Par 4 – 350 yards
Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner do many things exceptionally well as designers of golf holes and the 17th hole at Ohoopee Match Club showcases several of their design principles. First, the hole sits into the land so naturally it appears that the sandy areas that bracket the fairway on the right-hand side look as if they simply peeled the feature back from its original presentation. From the tee driver is not necessary for medium to long hitters and the fairway is broad and you’re enticed to possibly challenge the waste area on the right as the fairway extends higher on that side. The tilt from right to left is subtle but significant and while the ideal angle to play into the green is from the low and left side, the fairway runs out quickly with the contour running to the left.
The green is beautifully positioned on a ridge that is roughly 20 feet above the fairway and the green side bunkering is so eerily similar to that of several holes at Pine Valley you might believe you’re in the sand barrens of New Jersey. The green is pitched from right to left which makes playing from the left and low side of the fairway even more desirable. It’s almost the end of your walk and this hole is so aesthetically pleasing you could look at it from all angles. The tender care given to its fairway contouring and the movement of the green complex makes this one of finest holes built in recent memory.