Hole 12 at PGA West (TPC Stadium course)

Par 4 • 363 Yards • La Quinta, California

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Moderate

The 12th hole, aptly nicknamed "Moat," is a deceptively challenging short par 4 that epitomizes Pete Dye's strategic design philosophy. This hole derives its intimidating name from the distinctive crescent-shaped bunker that wraps around three sides of the green like a medieval fortress moat. Don't be fooled by the modest yardage—precision trumps power on this demanding test.

Tees:

363y347y308y287y249y

Green:23y × 30y

Fairway @250y:53y wide

4 Bunkers dogleg

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PGA West (TPC Stadium course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 363 yds
Green: 3679 sq ft
Bunkers: 4
Course Slope: 150
Course Rating: 76.1

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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

This short par 4 at 363 yards offers a strategic decision off the tee. With the fairway measuring 58 yards wide at the 200-yard mark, you have room to be aggressive with driver or play conservatively with a 3-wood or hybrid to set up an ideal approach distance.

approach

The compact green measuring just 3,679 square feet (23y x 30y) demands precision on your approach shot. This small target rewards accurate iron play and punishes wayward shots, especially with the signature crescent-shaped bunker complex protecting three sides of the green.

hazard warning

The hole's nickname 'Moat' comes from the menacing crescent-shaped bunker that wraps around the green from front right to back right. With bunkers positioned at 149 yards from the green, any short or right approach shot will find sand, making club selection and accuracy critical.

green

The green's dimensions of 23 yards by 30 yards create a relatively narrow target that requires precise distance control. Going long is particularly penal on this Pete Dye design, so err on the side of being short rather than flying the green into trouble.

tee shot

Consider laying up with a shorter club off the tee to leave yourself a full wedge or short iron approach. The fairway remains generous at 52 yards wide even at the 250-yard mark, giving you flexibility in your tee shot strategy to optimize your approach angle.

train this shot at home

This 363-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 363-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 12?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.

How big is the green on hole 12?

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

What's a good score on hole 12?

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 12 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for PGA West (TPC Stadium course). You can play this exact 363-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 →