63 (World) / 34 (U.S.) / 8 (Public) Bandon Dunes [updated photos]

February 10, 2014

On my first trip to Bandon Dunes, I didn't have a very good camera. I also twisted my ankle on the first day. So, that trip held more disappointments than  anything else.  You can read my first blog on Bandon Dunes HERE.

I was able to return 10 months later with a better camera and wanted to do a revisit of the course, and also post updated photos in a new blog entry. So, here is the new blog and photos. Hole descriptions are taken from the Bandon Dunes website. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Hole 1, Par 4, 352 yards

Someone once noted that the first hole of any golf course shouldn’t be too difficult. That is exactly the case at Bandon Dunes. Tee shots should favor the left side of the fairway and an approach shot that favors the right side of the green will avoid the enormous hump that sits in the left middle of the green.

A look into the 1st green from 100 yards out. 

A closer look into the 1st green

Hole 2, Par 3, 155 yards

A medium length par 3 that requires a significantly uphill shot. The prevailing northwest wind will blow the ball from left to right, causing shots to often end up short or in the right side of the collection area. An extra club may be recommended. The undulating green puts a premium on putting.

A look onto the green from the 2nd tee box.

 Hole 3, Par 5, 489 yards

This first par 5 also represents the first real opportunity for a birdie. Take a look at the entire hole and analyze the second shot landing area, as it may be blind from the fairway. Enjoy the view!

A look down the fairway from the 3rd tee box.

 A look into the 3rd green from 175 yards out.

A closer look at the 3rd green.

Hole 4, Par 4, 362 yards

Use the bunker straight-away as a target for your tee shot. Club selection on your approach is vital, as the green is protected in the front left by deep bunkers, and the Pacific Ocean awaits any balls hit long. A low trajectory shot hit up the right side of the green may be the best play.

A look down the fairway from the 4th tee box.

A closer look at the 4th green from the turn of the dogleg right. 

A look into the 4th green from 120 yards out.

A closer look at the 4th green.

 Hole 5, Par 4, 400 yards

Remove your attention from the breathtaking scenery long enough to muster the concentration necessary to drive the ball into the right half of the split fairway. Since the hole will play directly against the prevailing wind, it may be necessary to consider conceding this as a three-shot hole, rather than risking a big number.

A look into the 5th green from 120 yards out.

 Hole 6, Par 3, 153 yards

Against the prevailing wind, this hole requires much more club than the yardage suggests. Beware of the deep, sod-faced bunker on the left. A missed shot to the right of the green leaves a manageable chip to save par.

A look onto the green from the 6th tee box.

 Hole 7, Par 4, 372 yards

A look down the fairway from the 7th tee box.

The fairway is much wider than it looks, so relax and make a comfortable swing. Favor the left side of the fairway over the outcropping of beach grass. Pay particular attention to the hole location, as this is effectively a three-tiered green. Although it is desirable to be on the same tier as the hole, when the hole is cut back left, it is advisable to find the middle of the green and take your chances on a long putt.

A look into the 7th green from 100 yards out.

 Hole 8, Par 4, 342 yards

Check your yardage to carry the cross bunkers; it can be deceiving. The narrow opening in the front of the green makes the green seem narrower than it is. You can use the hump in the front left of the green to feed balls toward the center. Don’t fall asleep at this hole. It's harder than it looks!

A look down the fairway from the 8th tee box.

A look into the 8th green from 70 yards out.

 Hole 9, Par 5, 520 yards

Off the tee, avoid the pot bunkers in the center of the landing zone. Left provides a more generous fairway, but a longer distance to the green. With the prevailing wind usually helping on this medium-length par 5, going right of the bunkers could make this a two shot hole.

A look down the fairway from the 9th tee box.

A look towards the 9th green from 250 yards out.

A look into the 9th green from 100 yards out.

Hole 10, Par 4, 339 yards

A drive down the right provides the shortest approach shot, while playing to the left provides the best angle to this very shallow green. Don’t be intimidated by the blind second shot; just trust your yardage.

A look down the fairway from the 10th tee box.

A look into the 10th green from 100 yards out.

 Hole 11, Par 4, 351 yards

Fighting the prevailing wind, this hole plays extremely long. Avoid the sod-faced bunker that guards the right side of the green, and be aware that the green slopes away from you.

A look down the fairway from the 11th tee box.

A look into the 11th green from 70 yards out.

 Hole 12, Par 3, 153 yards

Club selection is crucial to this shallow, firm green. A sod-faced bunker awaits short shots, and natural fescues approach quickly from behind. A shot played into the front right opening of the green will serve you well to any hole location.

A look into the green from the 12th tee box.

 Hole 13, Par 5, 537 yards

Playing downwind, this is a very reachable par 5. Significant topography down the right side of the fairway may present awkward lies, while a drive down the left brings the only internal water hazard on the golf course into play. Steep slopes short of the green will funnel balls into a deep collection area.

A look down the fairway from the 13th tee box.

A look into the 13th green from 65 yards out.

 Hole 14, Par 4, 332 yards

This dogleg right has a shallow green tucked behind the distant dune. Consult your carry distances to determine which fairway bunker to use as a guideline for your tee shot. A drive up the left side leaves you with a better angle to the elongated green.

A look down the fairway from the 14th tee box.

A look into the 14th green from 100 yards out. 

A look onto the 14th green from just off the left side.

 Hole 15, Par 3, 131 yards

Favor the left side of this green, as the deepest bunker on the course lurks on the right, and the bank on the left will feed all shots toward the center of the green.

A look into the green from the 15th tee box.

 Hole 16, Par 4, 345 yards

With the prevailing wind at your back, it is much easier to carry your drive onto the top fairway than it looks. The approach shot from the upper fairway is much shorter and provides a good look at the green. Do not attack the right hole locations, as the cliff's edge is much closer than it appears from the fairway.

A look down the fairway from the 16th tee box.

 Hole 17, Par 4, 375 yards

A drive down the left side of the fairway provides the best angle to the green. The tee shot plays slightly downhill, while your approach is more uphill than you think. Because this hole has the deepest green on the course, it is essential that you factor the hole location into the length of your approach shot.

A look down the fairway from the 17th tee box.

A look into the 17th green from 120 yards out.

 Hole 18, Par 5, 513 yards

This wonderful finishing hole offers you a chance to finish strong. A drive in the left side of the fairway avoids the bunkers and hazard on the right, as well as providing the best look at the green on this dogleg right. If you encounter a blind second shot, use the right edge of the clubhouse as a reference point.

A look down the fairway from the 18th tee box.

A look into the 18th green from 150 yards out.

A closer look into the 18th green.

Entrance sign for the course.

Overall, Bandon is still my favorite golf resort in the world. I was excited that I had the opportunity to go back and experience it again, while taking better photos.