Hole 12 at Minnehaha Country Club

Par 5509 Yards • Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Enhanced Content
Challenging

Minnehaha Country Club hole 12 unfolds as a strategic par 5 that rewards patience over power. Stretching 509.0 yards, this dogleg left demands a well-placed tee shot to set up the ideal angle for the second shot, as the fairway bends away from the drive zone toward danger lurking down the right side. Water hazard guards that right flank, punishing any approach that drifts offline, while a greenside bunker awaits those who find the putting surface long or off-target. The prudent play favors the left portion of the fairway, opening a cleaner look into the green complex. Handicap 12 reflects a hole that punishes aggression but rewards those who respect its bends and hazards with birdie chances.

Tees:
509y
Green:29y × 31y
Fairway @250y:38y wide
2 BunkersWaterleft dogleg

PGA Tour Venue

Sanford International

Home of the Sanford International. Early-bird tickets save 30–40% vs week-of prices.

Check Ticket PricesSee full tournament page →

StubHub · Buyer guarantee on every order

Play This Course at Home

Practice Minnehaha Country Club Year-Round

Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.

Browse Launch Monitors & Simulators

Amazon · 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
5
Yardage
509 yds
Green
4048 sq ft
Bunkers
2
Water
Yes

Recommended Gear

A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.

Shop Fairway Woods

Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 509-yard par 5 favors an aggressive tee shot since the fairway stays a manageable width through the primary landing zones—39 yards at 200 and 38 yards at 250. Longer hitters should target the 250-yard mark to set up a realistic go-for-it second shot.

hazard warning

Two bunkers guard the approach corridor at 380.2 and 434 yards from the tee—translating to roughly 129 and 75 yards short of the green. Players laying up should pick a number that avoids both, rather than splitting the difference.

green

The green falls into the small category at just 4,048 square feet (29 by 31 yards), so precision trumps power on the approach—favor a controlled mid-iron over a hero shot from long range.

tee shot

Given the 509-yard total length, a well-struck driver leaves only 259 yards to the pin, making this a legitimate two-shot birdie opportunity for players who can carry the ball past both fairway bunkers.

train this shot at home

This 509-yard par 5 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 & simulators
Scoring Tip

Scoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.

Play Minnehaha Country Club from Your Living Room

Launch monitors and simulators now include real course data. Practice your strategy on every hole before your round — or just for fun.

Compare Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

At 509 yards, Reachable in two for longer hitters. Consider laying up short of hazards if going for it is risky.

How difficult is hole 12?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 12?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker; water at 53.8 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 12?

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

Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 12?

Aim for the left side of the fairway when possible. Missing right (water) brings more trouble into play.

What's a good score on hole 12?

This hole is a solid birdie opportunity with smart layup strategy. Most golfers can reach in three. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge.

Can I watch hole 12 at the Sanford International in person?

Yes — the Sanford International at Minnehaha Country Club is one of the PGA Tour's most-attended events, drawing over 200,000 spectators across the week. Hole 12 is a popular viewing spot. StubHub typically lists single-day grounds passes starting around $75–$150, with premium grandstand and hospitality options available for serious fans. Prices tend to climb as the tournament approaches, so buying early often saves 30–40%. Buy Sanford International tickets on StubHub

Can I practice hole 12 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Minnehaha Country Club. You can play this exact par 5 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

Reviews & Tips

Only signed in users can add reviews.

Sign in to Review

Be the First to Review

Played this hole? Share your thoughts and help other golfers know what to expect.

Content like this — for all 18 holes, customized for your course. Delivered in 48 hours. See pricing →

For course operators and clubs

Get the Free Strategy Guide

All Minnehaha Country Club holes — tips, yardages, and pro strategies delivered to your inbox.