Hole 17 Par 4 at The Mines Golf: A Demanding Climb into the Wind
- Mines Golf Management
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
Overview
The penultimate test at The Mines Golf is a hole that demands fortitude. Hole 17 stretches 375 metres uphill and often plays into the prevailing breeze, making it one of the most physically and mentally demanding Par 4s on the course. While the fairway appears generous from the tee, any sense of ease quickly gives way to a series of decisions, each influenced by slope, wind and architectural nuance. This is a championship hole by every measure; gracefully intimidating and strategically rich.
The Tee Shot
From an elevated launch pad, players face a sweeping uphill fairway punctuated by bunkers on the right and framed by mature trees on either side. The corridor is wide but not without consequence. A miss to the right will settle into a deep swale, leaving a blind and awkward second shot. Too far left, and bunkers come into play, especially for those trying to overpower the incline.
📝 Pro Tip: Don’t be seduced by the width; what matters is position. A well-struck drive up the left-centre opens up the green while offering an advantageous angle. Club up if the wind is up; it's longer than it looks.
The Approach
The second shot plays significantly uphill and often into the wind. With the fairway rising before you, the green is barely visible from many stances, especially if your drive hasn’t cleared the crest. A well-executed long iron or hybrid is often required. The most perilous mistake? Coming up short and right, where a pronounced mound and swale can obscure your next move entirely.
📝 Pro Tip: Take enough club to clear the front mound, especially when attacking a right pin. High ball flight with spin control is paramount; anything less risks bounding into trouble.
The Green
At 36 metres deep and 17 metres across, this is one of the largest greens on the course, but its size belies the subtlety within. A pronounced mound guards the front right corner, creating a blind spot for low-running approaches and adding considerable complexity to putts from that section. Pins cut right require surgical precision; middle and left pins are more accessible but still demand thoughtful pace and line.
📝 Pro Tip: When in doubt, favour the centre of the green. Downhill putts can be surprisingly slick, and the contours here reward patience and confident reads.
Visual Landmarks
Hole 17 exudes timeless grandeur. Homes with colonial-inspired rooftops rise beyond the treeline, offering a stately backdrop. Tall, timeworn hardwoods stretch along the left, while tropical greenery softens the view to the right. As you ascend the fairway, the sweeping sightlines back toward the tee remind you of the climb you’ve just conquered. This hole is visually layered; at once intimate in its start, then expansive in its finish.
Summary
Hole 17 is not just a hole; it’s a trial of execution. It plays longer than its yardage and tougher than its appearance. From the forced carry off the tee to the elusive green guarded by slope and wind, this hole is a defining moment on the back nine. A par here feels like a gain. A birdie is to be celebrated. This is The Mines demanding your best, with no room for hesitation and no tolerance for anything less than focus.
