Hole 17 at Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

Par 4 • 407 Yards • Bethesda, Maryland

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Challenging

The 17th hole at Congressional's Gold Course stands as one of the most demanding finishing holes in championship golf, having served as the dramatic closer during Rory McIlroy's record-breaking 2011 U.S. Open victory. This strategic par-4 tests every aspect of a player's game with its unforgiving approach to a well-protected green. Known for separating champions from contenders, it remains a fitting climax to one of America's most storied championship venues.

Tees:

407y393y375y353y305y

Green:31y × 17y

Fairway @250y:34y wide

3 Bunkers dogleg

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Congressional Country Club (Gold Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 407 yds
Green: 3110 sq ft
Bunkers: 3
Course Slope: 134
Course Rating: 73.2

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

The fairway narrows significantly as you approach the green, from 43 yards wide at 200 yards to just 34 yards wide at 250 yards. For longer hitters, consider laying back to the 200-yard mark with a 3-wood or hybrid to stay in the wider portion of the fairway and set up a more manageable approach angle.

approach

With the green measuring just 31 yards deep by 17 yards wide (3,110 sq ft), precision is paramount on your approach shot. This compact target demands accurate distance control and proper club selection to avoid the surrounding bunkers positioned at 388, 395, and 417 yards.

hazard warning

Three strategic bunkers guard the green area at 388.3, 394.8, and 417.1 yards from the tee. The bunker at 395 yards is particularly dangerous as it sits right in the approach zone for most golfers hitting from the 200-250 yard landing area.

approach

At 407 yards, this par-4 requires a strategic two-shot approach. After a well-positioned drive to the 200-yard area, you'll face roughly a 150-160 yard approach to a narrow green that's only 17 yards wide - demanding precise iron play.

green

The green's rectangular shape (31 yards deep x 17 yards wide) creates a narrow target that favors approaches from the center of the fairway. Missing the 17-yard width leaves difficult recovery shots, making accuracy more important than distance on your approach.

train this shot at home

This 407-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

With bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 407-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 17?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?

Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 17?

The green is small and requires precision. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 17?

This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.

Can I practice hole 17 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Congressional Country Club (Gold Course). You can play this exact 407-yard par 4 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 →