Hole 17 at Doral Golf Resort and Spa 'The Blue monster'
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 419 yds
- Stroke index
- 12
- Hazards
- 9 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 56 yds deep × 27 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 419 yards
The plan for No. 17
The penultimate hole at Doral Golf Resort and Spa's Blue Monster presents a deceptively challenging 419-yard par 4 that plays back toward the clubhouse, often battling South Florida's prevailing winds. This straight-away design features a generous fairway that gradually narrows as it approaches the small, well-protected green. Strategic fairway bunkers positioned around the landing zone create visual intimidation while actually providing more room for average golfers to find the short grass. The approach shot demands precision to a compact green complex that punishes wayward iron shots. As one of the final tests before the famous finishing hole, this par 4 rewards accurate tee shots and disciplined course management, setting up the dramatic conclusion to one of golf's most storied venues.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the right balance between distance and position. Aim for the center-left portion of the fairway to give yourself the best angle into the small green while avoiding the strategically placed bunkers. A well-struck driver should clear the bunker complex that begins in the landing zone, but players must be mindful of distance control. The fairway provides reasonable width for average golfers, making this an opportunity to be aggressive off the tee if you can carry the sand. Consider the wind direction carefully - into-the-wind conditions may require taking less club to ensure you don't come up short in the bunkers.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot to this small green demands precision over power. From an ideal fairway position, you'll typically face a mid-iron to short-iron depending on your drive distance and wind conditions. The small green size makes accuracy paramount - focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pins. The lack of significant hazards around the green means missing slightly long or short won't result in disaster, but the compact putting surface leaves little margin for error. Club up if playing into the wind, which is common on this hole as it heads back toward the clubhouse.
On the green
The small green at the 17th requires careful speed control and precise line on your putts. While specific break patterns aren't documented, the compact nature of the putting surface means most putts will be relatively short. Focus on getting your approach shot close to the hole, as two-putting becomes more challenging on a smaller target. Pay attention to grain direction, which can be significant on South Florida greens, and always err on the side of leaving putts short of the hole rather than racing them past on this tight surface. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes with the tee shot - whether to play aggressively over the bunkers or lay back for position. Longer hitters who can comfortably carry the sand should take advantage of the generous fairway beyond, setting up shorter irons into the green. More conservative players can lay back with a 3-wood or long iron, accepting a longer approach shot in exchange for avoiding the bunkers. The small green doesn't offer significant pin-seeking rewards, making position and two-putt strategy often the wisest approach. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers** should attack this hole with driver, aiming to carry the fairway bunkers and leave themselves short irons into the green. The straight layout and generous fairway width reward aggressive play, and skilled players can take advantage of their distance to set up birdie opportunities. **Mid Handicappers** need to carefully assess their driving distance and accuracy. If you can consistently carry 220-230 yards, take driver and aim center-left fairway. If not, consider 3-wood or hybrid to ensure you stay short of the bunkers while still leaving a manageable approach shot. **High Handicappers** should prioritize position over distance. A well-placed 3-wood or long iron that finds the fairway short of the bunkers sets up a mid-iron approach that's much more manageable than trying to escape from sand. Focus on finding the green in regulation rather than forcing aggressive shots that could lead to big numbers. The 17th hole rewards smart course management and steady execution as you build momentum heading into the challenging 18th hole finish at Doral's Blue Monster.
Watch for
- Mapped bunkers guard landing areas and greenside recovery lines.
Hole 17 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 6,371 sq ft
How did Hole 17 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 419 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 419-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 17?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered.
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.