Hole 17 at Forest Dunes Golf Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 302 yds
- Stroke index
- 14
- Hazards
- 1 bunker · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 40 yds deep × 35 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 302 yards
The plan for No. 17
Forest Dunes Golf Club hole 17 presents a tantalizing risk-reward opportunity at just 302 yards, where aggressive players can attempt to drive the green on this drivable par 4. Tom Weiskopf's design surrounds the entire hole with intimidating waste bunkers that demand precision over power. The strategic challenge lies in club selection from the tee shot - longer hitters must decide between going for glory or playing conservatively to avoid the sandy hazards that defend every angle. The small green complex rewards accuracy, making approach shots from shorter irons often more reliable than attempting the hero shot. This signature hole epitomizes Forest Dunes' philosophy that golf should be thrilling, offering multiple strategic options that can yield either spectacular success or costly mistakes depending on execution and course management.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy hinges on your confidence level and the conditions. For aggressive players, a driver aimed at the center of the green offers the best angle, but any miss will likely find the waste bunkers that surround the putting surface. The safer play involves taking a mid-iron or hybrid to position yourself in the landing zone, leaving a comfortable wedge distance to the pin. Wind conditions play a crucial role here - into the wind makes the carry more challenging, while a helping breeze can turn a conservative iron into an unexpectedly long shot that finds trouble.
Approach & recovery
If you've laid up with your tee shot, the approach becomes about precision to the small green rather than distance. A wedge or short iron should be the club of choice, focusing on the center of the green regardless of pin position. The waste bunkers make missing the target particularly penal, so resist the urge to chase pins cut close to the edges. Club selection should err on the side of taking enough club to ensure you clear any front bunkers while still holding the putting surface.
On the green
The small green at the 17th demands accurate putting and good speed control. With limited real estate to work with, approach putts that run too far past the hole can leave difficult return putts. Focus on getting your first putt to the hole rather than being overly aggressive, as two-putting from anywhere on this green represents solid course management. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole perfectly embodies the risk/reward principle in golf strategy. The reward for successfully driving the green is obvious - a potential eagle and almost certain birdie. However, the penalty for missing is severe, with waste bunkers likely resulting in bogey or worse. Conservative players who lay up have an excellent scoring opportunity with a short iron in hand, making birdie very achievable while virtually eliminating big numbers. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should resist the temptation to go for the green and instead focus on course management. Take a club that ensures you stay short of trouble, leaving a full wedge shot that you can execute confidently. The goal is to make par and move on to the 18th tee with momentum. **Low-handicap players** have more options but should base their decision on current form and conditions. If you're driving the ball well and conditions are favorable, the aggressive play can pay dividends. However, even skilled players should consider the conservative approach if they're struggling with accuracy or if the wind is up. The 17th at Forest Dunes rewards smart golf strategy over pure aggression, making it a hole where thinking your way around the course often trumps trying to overpower it.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 17 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,499 sq ft
How did Hole 17 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 302 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 302-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 17?
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This hole is a moderate challenge 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: fairway bunker at 2319879.3-2319879.3 yards; water at 2319816.3 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. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 17?
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Aim for the right side of the fairway when possible. Missing left (water) brings more trouble into play.
What's a good score on hole 17?
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This hole is a birdie opportunity if you find the fairway. This shorter par 4 rewards accuracy off the tee with a short iron approach.