Hole 16 at Poppy Hills Golf Course
Par 4 • 439 Yards • Pebble Beach, California
The 16th hole at Poppy Hills showcases the course's signature character, carved through towering Monterey Pines in the Del Monte Forest. This strategic par 4 benefits from the 2014 Robert Trent Jones Jr. renovation that softened contours and created the firm, fast-playing conditions that transformed the once-criticized "Sloppy Poppy" into a modern masterpiece.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 439 yds
- Green
- 5101 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
Recommended Gear
A rangefinder takes the guesswork out of your approach into the green.
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Target the center-left of the fairway with your tee shot to maximize your landing area. The fairway provides generous width at both 200 yards (52 yards wide) and 250 yards (54 yards wide), allowing you to play aggressively off the tee while avoiding the bunker positioned at 245.6 yards on the right side.
Be aware of the strategic bunker placement that guards the optimal approach zone. With bunkers at 245.6 yards from the tee and two greenside bunkers at 368.1 and 396.1 yards, your tee shot distance will determine your approach angle and club selection for this 439-yard par 4.
Plan your approach shot carefully to this compact green measuring just 5,101 square feet (28 yards by 28 yards). The small target demands precision, especially with the firm and fast conditions that Poppy Hills now plays thanks to its renovation. Consider taking one more club to ensure you reach the putting surface.
Focus on hitting the center of this relatively small green that measures only 28 yards in both length and width. The bentgrass surface, installed during the 2014 renovation, will hold approach shots better than the previous surface, but the compact size leaves little margin for error on your approach.
Position your drive to avoid the fairway bunker at 245.6 yards, which will leave you with approximately 190-200 yards to the pin. This distance allows most players to attack the small green with a mid-iron while staying clear of the greenside bunkers positioned at 368.1 and 396.1 yards from the tee.
This 439-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.
See launch monitors & simulatorsWith bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy off the tee?
For this 439-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 16?
This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?
Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 16?
The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 16?
This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.
Can I practice hole 16 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Poppy Hills Golf Course. You can play this exact 439-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 →
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For course operators and clubs
Play This Course at Home
Practice Poppy Hills Golf Course Year-Round
Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.
Browse Launch Monitors & SimulatorsAmazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 439 yds
- Green
- 5101 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
Recommended Gear
A rangefinder takes the guesswork out of your approach into the green.
Shop Rangefinders →Get the Free Strategy Guide
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