Hole 17 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course)

Par 3 • 209 Yards • La Quinta, California

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Brutal

The 17th hole at PGA West's Nicklaus Tournament course presents a deceptively challenging par 3 that demands precision over its 209 yards. This straight-forward layout may appear simple on the scorecard, but the small green complex creates an intimidating target that requires careful club selection and committed execution. With minimal hazards to distract from the primary challenge, golfers must focus entirely on distance control and accuracy to find the putting surface. The elevated tee shot offers spectacular desert vistas while testing your ability to judge wind conditions in the Coachella Valley. What makes this hole memorable is its pure simplicity – just golfer versus target, where a well-struck mid-iron separates success from a difficult up-and-down recovery.

Tees:

209y180y165y131y97y

Green:38y × 34y

5 Bunkers dogleg

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PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 209 yds
Green: 6228 sq ft
Bunkers: 5
Course Slope: 143
Course Rating: 75.3

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Recommended Gear

A hybrid or long iron makes this long par 3 far more manageable off the tee.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 209-yard par 3 demands precision with your club selection. Consider wind conditions and pin position when choosing between a mid-iron and hybrid to reach this challenging distance.

hazard warning

Bunkers positioned at 198 yards create a significant threat just short of the green. Take enough club to clear these sand traps, as they guard the front approach to the putting surface.

approach

The fairway completely disappears at 250 yards, so there's no bailout area long. Focus on hitting the green in regulation rather than trying to get close to avoid trouble beyond the target.

green

The generous 6,228 square foot green (38 x 34 yards) provides a good target, but pin position will dictate strategy. Aim for the center of this sizable green when the pin is tucked behind hazards.

tee shot

With only 24 yards of fairway width at 200 yards, accuracy is more critical than distance. Focus on smooth tempo and solid contact to find the putting surface from the tee.

train this shot at home

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.

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Scoring Tip

On long par 3s, hitting the green is a win — don't be afraid to take one extra club and aim center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 209 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: long par 3.

How big is the green on hole 17?

The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.

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 PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament 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 →