Hole 17 at Memorial Park Golf Course
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 414 yds
- Stroke index
- 12
- Hazards
- 2 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 41 yds deep × 21 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 · 414 yards
The plan for No. 17
The 17th hole at Memorial Park Golf Course presents a deceptively straightforward par 4 that demands precision over power. This 414-yard straight-away challenge appears generous from the tee, but the small green complex becomes the focal point of strategy as golfers navigate their approach. Without significant hazards to contend with, players might assume this hole offers a birdie opportunity, yet the compact putting surface requires pinpoint accuracy on the approach shot. The straight layout allows golfers to open up their stance and swing freely from the tee, but club selection becomes critical on the second shot. What makes this hole memorable is its honest test of iron play – rewarding those who can dial in their distance control while punishing slightly off-target approaches with challenging recovery shots around the green.
Off the tee
The straight layout allows for an aggressive tee shot strategy, with driver being the preferred club for most players capable of controlling their ball flight. Target the center-left portion of the fairway to set up the ideal approach angle. With 414 yards to work with and minimal trouble, this is an opportunity to gain valuable yardage that will leave you with a shorter iron into the green. Players struggling with driver accuracy should consider a fairway wood or long iron to ensure they find the short grass, as hitting from the fairway is crucial for attacking the small green effectively.
Approach & recovery
The small green demands surgical precision on your approach shot. Most players will be hitting anywhere from a short iron to mid-iron, depending on their tee shot distance. Focus on the center of the green unless you have a clear read on the pin position and high confidence in your distance control. The compact target means there's little margin for error - a shot that might be acceptable on a larger green could easily find trouble here. Take one extra club if you're between distances, as being short of this green is typically more costly than being slightly long.
On the green
With a small putting surface, lag putting becomes less of a concern, but precision in your first putt is critical. The compact nature means you'll likely have shorter putts overall, making this a genuine birdie opportunity if you've executed the previous shots well. Pay attention to any subtle breaks, as even minor slopes can be magnified on a smaller green. Focus on getting your approach putt to the hole with conviction - tentative putting on small greens often leads to three-putts when you leave yourself awkward short putts. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers one of the clearest risk-versus-reward scenarios on the course. The reward is substantial - with no major hazards and a manageable distance, birdie opportunities abound for well-executed shots. The risk lies primarily in the small green, which can quickly turn a routine par into a bogey if your approach shot lacks precision. Aggressive players can attack pins with confidence, while conservative players should aim for the heart of the green and take their pars. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicap Players:** This is a clear birdie opportunity. Be aggressive off the tee with driver, then trust your iron play to attack the pin. Your superior distance control should allow you to target specific sections of the green based on pin position. **High Handicap Players:** Play this hole conservatively smart. Use your most reliable fairway club off the tee - even if it's a hybrid or long iron. Once in the fairway, focus entirely on finding the center of the green with your approach, ignoring pin positions. A stress-free par here is an excellent score that keeps momentum building for the final hole. The key to success on this hole is recognizing it as a scoring opportunity while respecting the precision required around the green. Execute two solid, fundamental shots, and you'll likely walk away satisfied with your score.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 17 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,890 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Memorial Park Golf Course — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Texas Children's Houston Open highlights
Texas Children's Houston Open | Final Round Highlights
2025
How did Hole 17 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 414 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
↓
For this 414-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 17?
↓
This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.