Hole 17 at Rock Creek Park Golf Course

Par 3 • 166 Yards • Washington, District of Columbia

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Challenging

Rock Creek Park Golf Course hole 17 presents a deceptively challenging par 3 that demands precision over power. At 166 yards, this straight shot appears straightforward, but the small green complex requires pinpoint accuracy to find the putting surface. The absence of major hazards might lull players into complacency, yet the compact target and elevated handicap ranking of 4 reveal the true test lies in execution under pressure. With limited margin for error on the green, club selection becomes critical as players must account for pin position and green firmness. This penultimate hole often determines scoring momentum heading into the final stretch, making it a memorable challenge in Washington's premier municipal golf experience.

Tees:

166y156y

Green:20y × 18y

dogleg

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Rock Creek Park Golf Course

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 166 yds
Green: 2119 sq ft
Course Slope: 112
Course Rating: 62.5

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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

Club selection is critical on this 166-yard par 3 - take one extra club to ensure you clear any front hazards and reach the putting surface with confidence.

approach

Aim for the center of this compact green measuring just 20 yards by 18 yards - missing the target will leave difficult up-and-down opportunities from surrounding areas.

green

With only 2,119 square feet of putting surface, precision is paramount - focus on landing your tee shot in the middle third of the green to avoid short-sided situations.

tee shot

This is a true target golf hole with no fairway landing area - you must carry your tee shot directly to the green, making distance control and accuracy equally important.

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 166 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 good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.

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 Rock Creek Park Golf 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 →