Hole 17 at Colonial Country Club
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 382 yds
- Stroke index
- 10
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 26 yds deep × 25 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 382 yards
The plan for No. 17
Colonial Country Club hole 17 presents a deceptively challenging par 4 that embodies the precision demanded throughout "Hogan's Alley." At 382 yards, this straight hole requires strategic thinking despite its seemingly straightforward layout. The tee shot must find the generous fairway, but the approach shot reveals the hole's true test—a small, well-protected green that punishes anything less than pinpoint accuracy. With minimal hazards flanking the fairway, golfers might be tempted to attack aggressively, but the compact green complex demands respect and precise club selection. This hole exemplifies Colonial's philosophy of rewarding accuracy over power, a principle that made Ben Hogan so dominant here. The small target area creates a classic risk-reward scenario where conservative play often yields the best scoring opportunities.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize finding the optimal approach distance rather than maximum length. Most golfers will benefit from a controlled driver or strong 3-wood that leaves a comfortable approach shot of 100-130 yards. The key is avoiding the temptation to overpower this hole - focus on hitting the center of the fairway to give yourself the best angle into that small green. Consider the wind conditions carefully, as Colonial's Texas location can create challenging crosswinds that affect both distance and direction. ## APPROACH The small green is the hole's primary defense and demands your full attention. Club selection becomes critical here - it's better to be slightly long than short, as most small greens have more room behind the pin than in front. A smooth, controlled swing with a wedge or short iron will serve you better than an aggressive attack. Pay attention to pin position, as the compact green size means even a well-struck shot can leave you with a challenging putt if you're on the wrong tier or section. ## ON THE GREEN Colonial's greens are known for their subtlety and speed, and the 17th's small surface amplifies every break and slope. Take extra time reading your putt, as the smaller target means less room for error. Focus on speed control above all else - a putt that dies at the hole has a better chance of dropping than one that races past on these quick surfaces. The green's size also means that lag putting becomes less relevant; most putts here require a more aggressive, hole-seeking approach. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, which is precisely the point. The reward comes from playing smart, conservative golf and capitalizing on a potential birdie opportunity. The risk lies in getting too aggressive with either your tee shot or approach, leading to difficult recovery shots around the small green. The best reward strategy is to play to the center of both the fairway and green, then rely on your putting to create scoring chances. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Higher Handicap Players:** Focus entirely on hitting the fairway with whatever club gives you confidence, even if it's a hybrid or long iron. Your approach should target the center of the green regardless of pin position. Two-putt par is an excellent score here. **Lower Handicap Players:** You can be more aggressive with driver if conditions allow, but the approach shot is where you can separate yourself. Attack pins that are accessible while respecting those that aren't. Your superior short game skills give you more options for recovery if you miss the small green. The 17th at Colonial rewards the patient, strategic mindset that made this course famous. Channel your inner Hogan - think your way around this hole rather than trying to overpower it, and you'll find yourself with excellent scoring opportunities on one of golf's most historic venues.
Approach & recovery
The small green is the hole's primary defense and demands your full attention. Club selection becomes critical here - it's better to be slightly long than short, as most small greens have more room behind the pin than in front. A smooth, controlled swing with a wedge or short iron will serve you better than an aggressive attack. Pay attention to pin position, as the compact green size means even a well-struck shot can leave you with a challenging putt if you're on the wrong tier or section. ## ON THE GREEN Colonial's greens are known for their subtlety and speed, and the 17th's small surface amplifies every break and slope. Take extra time reading your putt, as the smaller target means less room for error. Focus on speed control above all else - a putt that dies at the hole has a better chance of dropping than one that races past on these quick surfaces. The green's size also means that lag putting becomes less relevant; most putts here require a more aggressive, hole-seeking approach. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, which is precisely the point. The reward comes from playing smart, conservative golf and capitalizing on a potential birdie opportunity. The risk lies in getting too aggressive with either your tee shot or approach, leading to difficult recovery shots around the small green. The best reward strategy is to play to the center of both the fairway and green, then rely on your putting to create scoring chances. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Higher Handicap Players:** Focus entirely on hitting the fairway with whatever club gives you confidence, even if it's a hybrid or long iron. Your approach should target the center of the green regardless of pin position. Two-putt par is an excellent score here. **Lower Handicap Players:** You can be more aggressive with driver if conditions allow, but the approach shot is where you can separate yourself. Attack pins that are accessible while respecting those that aren't. Your superior short game skills give you more options for recovery if you miss the small green. The 17th at Colonial rewards the patient, strategic mindset that made this course famous. Channel your inner Hogan - think your way around this hole rather than trying to overpower it, and you'll find yourself with excellent scoring opportunities on one of golf's most historic venues.
On the green
Colonial's greens are known for their subtlety and speed, and the 17th's small surface amplifies every break and slope. Take extra time reading your putt, as the smaller target means less room for error. Focus on speed control above all else - a putt that dies at the hole has a better chance of dropping than one that races past on these quick surfaces. The green's size also means that lag putting becomes less relevant; most putts here require a more aggressive, hole-seeking approach. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, which is precisely the point. The reward comes from playing smart, conservative golf and capitalizing on a potential birdie opportunity. The risk lies in getting too aggressive with either your tee shot or approach, leading to difficult recovery shots around the small green. The best reward strategy is to play to the center of both the fairway and green, then rely on your putting to create scoring chances. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Higher Handicap Players:** Focus entirely on hitting the fairway with whatever club gives you confidence, even if it's a hybrid or long iron. Your approach should target the center of the green regardless of pin position. Two-putt par is an excellent score here. **Lower Handicap Players:** You can be more aggressive with driver if conditions allow, but the approach shot is where you can separate yourself. Attack pins that are accessible while respecting those that aren't. Your superior short game skills give you more options for recovery if you miss the small green. The 17th at Colonial rewards the patient, strategic mindset that made this course famous. Channel your inner Hogan - think your way around this hole rather than trying to overpower it, and you'll find yourself with excellent scoring opportunities on one of golf's most historic venues.
Watch for
- Mapped water (3) influences the playing line on this hole.
- Mapped bunkers (4) are in play around the landing areas and green.
Hole 17 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,013 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Colonial Country Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Charles Schwab Challenge highlights
Charles Schwab Challenge | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Colonial Country Club. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
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Kevin Kisner breaks down his 2017 Colonial WIN over Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm 🏆
The 2025 Year in Review, Part 8: Colonial, Memorial, Canada, & the U.S. Open | The Shotgun Start
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How did Hole 17 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 382 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 382-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 17?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.
How big is the green on hole 17?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 17?
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This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.