Hole 17 at Balboa Park Municipal Golf Club

Par 3 • 198 Yards • San Diego, California

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Brutal

Balboa Park's 17th hole stands as the course's signature downhill par 3, offering golfers a dramatic descent with stunning downtown San Diego skyline views. This steep drop shot, reminiscent of Torrey Pines North's famous 15th, demands precise club selection and nerve. The hole's scenic beauty and challenging angle make it a memorable highlight of this classic municipal gem.

Tees:

198y167y150y

Green:21y × 24y

1 Bunker dogleg

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Balboa Park Municipal Golf Club

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 198 yds
Green: 3033 sq ft
Bunkers: 1
Course Slope: 127
Course Rating: 71.1

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Recommended Gear

Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 198-yard downhill par 3 signature hole demands precise club selection due to the elevation change. Take 1-2 clubs less than the yardage suggests and focus on smooth tempo to control distance on this steep descent with downtown San Diego skyline views.

green

Target the center of this compact 3,033 square foot green measuring just 21x24 yards. The small target area leaves little margin for error, so prioritize accuracy over distance and avoid aggressive pin hunting on this elevated signature hole.

hazard warning

Be aware of bunkers positioned at 211 yards from the tee. While slightly beyond the hole's length, these hazards can catch errant shots that carry too far due to the downhill lie and firm conditions typical of elevated tees.

approach

With no fairway landing areas available on this direct par 3, commit fully to your tee shot and aim for the putting surface. There's no bail-out option or layup strategy - it's green or miss, making club selection and execution critical.

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 198 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 17?

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

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 17?

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

What's a good score on hole 17?

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 17 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Balboa Park Municipal 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 →