Hole 12 at Muirfield Village Golf Club

Par 3180 Yards • Dublin, Ohio

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Tough

Known as the "Golden Bear," the par-3 12th hole stands as one of Muirfield Village's most iconic and challenging short holes. This signature hole demands precision over water to a shallow green, where anything less than perfect execution finds the surrounding bunkers that guard this memorable test.

Tees:
180y170y150y125y97y97y
Green:20y × 34y
2 BunkersWater dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par
3
Yardage
180 yds
Green
3102 sq ft
Bunkers
2
Water
Yes
Course Slope
155
Course Rating
77.3

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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 signature 'Golden Bear' par-3 demands precision with the tee shot being your only shot to the green. At 180 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (6-7 iron) or hybrid depending on conditions and pin position.

hazard warning

Two strategically placed bunkers guard the approach at 169 and 184 yards from the tee. The bunker at 184 yards is particularly dangerous as it sits right in the landing zone for most approach shots to this par-3.

green

The relatively small green measures just 3,102 square feet (20x34 yards), making accuracy more important than distance. Focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pins, as missing this compact target will leave difficult recovery shots.

approach

With no fairway to work with on this par-3, club selection is critical. Take one extra club if the pin is tucked behind the bunker at 169 yards, as being short into the sand is the worst miss on this hole.

green

The green's 20-yard width creates a narrow target, especially when pins are positioned on the edges. In windy conditions, aim for the fat part of the green and let your putting handle the distance control rather than forcing a precise approach.

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 12?

This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 12?

Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers; water at 127.0 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 12?

The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

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 Muirfield Village Golf Club. 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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