Bandon Dunes · Hole 16
Blue
162
White
82
Gold
112
Red
112
The signature hole at Bandon Dunes and one of the most celebrated par 3s in the world. Hole 16 plays from an elevated tee directly toward the Pacific Ocean, with the green perched on the very edge of the bluff. The entire Pacific Ocean fills the backdrop beyond the green — there is no more dramatic setting in American golf. The hole is relatively short, but the wind, the terrain, and the psychological weight of the occasion make it endlessly challenging.
Flyover
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Despite the short yardage, this is one of the most carefully considered tee shots on the course. The wind is almost always a significant factor, coming off the ocean from the southwest and hitting the elevated tee from varying angles. In a crosswind, aim well right of the flag and let the wind carry the ball back. In a headwind, take two extra clubs and commit fully to the swing. The green is narrow left to right and the consequences of missing short, left, or right are severe. Pick a target, commit, and swing with full confidence.
Putting
The green slopes gently from back to front toward the ocean. Putts from above the hole race toward the front edge — take extreme care with speed on downhill putts. From below the hole, putts are slow and uphill, requiring a firm stroke. The wind affects putting speed here more than on any other green at Bandon — a strong headwind can actually slow a rolling putt by a measurable amount. Hole 16 is about par, not birdie — stand on the green and take a moment to enjoy the setting.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •This is the most photographed hole in Oregon golf — be careful not to rush your pre-shot routine because of the pressure to perform.
- •The wind at this tee is often dramatically different from what was experienced on the 15th fairway. Always check the flag and the grass for wind direction.
- •Short and left is the worst possible miss — the steep rough on the left leads to extremely difficult up-and-downs.
- •The ocean backdrop makes the green look closer than it is — do not underclub.
- •The right-side bunker, combined with the cliff beyond it, creates a danger zone that is easy to find in a crosswind.
Wind Intelligence
The southwest wind hits this tee directly off the ocean and can be anything from 5 mph to 40 mph on a given day. In calm conditions, a mid-iron is sufficient. In strong conditions, a fairway wood is not out of the question. Watch the flag carefully, watch your playing partners' shots, and ask your caddie what they have seen today. This is the definitive wind-reading moment of a Bandon Dunes round. Never take this hole for granted regardless of the conditions.
Hazard Map
- ▲Pacific Ocean cliffs immediately beyond the green
- ▲Right-side bunker adjacent to the cliff edge
- ▲Steep rough dropoff on the left side of the green
- ▲Fully exposed elevated tee position with maximum wind exposure