Hole 17 at Detroit Golf Club (South)
Par 3 • 160 Yards • Highland Park, Michigan
The penultimate hole at Detroit Golf Club (South) presents a deceptively straightforward par 3 that demands precision over power. At 160 yards, this straight shot to a small green requires golfers to commit fully to their club selection, as the compact target leaves little margin for error. The absence of major hazards might suggest an easy scoring opportunity, but the diminutive putting surface transforms this hole into a test of accuracy and nerve. With its low handicap ranking, many players underestimate the challenge of finding and holding this green. The hole's strategic value becomes evident in match play situations, where a well-struck tee shot can apply significant pressure on opponents facing this demanding target.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 160 yds
- Green
- 3507 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 2
- Course Slope
- 127
- Course Rating
- 71.6
Strategy Tips
Club selection is critical on this 160-yard par 3 - take one extra club to ensure you clear the bunkers positioned at 122 yards and reach the putting surface with confidence.
Beware of the twin bunkers guarding the approach at 122 yards - these hazards are strategically placed to catch short shots, so commit fully to your club selection.
The compact green measures only 21 by 26 yards (3,507 sq ft), demanding precise iron play - focus on hitting the center of the green rather than attacking pins.
With no fairway landing area available, this is a direct carry shot to the green - there's no option to play short and run the ball up, so plan for an aerial approach.
The narrow 21-yard width of the green leaves little margin for error left or right - prioritize accuracy over distance and aim for the fat part of the putting surface.
This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.
See launch monitors & simulatorsShort par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What club should I use on this par 3?
At 160 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?
This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.
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 small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 17?
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.
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 (South). You can play this exact par 3 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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Play This Course at Home
Practice Detroit Golf Club (South) 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
- 3
- Yardage
- 160 yds
- Green
- 3507 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 2
- Course Slope
- 127
- Course Rating
- 71.6
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