Hole No. 17
The Oconee Course
Par 5 - 546 yards
A member of the dramatic trio of closing holes at the Oconee Course, the 17th is a Rees Jones “risk-reward” exercise that can be as tame as a walk in the park, or as wild as a NASCAR pileup. Indeed, driving is important here, which the international competitors in the 23rd annual PGA Cup discovered during matches on the Oconee Course in 2007.
From the tee, an uphill drive must steer clear of the bunkers on each side of the landing area. If it makes it over the crest and gets a helpful roll, the choice becomes whether to put the pedal to the metal and go for the well-guarded green from a downhill lie.
Laying up to a comfortable distance is never a bad choice, but either way, Lake Oconee looms alongside the green complex, which is sloped to pull everything toward the water. The spacious green is less tormenting, so makeable putts are there for the taking.
Pro’s Perspective: “It was a really exciting hole for matches coming down the stretch in the PGA Cup,” said Mike Davenport, head professional at the Oconee Course. “You know you can make eagle, or see someone give the whole match away. You need to be careful, or it can become a car wreck.”
