Hole 9 at Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

Par 3 • 180 Yards • Half Moon Bay, California

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Tough

The 9th hole at Half Moon Bay's Ocean Course serves as a pivotal mid-round test in Arthur Hills' acclaimed Scottish-style design. This par-3 demands precision with ocean breezes swirling around the exposed green, offering golfers a taste of the coastal drama that defines this stunning clifftop layout.

Tees:

180y166y166y140y121y

Green:32y × 23y

2 Bunkers dogleg

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Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 180 yds
Green: 4407 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 180-yard par 3 demands precision club selection and commitment to your line. With no fairway landing area available, you must carry your shot directly to the green, making accurate distance control critical for success.

green

Target the center of this moderately-sized green measuring 32 yards by 23 yards (4,407 sq ft). The green provides a reasonable target, but missing it means trouble, so prioritize accuracy over aggressive pin-hunting.

hazard warning

Beware of the bunkers positioned at 162-163 yards from the tee. These greenside traps are strategically placed to catch slightly short shots, so ensure you take enough club to clear them and reach the putting surface.

approach

With the green dimensions of 32 yards deep by 23 yards wide, focus on the front-to-back pin position. A shot that's 15 yards short or long will find trouble, so dial in your yardage and account for wind conditions off the Pacific.

tee shot

Since there's no landing zone available at any distance from the tee, this is a pure carry shot to the green. Choose a club that you're confident will carry the full 180 yards plus any additional yardage to the pin position.

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 180 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 9?

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

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 9?

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

How big is the green on hole 9?

The green is small and requires precision. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 9?

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 9 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 →