A Wider, But Also Familiar 17th Green Coming to Pebble Beach Golf Links
May 14, 2015
A project that will see the iconic 17th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links have a new, but also familiar look continues to move forward.
Since April 29, Pebble Beach Company has been busy refurbishing the green of the par-3 17th that will result in a wider and more playable surface—expanding to approximately 5,000 square feet from its current size of 3,600 sq. feet.
In addition to the green expansion, the front left bunker face will be lowered by approximately 2½ feet and the mounds in front of the bunker will be lowered, allowing golfers the view of the lefts side of the green from the tee. Players will now be able to see their ball land on the left portion of the green.
The two modifications are intended to reflect the size and playability of the hole’s original design dating back to 1919.
During the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, numerous players’ shots hit the front left of the green or on the lip of the front left bunker only to find their ball bounding over the green and into the back bunker. Through the first two rounds of the championship, the hole was played 312 times. Tee shots held the green only 61 times. During the final round, only seven of 83 players found the green, which played to the traditional back-left Sunday location.
The front, greenside bunker on the left will also have a new look.
Now, perfectly struck balls will be rewarded instead of punished.
“It’s exciting,” said RJ Harper, Pebble Beach Executive Vice President of Golf and Retail. “We’re energized by this important project. Arnold Palmer has worked closely with our team to ensure we maintain the original design intent and to create a fabulous new look. It’s going to be absolutely terrific.”
The construction phase of the project is expected to be completed this weekend. The green and surroundings will then be re-sodded, with the hole slated to re-open on July 24.
During the re-model, players have been using a testy alternate green built along the oceans edge.
Over the past 13 years, Pebble Beach Company officials have rebuilt a number of its poa annua greens in an effort to provide proper drainage and playability. The green on No.17 is the 10th green to have undergone renovations.
Pebble Beach Golf Links will host both the 2018 U.S. Amateur Championship and the 2019 U.S. Open.
–Jerry Stewart
