances for longer hitters. Birdie is very much in play here if you can set up a good approach.

Can I practice hole 4 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 5 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 →