course

PGA WEST (Norman course) Hole by Hole - 17th Hole

PGA WEST (Norman course), California

Submit a tip

There are no reviews for this hole yet

Hole 17 at PGA WEST (Norman course) is a challenging par-3 that measures 180 yards from the championship tees. With a handicap of 14, it's one of the more difficult holes on the course and requires careful strategy to navigate successfully.

The hole features a large green with an area of 10,103 square feet. However, two bunkers guard the front and right side of the green, making accuracy off the tee crucial in order to avoid these hazards. The percent of bunker on green is only 2%, but their placement makes them significant obstacles for any golfer looking to score well on this hole.

In terms of club selection, most golfers will likely need at least a mid-to-long iron or hybrid off the tee in order to reach the green. The average golfer hitting driver ~217 yards can expect to be left with around a seven iron (~140 yards) approach shot from this distance. However, factors such as altitude and wind must also be taken into consideration when choosing clubs for both shots.

During peak season (winter/spring), La Quinta typically experiences warm temperatures with little precipitation and minimal wind conditions. This means that players may experience slightly longer ball flights due to lower air density at higher altitudes compared to sea level courses.

In contrast, during summer/fall months, temperatures can reach upwards of 100 degrees Fahrenheit which may cause balls to fly shorter distances due to increased air density caused by heat and humidity levels in California's desert climate.

Overall, Hole 17 requires precision off the tee and solid club selection in order for golfers to have success scoring well here. With its challenging layout and potential weather variables throughout different seasons, it's no surprise why this hole has earned its reputation as one of PGA WEST's toughest par-3s.

Teebox type:

Championship

Par:

3

Distance:

180 yards

Handicap:

14

Green Area:

10103

Approx Fairway Width:

Has Water:

True

Curvature:

Percent Bunkers Near green:

2

Bunker Count:

2

Bunkers:

Some fairway bunkers, with the majority (51%) strategically placed around the area.

Club Recommendations

1. Pay attention to the pin placement and aim for the center of the green.

2. Take into consideration altitude and wind when selecting your club off the tee.

3. If you are confident in your accuracy, consider using a shorter club off the tee to avoid the bunkers.

4. Aim for a safe landing area on the green, away from any potential hazards or slopes that could cause difficulty with putting.

5. Practice hitting shots with different clubs at varying distances to get a feel for how they may be affected by weather conditions.

6. Consider playing this hole conservatively if it is not one of your strengths, as bogey can still be a good score here given its difficulty level.

7. Make sure to check current weather conditions before teeing off and adjust your strategy accordingly based on temperature and humidity levels that may affect ball flight distance.

8. Focus on keeping your swing smooth and controlled, as over-swinging can lead to inaccurate shots on this challenging hole.

9. Utilize course knowledge or ask caddies for advice on where best to place shots based on specific pin placements or potential challenges around the green such as slopes or tricky lies in bunkers.

10 .Stay positive and focused throughout this difficult par-3 - even professional golfers struggle here so don't let one bad shot ruin an otherwise solid round!

"The most important shot in golf is the next one."
- Ben Hogan

Only signed in users can add reviews.

Sign in

There are no reviews for this hole yet