Hole 17 at PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament course)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 209 yds
- Stroke index
- 12
- Hazards
- 5 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 40 yds deep × 35 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 3 · 209 yards
The plan for No. 17
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.
Off the tee
Your tee shot is your approach shot on this par 3, making club selection absolutely critical. Most players will need anywhere from a 5-iron to a 7-iron depending on wind conditions and pin position. Take extra time to factor in elevation changes and wind direction, as these can significantly affect your ball flight over 200+ yards. Aim for the center of the green unless you're confident in your distance control with a specific pin position. The straight layout means you can be aggressive with your target line without worrying about doglegs or forced carries.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot serves as your approach. Focus on smooth tempo and solid contact rather than trying to muscle the shot. The small green demands precision, so prioritize accuracy over distance. If you're between clubs, take the longer iron and make a controlled swing rather than forcing a shorter club. Pay attention to the firmness of the green - harder conditions may require landing the ball short and letting it release, while softer greens allow for more direct attacks at pin positions.
On the green
The small green size means every putt becomes crucial for scoring. With limited real estate, expect relatively short putts if you hit the green in regulation. Focus on speed control, as short putts can still be tricky if you're not committed to the line. The compact nature of the green means most slopes will be subtle but still influential on your ball's path. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a clear risk/reward scenario: the reward of a potential birdie with an accurate tee shot versus the risk of missing the small green entirely. The absence of major hazards means your misses won't be severely penalized, but missing the green on a par 3 immediately puts pressure on your short game. Conservative players should aim for the heart of the green, while more aggressive golfers can attack specific pin positions when conditions allow. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should focus on simply finding the green with their tee shot. Club up if uncertain and aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position. A two-putt par is an excellent score that keeps momentum going into the final hole. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with pin hunting, especially when the flag is positioned away from any subtle slopes or edges. Use your distance control skills to attack birdie opportunities, but remember that par is never a bad score on a challenging par 3. Consider course management - if you need to make up strokes, this hole offers a legitimate birdie chance with precise execution. The key for all skill levels is committing to your club selection and making a confident, smooth swing. Indecision and tentative swings are the biggest enemies on this straightforward but demanding par 3.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 17 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 6,228 sq ft
How did Hole 17 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 209 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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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 big is the green on hole 17?
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The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.