Hole 17 at Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)
Par 5 • 570 Yards • Springfield, New Jersey
The 17th hole at Baltusrol's Lower Course stands as one of A.W. Tillinghast's most formidable creations, featuring his signature "Great Hazard" that demands precision on the second shot. This penultimate par-5 showcases the master architect's distinctive ramp approach to an enlarged green, creating a true three-shot test that has challenged champions for generations.
Play This Course at Home
Practice Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course) 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
- 570 yds
- Green
- 6132 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 11
- Course Slope
- 139
- Course Rating
- 73.9
Navigate
Recommended Gear
A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.
Shop Fairway Woods →Strategy Tips
This 570-yard par-5 features no traditional fairway landing zones - the hole is designed as a strategic three-shot challenge where precision placement is crucial for navigating Tillinghast's famous hazards.
Your tee shot must avoid the bunker positioned at 227.7 yards while setting up the ideal angle for your second shot over the Great Hazard. Focus on accuracy over distance to find the narrow corridor between hazards.
The second shot is the key strategic element, playing over Tillinghast's signature Great Hazard. With bunkers at 297.2 yards, you'll need precise distance control to clear the hazard while avoiding the sand traps that guard the approach zone.
Plan your third shot carefully to the expansive 6,132 square foot green measuring 26 by 38 yards. The recently restored ramp approach and enlarged green dimensions provide multiple pin positions, so club selection depends heavily on flag location.
Be aware of the greenside bunkers at 554.6 yards that have been restored with formidable sand pits containing plants and grass. These hazards demand precise approach shots to avoid difficult recovery situations on this challenging finishing hole.
This 570-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 570 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: 5 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 17?
The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
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 Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower 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 →
Reviews & Tips
Only signed in users can add reviews.
Sign in to ReviewBe the First to Review
Played this hole? Share your thoughts and help other golfers know what to expect.
Content like this — for all 18 holes, customized for your course. Delivered in 48 hours. See pricing →
For course operators and clubs
Play This Course at Home
Practice Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course) 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
- 570 yds
- Green
- 6132 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 11
- Course Slope
- 139
- Course Rating
- 73.9
Navigate
Recommended Gear
A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.
Shop Fairway Woods →Get the Free Strategy Guide
All Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course) holes — tips, yardages, and pro strategies delivered to your inbox.