Hole 12 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 570 yds
- Stroke index
- 10
- Hazards
- 9 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 37 yds deep × 26 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 5 · 570 yards
The plan for No. 12
Hole 12 at Bay Hill is a straightforward par 5 that rewards strategic thinking over raw power. With no significant hazards to navigate, the primary challenge lies in the small green that demands precision on your approach. The relatively low handicap rating of 10 suggests this is a legitimate birdie opportunity for players who execute their game plan effectively.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should focus on finding the fairway and setting up the ideal angle for your second shot. With the straight layout, aim down the center of the fairway with your most reliable driver or 3-wood. The absence of major hazards allows you to be aggressive with your target line, but accuracy remains paramount given the length of the hole. Consider the wind conditions and pin position when selecting your club - sometimes a controlled 3-wood that finds the short grass is better than a driver that might find trouble.
Approach & recovery
For most golfers, this will be a two-shot approach to reach the green in regulation. Your second shot should position you within comfortable wedge distance of the small green. Aim for the widest part of the fairway, typically around the 100-150 yard mark from the green. This leaves you with a full wedge or short iron for your third shot, giving you maximum control and spin to attack the small target. Avoid the temptation to go for the green in two unless conditions are perfect and you're confident in your long iron or hybrid accuracy.
On the green
The small green size makes precision crucial on your approach shot. Focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pins, especially when they're tucked near edges. The putting surface likely has subtle breaks that become more pronounced on longer putts, so getting your approach shot close is essential. When putting, pay attention to the grain direction typical of Florida greens and read putts carefully from multiple angles.
Watch for
- The primary risk/reward decision comes on the second shot - whether to lay up conservatively or attempt to reach the green in two. For most players, the smart play is laying up to your favorite wedge distance, as the small green makes long
- Sand (center)
- Water (center)
- Woods (center)
- Sand crossing at 246y
- Water in play
Hole 12 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,940 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Bay Hill Club & Lodge — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Arnold Palmer Invitational highlights
Arnold Palmer Invitational | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Bay Hill Club & Lodge. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
Can Rick Shiels Break 75 at Bay Hill?
Can I BREAK PAR at Bay Hill?
Lots said about the greens at Bay Hill this week… here’s a perfect example of how BRUTAL they can be
This story from Kiz’s first year playing Bay Hill as the 4th alternate is too good 💀
Happy Hour: 2025 API at Bay Hill
Akshay Bhatia's comeback win at Bay Hill & Jon Rahm back in the winner's circle | The Shotgun Start
How did Hole 12 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 570 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
↓
At 570 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 12?
↓
This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, water in play.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 12?
↓
Key hazards include: water at 75.5 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 12?
↓
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 12?
↓
This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.