Bandon Trails · Hole 17
Blue
381
White
306
Gold
241
Red
141
The penultimate hole continues through the dune section with a slightly more forgiving routing than hole 16. A mid-length par 4 where the ground game is effective and the approach offers the best bailout option of the closing stretch. The hole sets up a dramatic finale on 18.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Three-wood or driver to the left-center of the fairway. The dune rough right is particularly deep on this hole — a miss right is one of the most penalizing positions on the back nine. Aim at the left edge of the fairway and accept a left-rough lie over a deep dune-rough lie on the right.
Approach
Mid-iron to short iron approach depending on drive distance. The green accepts running approaches from the front — a bump-and-run from 30 yards short of the green will typically find the putting surface in firm conditions. The left side of the green offers the most room; right is bunkered.
Putting
One of the more straightforward greens in the dune section — consistent back-to-front slope with a slight lean right. From the back, pace is the primary concern. From the sides, the read is relatively intuitive. A two-putt par positions you well mentally for the finishing hole.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The deep dune rough right of the fairway on the tee shot is the most dangerous miss on this hole — always protect left.
- •The green accepts a running approach but only if you read the dune topography correctly — a running shot from the wrong angle can roll past the green.
- •Many players lose focus here with hole 18 in mind. Stay present — the 17th has ended many good rounds with a careless bogey.
Wind Intelligence
Hole 17 plays in a direction that creates a quartering tailwind from the southwest in typical conditions — one of the few tailwind holes on the course. This can bring driver into conflict with the landing zone; take one less club if conditions are favorable. The approach in a slight tailwind means the ball runs more than usual — club down on the approach as well.
Hazard Map
- ▲Deep dune rough right of fairway
- ▲Bunker right of green
- ▲Sandy rough surrounding green complex