Hole 17 at Bethpage State Park (Blue Course)

Par 3 • 175 Yards • Farmingdale, New York

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Challenging

The penultimate hole at Bethpage Blue stands as an iconic and daunting test, perched dramatically on a hillside with its green heavily fortified by bunkers. This classic Tillinghast par 3 demands precision under pressure, serving as a final examination before the challenging finish.

Tees:

175y163y150y

Green:31y × 33y

2 Bunkers dogleg

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Bethpage State Park (Blue Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 175 yds
Green: 5711 sq ft
Bunkers: 2
Course Slope: 124
Course Rating: 71.7

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Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 175-yard par 3 demands precision over power - focus on club selection that ensures you carry the bunkers positioned at 151.7 and 174.0 yards while accounting for wind conditions on this exposed hillside location.

green

Target the center of this compact 5,711 square foot circular green (31y x 33y) as it runs slightly back-to-front - avoid pin-hunting given the cavernous bunkers guarding both sides.

hazard warning

The strategic bunkers at 151.7 and 174.0 yards create a narrow window for approach shots - take one extra club to ensure you clear the front bunker while avoiding the back-to-front slope that could roll balls off the green.

approach

With no fairway landing zones available on this direct par 3, commit fully to your yardage and club selection - the 31-yard width of the green provides a reasonable target, but the surrounding bunkers punish any indecision.

green

The back-to-front slope on this 33-yard deep green means approach shots landing past the pin will likely roll away - aim for the front half of the green and let the slope work balls toward most pin positions.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 175 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 17?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?

Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 17?

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?

This hole is a solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Bethpage State Park (Blue Course). You can play this exact par 3 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 →