Bandon Dunes · Hole 14
Blue
551
White
471
Gold
401
Red
301
The second-rated handicap hole on the course is a demanding par 5 that plays into or across the prevailing southwest wind with an additional crosswind component that makes second-shot club selection enormously difficult. The fairway is wider than the number might suggest, but two of the most strategically important bunkers on the course guard the approach to the green, forcing every player to make a precise decision about whether to go for it in two.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
A driver is required here to set up any legitimate chance at reaching the green in two. Aim at the left-center of the fairway — the crosswind will push the ball right, and any tee shot that ends up in the right rough leaves an obstructed or awkward second shot. The fairway bunker at 240 yards on the right side is in play for strong hitters in a tailwind, so aim left of it. A solid drive of 260-280 yards in the fairway is ideal.
Approach
The crosswind from the southwest is the defining challenge of the second shot. From 230-260 yards in the fairway, players attempting to reach the green in two must navigate wind, distance, and two large bunkers that guard the front of the green. The left bunker is deeper; the right bunker is more punishing. Layup players should aim for the 100-yard marker left of center, avoiding the bunkers and leaving a full pitch. Only go for it in two if you can reliably carry the bunkers in the prevailing conditions.
Putting
The large green at 14 has significant movement from back-left to front-right. Eagles from long range are difficult due to the speed of the green — focus on a controlled two-putt for birdie. The front portion of the green is faster than the back, and balls that track from back to front can release well past the hole. Charge birdie putts from below the hole; lag carefully from above.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The crosswind makes the second shot club selection extremely difficult — always have a caddie or playing partner confirm your club choice.
- •The fairway bunker at 240 yards on the right is directly in the line of a slight push off the tee — don't miss right.
- •Going for the green in two and missing into the front bunkers is worse than laying up — the bunker shots are very difficult.
- •Three-putting for par on a hole you have reached in two is a common and deflating outcome — respect the green speed.
Wind Intelligence
The crosswind from the southwest hits this hole from the right on the second shot. In strong conditions, this means aiming significantly left of the green to account for drift. The crosswind also makes the tee shot more difficult as a left-to-right wind will push a draw back toward center but can send a straight shot into the right rough. Club down on the approach in a crosswind and take a wider line to the green.
Hazard Map
- ▲Fairway bunker at 240 yards on the right side
- ▲Two large bunkers guarding the front of the green
- ▲Native rough lining both sides of the fairway
- ▲Strong southwest crosswind as a constant environmental challenge