Hole 17 at Golf Club of Houston (Member Course)
Par 3 • 196 Yards • Humble, Texas
The 17th hole at Golf Club of Houston (Member Course) presents a deceptively straightforward par 3 that demands precision over power. At 196 yards, this mid-iron test appears benign with its straight layout and absence of major hazards, but the small green makes club selection and accuracy paramount. The putting surface's compact dimensions leave little room for error, transforming what looks like a routine tee shot into a test of nerve and execution. Players must commit fully to their yardage and trust their swing, as anything less than center-green often results in challenging recovery shots. This seemingly simple hole exemplifies how Golf Club of Houston's design philosophy creates memorable challenges through subtle architectural features rather than obvious intimidation.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 196 yds
- Green
- 4325 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 4
- Water
- Yes
- Course Slope
- 140
- Course Rating
- 76.7
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Strategy Tips
Club selection is critical on this 196-yard par 3 - take one extra club to ensure you clear the bunkers positioned at 195.5 yards and reach the putting surface with confidence.
Beware of the greenside bunkers located just 0.5 yards short of the green at 195.5 yards - coming up short will leave you in sand with a difficult up-and-down.
The compact 4,325 square foot green measuring 22 by 32 yards demands precision - aim for the center of the green rather than attacking pin positions to avoid short-siding yourself.
With no fairway available at any distance, this is a pure carry shot - commit fully to your club selection and swing with confidence to clear all trouble.
Consider wind conditions carefully on this 196-yard shot - the relatively narrow 22-yard width of the green leaves little margin for error if the wind affects your ball flight.
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.
See launch monitors & simulatorsShort par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What club should I use on this par 3?
At 196 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 one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, small green.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?
Key hazards include: water at 139.9 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 17?
The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
Where is the best miss on hole 17?
If you're going to miss the green, favor the left side. The right (water) brings more trouble into play and makes recovery difficult.
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 Golf Club of Houston (Member 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 →
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Play This Course at Home
Practice Golf Club of Houston (Member 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 & SimulatorsAmazon · 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
- 3
- Yardage
- 196 yds
- Green
- 4325 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 4
- Water
- Yes
- Course Slope
- 140
- Course Rating
- 76.7
Navigate
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