Hole 12 at Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)
Par 3 • 202 Yards • Springfield, New Jersey
The 12th hole at Baltusrol's Lower Course showcases A.W. Tillinghast's masterful par-3 design from his 1922 architectural masterpiece. This challenging one-shotter has tested the world's best players through decades of major championships on this historic New Jersey layout. The hole exemplifies Tillinghast's strategic philosophy of rewarding precision while punishing wayward shots.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 202 yds
- Green
- 6687 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Course Slope
- 139
- Course Rating
- 73.9
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Recommended Gear
A hybrid or long iron makes this long par 3 far more manageable off the tee.
Shop Hybrids →Strategy Tips
This 202-yard par 3 demands precision with your club selection. The green measures 38 yards by 28 yards, providing a reasonable target, but accuracy is paramount on this Tillinghast design where missing the putting surface can lead to challenging recovery shots.
Three strategic bunkers guard this hole at 168, 181, and 204 yards from the tee. The bunker at 204 yards is positioned just beyond the green, making it a real threat for aggressive pin-seeking shots that carry too far.
With the green covering 6,687 square feet, you have a substantial target area to work with. Aim for the center of the green and let the hole location dictate your strategy - this isn't a green where you need to be overly aggressive with pin-hunting.
The fairway measures 30 yards wide at the 200-yard mark, which is just short of the green. This indicates a generous landing area approach, but remember this is a par 3 - focus on carrying the ball directly to the putting surface rather than laying up.
The green's dimensions of 38 yards deep by 28 yards wide suggest it's deeper than it is wide. Use this knowledge for pin position strategy - when the pin is in the back portion of the green, take an extra club to ensure you clear the front bunkers.
This par 3 is ideal for working on your long iron or hybrid. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.
See launch monitors & simulatorsOn long par 3s, hitting the green is a win — don't be afraid to take one extra club and aim center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What club should I use on this par 3?
At 202 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 12?
This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 12?
Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 12?
The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 12?
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 12 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower 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 →
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For course operators and clubs
Play This Course at Home
Practice Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower 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
- 3
- Yardage
- 202 yds
- Green
- 6687 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Course Slope
- 139
- Course Rating
- 73.9
Navigate
Recommended Gear
A hybrid or long iron makes this long par 3 far more manageable off the tee.
Shop Hybrids →Get the Free Strategy Guide
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