Hole 17 at Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course)

Par 5570 Yards • Springfield, New Jersey

Enhanced Content
Tough

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.

Tees:
570y543y525y448y
Green:27y × 38y
11 Bunkers dogleg

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 & Simulators

Amazon · 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

Recommended Gear

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

Shop Fairway Woods

Strategy Tips

hazard warning

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.

tee shot

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.

approach

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.

approach

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.

green

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.

train this shot at home

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 & simulators
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.

Play Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course) from Your Living Room

Launch monitors and simulators now include real course data. Practice your strategy on every hole before your round — or just for fun.

Compare Systems

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 Review

Be 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

Get the Free Strategy Guide

All Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course) holes — tips, yardages, and pro strategies delivered to your inbox.