The Best 17th Holes in Scotland and Ireland

Long before golf course design was considered much of a profession, acclaimed golf writer Bernard Darwin gave aspiring architects everywhere a valuable piece of advice...

It is the duty of every golf course to have a good 17th hole...

In a recent piece for Links Magazine, our friend Joe Passov chronicled the top 10 penultimate par-3s in golf.

This prompted us to consider some of our favorite 17th holes across the pond.

In Great Britain & Ireland, where match-play is the game of choice, many rounds are settled on the 17th hole.

For this reason, and as noted by Mr. Darwin's wisdom, the penultimate hole must be a worthy test.

In addition to its importance for match play, many links courses return inland in rather underwhelming style on their closing hole. This often means the 17th hole is the last flash of great seaside golf.

When it comes to Ireland and Scotland golf trips, here are a few of the challenging, inspiring, and unforgettable 17th holes across the pond.

17th hole at Waterville Golf Links

The 17th at Waterville Golf Links not only meets Mr. Darwin’s guideline, it exceeds being merely “good” in every way.

The challenging par-3 is a daunting hurdle for those hoping to post a score or close a match. And at nearly 200 yards, the hole will require everything in your bag if played into the wind.

It’s the view from the tee at “Mulcahy’s Peak,” however, that will linger in your memory for years to come.

17th Hole at Royal Dornoch Golf Club

There are few things more thrilling in golf than launching a ball into the unknown of a blind shot and the anticipation that follows. The 17th hole at Royal Dornoch Golf Club provides just such a thrill.

From the tee, a black and white wooden post serves as your only guide off the tee. It’s the approach to the elevated green surrounded by gorse, however, that forces the golfer to earn their keep here.

Sam Baker, Royal Dornoch member and H&B Founder & Chairman, has a different strategy for tackling the 17th hole at Royal Dornoch member.

"There is an alternative way to play the 17th at Royal Dornoch which is preferred by some of the locals (and me). Place your tee ball short of the ridge midway between the marker pole and the bunkers. (It requires a shot of about 200 to 210 yards.) This leaves you a clear view of the green for a downhill shot of 170 to 180 yards."

17th Hole at Prestwick Golf Club

The oldest hole in championship golf, the 17th at Prestwick Golf Club is truly one of a kind.

Like its counterpart at Dornoch, the “Alps” brings the fear and anticipation of the great unknown. In this case, that element is provided by the sandhill which conceals both the putting surface and the Sahara bunker standing guard just short of the green.

When you reach the crest of the hill, only then will you learn your fate, capping what is bound to be a stressful few minutes.

17th Hole at Ballybunion Golf Club

The view from the tee of “Devil’s Elbow” is nothing short of inspiring, but take special care not to become too enamored by it.

The 17th hole at Ballybunion Golf Club requires a well placed tee ball up the right side, which is easier said than done given the Atlantic is just steps away.

Exercising caution with a play up the left will find the approach blocked by a towering dune. On the other hand, a loose swing will likely find the beach.

If you can block out all of the distractions and find this sliver of a fairway, your close match probably won’t be that way for long.

17th Hole at The Old Course at St. Andrews

Although the folks in Ponte Vedra Beach may disagree, The Old Course at St. Andrews is home to the best 17th hole in golf.

From the nerve-wracking tee shot over the Old Course Hotel to the approach guarded by an infamous little pot bunker, the Road Hole is the kind of thing that Bucket Lists are made of.

It’s also the kind of hole where a bogey feels like a hard fought par. Probably because it played as a par-5 for most of its existence.

What is your favorite 17th hole across the pond?