Hole 17 at PGA West (TPC Stadium course)

Par 3 • 168 Yards • La Quinta, California

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Challenging

Known as "Alcatraz," this infamous island green par-3 stands as one of golf's most intimidating and iconic holes. Pete Dye's masterpiece replica of TPC Sawgrass's legendary 17th has been striking fear into golfers' hearts since 1986, demanding absolute precision with no room for error.

Tees:

168y146y131y112y83y

Green:23y × 30y

2 BunkersWater dogleg

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PGA West (TPC Stadium course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 168 yds
Green: 4002 sq ft
Bunkers: 2
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 150
Course Rating: 76.1

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

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This iconic 168-yard par-3 'Alcatraz' requires precise club selection and unwavering commitment. With no fairway to bail out to (0 yards wide at all distances), you must hit the green or face the water hazard that surrounds this famous island green.

green

Target the center of this compact 4,002 square foot green measuring just 23 by 30 yards. The small target demands accuracy over distance - focus on smooth tempo and solid contact rather than trying to get cute with pin positions.

hazard warning

The bunkers positioned at 150.6 yards from the tee serve as a critical distance marker - they're your last visual reference before the water. Use them to gauge your approach and ensure you're taking enough club to clear all hazards.

approach

With zero landing zone available from the tee, this is an all-or-nothing shot that demands full commitment. Take one extra club to ensure you clear the water, as coming up short is not an option on this Pete Dye masterpiece.

green

The green's 23-yard width provides a reasonable target, but the 30-yard depth means pin position is crucial. When the pin is back, don't be afraid to aim for the front portion of this island green to avoid the dreaded long putt on Pete Dye's sloped surfaces.

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 168 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-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: water in play, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker; water at 140.3 yards. 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 solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.

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 (TPC Stadium 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 →