Hole 17 at Rouge Park Golf Course

Par 5 • 489 Yards • Detroit, Michigan

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Moderate

Rouge Park Golf Course hole 17 presents a deceptive challenge that belies its modest 489-yard length and straightforward layout. This par 5 demands precision over power, with its narrow corridor requiring accurate tee shots to set up a manageable approach to the distant green. The absence of traditional hazards shifts focus entirely to course management and club selection, making it a true test of strategic thinking. The small, subtly contoured green becomes the hole's primary defense, rejecting anything but the most precise approach shots. Players who can resist the temptation to overpower this seemingly gentle giant will find scoring opportunities, while aggressive play often leads to frustration on Detroit's historic municipal gem.

Tees:

489y461y363y

Green:21y × 25y

1 Bunker dogleg

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Rouge Park Golf Course

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 489 yds
Green: 3132 sq ft
Bunkers: 1
Course Slope: 121
Course Rating: 70.1

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Recommended Gear

A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Play your tee shot conservatively to the 200-yard mark where the fairway is 34 yards wide, as the fairway completely disappears at 250 yards, making distance control crucial for staying in play.

hazard warning

Beware of the bunker positioned at 198 yards from the tee - it sits right in the prime landing area where the fairway is widest at 34 yards, so club selection is critical to carry or avoid it.

approach

With 489 total yards and strategic bunkers at 320 and 475 yards, plan a three-shot strategy: conservative drive to 200y, layup to avoid the 320y bunker, then a wedge approach to the compact green.

green

Target the center of this relatively small green measuring just 21 by 25 yards (3,132 sq ft) - with limited green surface area, precision trumps power on your approach shots.

hazard warning

The greenside bunker at 475 yards is positioned very close to this par-5's putting surface - any approach shot that runs long will likely find sand, so take one less club and focus on a controlled landing.

train this shot at home

This 489-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.

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Scoring Tip

Scoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

At 489 yards, Reachable in two for longer hitters. Consider laying up short of hazards if going for it is risky.

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: 1 greenside bunker. 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 reachable par 5 with eagle chances for longer hitters. Birdie is very much in play here if you can set up a good approach.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Rouge Park Golf Course. 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 →