Hole 17 at PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 172 yds
- Stroke index
- 18
- Hazards
- 2 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 34 yds deep × 30 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 · 172 yards
The plan for No. 17
The 18th handicap hole at PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion) hole 17 proves that a 172-yard par 3 can be deceptively challenging despite its straightforward appearance. This short iron test demands precision over power, with a small green that offers little margin for error on approach shots. The absence of major hazards might suggest an easy birdie opportunity, but the compact putting surface punishes wayward tee shots with difficult up-and-down scenarios. Smart golfers focus on finding the center of the green rather than attacking pins, as the small target rewards conservative play. This closing stretch hole epitomizes how strategic course design can create memorable challenges without relying on intimidating water or sand.
Off the tee
Your tee shot is everything on this par 3. Focus on club selection that ensures you reach the green comfortably without flying it. A smooth 7-iron or 6-iron is typically preferable to a hard 8-iron, as the controlled swing promotes better accuracy. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position - the small target leaves little margin for error. Take one extra club if there's any wind or if the pin is tucked in the back portion of the green. ## APPROACH Since this is a par 3, your tee shot serves as your approach. The key is committing fully to your club selection and making a confident, controlled swing. Avoid the temptation to attack pins cut close to edges - the small green size means even center-green putts are manageable. Focus on a smooth tempo and solid contact rather than trying to dial in exact yardages. ## ON THE GREEN The small green creates challenging putting scenarios even from seemingly good positions. Expect subtle breaks and pay close attention to green speed, as short putts can easily slip by on a compact surface. Lag putting becomes crucial - getting your first putt close is more important than being aggressive with longer attempts. Study the green carefully during your pre-shot routine, as the limited real estate means every putt matters. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision involves pin position strategy. While attacking pins might seem tempting on a short hole, the small green severely punishes misses. The smart play is consistently finding the green and taking your chances with the putter. Missing the green here often leads to difficult up-and-downs, making bogey or worse a real possibility on what should be a scoring hole. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Take enough club to comfortably reach the green and aim for the absolute center regardless of pin position. Focus on solid contact and accept any putt on the green as a good result. Don't be tempted by short pins - center-green strategy minimizes big numbers. **Low-Handicap Players:** While you have more precision with your irons, still respect the small target. You can be slightly more aggressive with center pins, but exercise caution with edge positions. Your superior putting skills give you more birdie opportunities from anywhere on the green, so prioriti
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot serves as your approach. The key is committing fully to your club selection and making a confident, controlled swing. Avoid the temptation to attack pins cut close to edges - the small green size means even center-green putts are manageable. Focus on a smooth tempo and solid contact rather than trying to dial in exact yardages. ## ON THE GREEN The small green creates challenging putting scenarios even from seemingly good positions. Expect subtle breaks and pay close attention to green speed, as short putts can easily slip by on a compact surface. Lag putting becomes crucial - getting your first putt close is more important than being aggressive with longer attempts. Study the green carefully during your pre-shot routine, as the limited real estate means every putt matters. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision involves pin position strategy. While attacking pins might seem tempting on a short hole, the small green severely punishes misses. The smart play is consistently finding the green and taking your chances with the putter. Missing the green here often leads to difficult up-and-downs, making bogey or worse a real possibility on what should be a scoring hole. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Take enough club to comfortably reach the green and aim for the absolute center regardless of pin position. Focus on solid contact and accept any putt on the green as a good result. Don't be tempted by short pins - center-green strategy minimizes big numbers. **Low-Handicap Players:** While you have more precision with your irons, still respect the small target. You can be slightly more aggressive with center pins, but exercise caution with edge positions. Your superior putting skills give you more birdie opportunities from anywhere on the green, so prioriti
On the green
The small green creates challenging putting scenarios even from seemingly good positions. Expect subtle breaks and pay close attention to green speed, as short putts can easily slip by on a compact surface. Lag putting becomes crucial - getting your first putt close is more important than being aggressive with longer attempts. Study the green carefully during your pre-shot routine, as the limited real estate means every putt matters. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision involves pin position strategy. While attacking pins might seem tempting on a short hole, the small green severely punishes misses. The smart play is consistently finding the green and taking your chances with the putter. Missing the green here often leads to difficult up-and-downs, making bogey or worse a real possibility on what should be a scoring hole. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Take enough club to comfortably reach the green and aim for the absolute center regardless of pin position. Focus on solid contact and accept any putt on the green as a good result. Don't be tempted by short pins - center-green strategy minimizes big numbers. **Low-Handicap Players:** While you have more precision with your irons, still respect the small target. You can be slightly more aggressive with center pins, but exercise caution with edge positions. Your superior putting skills give you more birdie opportunities from anywhere on the green, so prioriti
Watch for
- Use mapped hazard edges and the hole 17 aerial for the selected tee before committing to a line.
Hole 17 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,620 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion) — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Cognizant Classic highlights
Cognizant Classic | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion). · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
Has the PGA Tour wrecked PGA National? & FBF to Steve Pate's win in Palm Beach | The Shotgun Start
TGL's future & Todd Watch returns at PGA National for Cognizant Classic | The Shotgun Start
PGA National - Hole 5 - 238 yard par 3
How did Hole 17 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 172 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 172 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?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?
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Key hazards include: water at 137.8 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 17?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 17?
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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.