Hole 17 at Southern Highlands Golf Club
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 214 yds
- Stroke index
- 15
- Hazards
- 1 bunker · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 36 yds deep × 40 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 3 · 214 yards
The plan for No. 17
Southern Highlands Golf Club hole 17 presents a deceptively challenging par 3 that demands precision over power. At 214 yards, this straight shot to a small green requires golfers to commit fully to their club selection and trust their swing. The absence of major hazards might suggest an easier hole, but the compact target and mid-iron distance create their own test of accuracy. The elevated desert setting provides stunning views of the Las Vegas valley while winds can influence club choice throughout the day. With its handicap 15 ranking, this hole often catches players off-guard who underestimate the challenge of finding and holding such a small green complex from this distance.
Off the tee
With no fairway to navigate, your tee shot is also your approach shot on this par 3. Target the center of the green as your primary aim point, as the small green size leaves little margin for error. Club selection should account for the 214-yard distance, but more importantly, consider elevation changes and wind conditions that are common in the desert. A smooth swing with a mid-to-long iron (typically 5-iron through 7-iron depending on your distance) will serve you better than trying to muscle a shorter club. Take one extra club if there's any doubt, as being long is often preferable to coming up short on most par 3s.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your approach shot is your tee shot. Focus on a controlled, balanced swing that prioritizes accuracy over power. The small green demands precise distance control, so commit fully to your club selection and make a confident swing. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the compact target makes going directly at tucked pins unnecessarily risky for most golfers.
On the green
The small green likely features subtle breaks that can be deceiving. Take time to read the green from multiple angles, paying particular attention to the overall slope and grain direction common to desert courses. With limited green space, lag putting becomes crucial - focus on getting your first putt close rather than being aggressive from long range. The smaller target means that even short putts require careful attention to break and speed. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities due to its straightforward design. The main decision point is club selection - taking enough club to comfortably reach the green versus the risk of flying it long. The reward for accurate execution is a legitimate birdie chance, while the risk of missing the small green entirely can lead to difficult up-and-down situations. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus on getting the ball somewhere on the green rather than attacking specific pin positions. Take an extra club to ensure you reach the putting surface, and aim for the center of the green regardless of where the flag is located. A bogey here isn't devastating given the hole's difficulty. **Low-Handicap Players:** This hole presents a scoring opportunity if you can execute precise distance control. Consider pin position more carefully, but still respect the small green size. Use the wind to your advantage when possible, and don't be afraid to be aggressive if you're striking the ball well. This is a hole where good players should expect to make par or better. The key to success on this hole lies in smart course management, proper club selection, and executing a fundamentally sound golf swing under potentially challenging desert conditions.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 17 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,943 sq ft
How did Hole 17 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 214 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 214 yards, most golfers will need a fairway wood or hybrid to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 17?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3, water in play.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?
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Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker; water at 181.0 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 17?
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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?
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This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.