Hole 17 at Kapalua Resort (Bay course)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 205 yds
- Stroke index
- 4
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 29 yds deep × 26 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 · 205 yards
The plan for No. 17
The 17th at Kapalua Resort (Bay course) is a 205.0-yard par 3 that plays straightaway.
Off the tee
From the elevated tee, you'll typically play one to two clubs less than the actual yardage suggests due to the downhill nature of the shot. In calm conditions, most players will be looking at a mid to long iron, but the ever-present Maui trade winds can dramatically affect club selection. When the wind is up, which is common, you may need anything from a 6-iron to a 3-wood depending on direction and strength. Target the center of the green regardless of pin position - the small green size makes precision more important than pin-hunting. Take extra practice swings to ensure solid contact, as a mishit from this distance will likely find trouble. Pay close attention to the wind direction and commit to your club choice; second-guessing leads to tentative swings and poor results.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot is your approach. The elevated position gives you an excellent view of the entire green complex, so use this vantage point to pick a specific target. The green's small size means you need to be precise with both line and distance - coming up short or flying the green can leave difficult recovery shots. Watch for subtle elevation changes around the green that might not be visible from the tee. The ocean backdrop can create optical illusions, making distance judgment tricky. Trust your yardage and the club you've selected rather than what your eyes might be telling you about the distance.
On the green
The small green typically features subtle breaks that can be deceiving given the ocean setting. Most putts will have some influence from the coastal slope, generally breaking toward the water. Pay attention to grain direction, which often follows the prevailing wind patterns. With limited green space, lag putting becomes crucial - getting your first putt close is more important than being aggressive. The firm conditions typical of Hawaiian courses mean putts can run out quickly, so err on the side of leaving putts short rather than racing them past the hole.
Watch for
- Water along the hole
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 17 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,830 sq ft
How did Hole 17 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 205 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 205 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?
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Key hazards include: water at 81.3 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. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.