Pacific Dunes · Hole 11
Blue
150
White
70
Gold
100
Red
100
The signature hole at Pacific Dunes and one of the most stunning par 3s in the world. Hole 11 plays from a clifftop tee to a green perched at the very edge of the Pacific bluffs, with the full expanse of the ocean visible in every direction. The photography from this tee is as good as golf gets anywhere — and the golf is equally memorable. The green is small, the wind is constant, and the consequences of a missed tee shot are severe.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
The wind is the defining element on this tee. The prevailing southwest wind can come from any angle relative to this exposed clifftop position — check the flag carefully before every shot and watch at least one playing partner's ball flight. In a crosswind, start the ball well into the wind and let it drift back to the flag. In a headwind, take two or three extra clubs. In a rare tailwind, take significantly less club than usual. Never underclub on a clifftop par 3.
Putting
The clifftop green drains toward the ocean (back-left), creating putts that consistently break in that direction regardless of where on the green you start. Downhill putts toward the ocean side are frighteningly fast — they can roll off the front of the green on a calm day, let alone a windy one. From the inland side, putts are uphill and slow. The key is recognizing which side of the green you are on before addressing the ball.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The wind at this clifftop tee can be 15-20 mph stronger than anything felt on the previous holes — always reassess before swinging.
- •Short and left is the worst possible outcome — steep rough leads directly toward the cliff edge.
- •The right-side bunker is deep and angled away from the hole, making recovery shots extremely difficult.
- •Putting toward the ocean side of the green is faster than almost any other putt at Pacific Dunes — extreme care is required.
- •This hole is about making par and enjoying the setting — don't chase a birdie at the expense of a double bogey.
Wind Intelligence
This is the signature wind hole at Pacific Dunes. The clifftop position means the wind can arrive from any direction and at any speed, and it is almost never calm. Watch the flag, watch the ocean surface, and watch your playing partners' tee shots before committing to a club and line. In the strongest winds, the green can demand a fairway wood from the blue tees. In a downwind day, a short iron can easily fly through the green. There is no standard wind read here — treat every visit to this tee as a fresh assessment.
Hazard Map
- ▲Pacific Ocean cliffs immediately left and beyond the green
- ▲Deep bunker on the right side of the green
- ▲Steep rough on the left side leading toward the cliff
- ▲Fully exposed clifftop tee subject to maximum wind conditions