Hole 17 at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Par 3 • 197 Yards • Kiawah Island, South Carolina

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Brutal

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island hole 17 stands as a deceptively challenging par 3 that demands precision over its 197-yard stretch. This straight-forward layout may appear simple on the scorecard, but the small green complex requires pinpoint accuracy with your tee shot to avoid trouble. The coastal winds that define Kiawah's character can dramatically alter club selection, making this seemingly straightforward par 3 a true test of distance control and commitment. With its modest handicap ranking of 6, this hole often proves trickier than anticipated, especially when the ocean breeze picks up. The compact target rewards aggressive play but punishes wayward shots, creating a classic risk-reward scenario that epitomizes Pete Dye's masterful design philosophy at this legendary championship venue.

Tees:

197y182y168y122y

Green:44y × 25y

3 BunkersWater dogleg

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The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 197 yds
Green: 5852 sq ft
Bunkers: 3
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 139
Course Rating: 73.4

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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 197-yard par 3 demands precision over distance - focus on club selection that gives you confidence to hit the center of the green rather than trying to get pin-high with a less reliable club.

hazard warning

Bunkers positioned at 200.3 yards create a significant threat just beyond the green - avoid the temptation to overclub as missing long will likely find sand.

green

The generous 5,852 square foot green (44 yards deep by 25 yards wide) offers multiple pin positions - aim for the center and let the green's size work in your favor rather than attacking tight pins.

approach

With no fairway available for a layup strategy, this is a true one-shot hole - commit fully to your club selection and swing with confidence knowing you must carry it all the way to the green.

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 197 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 17?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?

Key hazards include: water at 112.7 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 17?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

What's a good score on hole 17?

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.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. 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 →