Hole 17 at Whistling Straits

Par 4 • 375 Yards • Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Enhanced Content

Moderate

Known as "Pinched Nerve," the 17th hole at Whistling Straits stands as one of Pete Dye's most diabolical creations, featuring his signature railroad tie bulkheads that frame unforgiving bunkers. This brutal par 3 leaves absolutely no room for error, demanding precision from one of golf's most challenging tee shots.

Tees:

375y355y335y325y272y

Green:27y × 35y

Fairway @250y:47y wide

6 BunkersWater dogleg

Loading map...

Whistling Straits

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Play This Course at Home

Practice Whistling Straits Year-Round

Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.

Browse Launch Monitors & Simulators

Amazon · 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: 4
Yardage: 375 yds
Green: 5816 sq ft
Bunkers: 6
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 146
Course Rating: 75.6

Navigate

Back to Whistling Straits View Full Scorecard

Recommended Gear

Water's in play — a premium ball you trust helps you commit to the shot.

Shop Golf Balls →

Strategy Tips

tee shot

Target the wider portion of the fairway at 250 yards out, where it opens up to 57 yards wide, giving you more margin for error than the tighter 36-yard section at 200 yards.

hazard warning

Avoid the fairway bunker positioned at 226 yards - lay up short with a controlled tee shot or carry it with a driver if you're confident in your distance control.

approach

With the green measuring 27 yards wide by 35 yards deep, you have a relatively compact target - focus on club selection precision for your approach shot distance.

hazard warning

Be aware of the greenside bunker at 353 yards - any approach shot that runs long or mishit could find this hazard protecting the back of the green.

approach

The green's 5,816 square foot surface provides a medium-sized target - aim for the center of the green to maximize your margin for error on approach shots.

train this shot at home

This 375-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

See launch monitors & simulators

Scoring Tip

When water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.

Play Whistling Straits from Your Living Room

Launch monitors and simulators now include real course data. Practice your strategy on every hole before your round — or just for fun.

Compare Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 375-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 17?

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

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker; water at 221.4 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. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

What's a good score on hole 17?

This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.

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

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Whistling Straits. You can play this exact 375-yard par 4 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 →