Hole 17 at Minnehaha Country Club

Par 3 • 186 Yards • Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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Tough

Minnehaha Country Club hole 17 offers a deceptively simple test that rewards precision over power. This par 3 stretches 186 yards through a straight, unobstructed path to the green, demanding golfers trust their tee shot and commit fully to their club selection. With no significant hazards to navigate, the challenge lies purely in distance control and accuracy—a refreshing change of pace that still commands respect.

The stripped-down design places all the pressure on execution: read the wind, pick the right iron, and strike it clean. As the lowest-handicap hole on the card, it seems forgiving on paper, but stiff South Dakota breezes across this exposed green complex can turn a routine par 3 into a memorable card-wrecker for the unprepared.

Tees:

186y

Green:28y × 35y

dogleg

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Minnehaha Country Club

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PGA Tour Venue

Sanford International

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 186 yds
Green: 6178 sq ft

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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

At 186 yards, this par 3 typically calls for a mid-to-long iron or hybrid depending on conditions. Club selection is critical since there's no room to recover distance on a single-shot hole.

approach

With a medium-sized green of 6,178 sq ft, precision matters more than raw distance. Favor a controlled trajectory that lands softly rather than a low runner that could skip through the putting surface.

green

The green's 34-yard length gives some margin for slightly long or short shots, but the 28-yard width means side-to-side misses are more penal. Aim for the center of the green to maximize your margin for error.

tee shot

Given the medium green category, players should prioritize accuracy over aggression—favor a club that comfortably reaches 186 yards without needing a full, all-out swing that could compromise control.

green

With the green measuring 34 yards in depth, take note of pin position before selecting your tee shot club; a back pin could effectively add 8-10 yards compared to a front placement.

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 186 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 good scoring opportunity for most golfers.

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 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 watch hole 17 at the Sanford International in person?

Yes — the Sanford International at Minnehaha Country Club is one of the PGA Tour's most-attended events, drawing over 200,000 spectators across the week. Hole 17 is a popular viewing spot. StubHub typically lists single-day grounds passes starting around $75–$150, with premium grandstand and hospitality options available for serious fans. Prices tend to climb as the tournament approaches, so buying early often saves 30–40%. Buy Sanford International tickets on StubHub →

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Minnehaha Country Club. 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 →