Hole 17 at Detroit Golf Club (North)
Par 5 • 577 Yards • Highland Park, Michigan
The 17th hole at Detroit Golf Club's North Course showcases Donald Ross's legendary design prowess from 1916, presenting golfers with a demanding par-5 that has tested players for over a century. This classic Ross creation demands strategic thinking and precise execution as players navigate toward a well-guarded green complex.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 577 yds
- Green
- 5292 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 7
- Course Slope
- 137
- Course Rating
- 75
Recommended Gear
A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.
Shop Fairway Woods →Strategy Tips
Position your tee shot carefully on this 577-yard par 5, as the fairway narrows from 38 yards at the 200-yard mark to just 36 yards at 250 yards. With the prevailing wind typically against you, focus on accuracy over distance to avoid the strategic fairway bunkers.
Long hitters who clear the 250-yard marker will face a critical decision on their second shot. The bunkers positioned at 482, 541, and 553 yards create a gauntlet around the green area - plan your layup to avoid these hazards while setting up an optimal angle to the pin.
The relatively compact green measures just 27 by 34 yards (5,292 sq ft), making precision crucial on your approach. Donald Ross's original design features an undulating putting surface that rewards accurate iron play - focus on hitting the correct tier of this well-guarded green.
Beware the cluster of bunkers protecting the green complex, with hazards at 541 and 553 yards creating a narrow corridor for your final approach. These Ross-designed bunkers are strategically placed to punish overly aggressive second shots on this reachable par 5.
Given the prevailing headwind conditions typical at Detroit Golf Club's North Course opener, consider taking one extra club off the tee to ensure you find the 38-yard-wide fairway at the 200-yard mark, setting up a more manageable second shot on this challenging par 5.
This 577-yard par 5 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.
See launch monitors & simulatorsScoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
At 577 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 17?
This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, heavily bunkered.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?
Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 17?
The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 17?
This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.
Can I practice hole 17 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Detroit Golf Club (North). You can play this exact par 5 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 →
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For course operators and clubs
Play This Course at Home
Practice Detroit Golf Club (North) Year-Round
Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.
Browse Launch Monitors & SimulatorsAmazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hole Stats
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 577 yds
- Green
- 5292 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 7
- Course Slope
- 137
- Course Rating
- 75
Recommended Gear
A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.
Shop Fairway Woods →Get the Free Strategy Guide
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