Bandon Dunes · Hole 5
Blue
583
White
503
Gold
433
Red
333
The longest hole on the course and one of the most visually dramatic par 5s in American golf. Hole 5 runs along the edge of the Pacific bluffs for nearly its entire length, offering sweeping ocean views to the right while demanding precision throughout. The hole plays slightly downwind when the southwest wind is up, giving long hitters a legitimate birdie opportunity — but any ball that drifts right off the tee or on the approach is in serious danger near the cliff.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Aim left-center with the driver. The prevailing tailwind will add distance, so control is more important than power here. The left side of the fairway is wide and relatively safe; the right side narrows toward the cliff. A long, drawing drive down the left center sets up the best angle for the second shot. Avoid going right of the fairway center at all costs — the rough near the bluff is thick and the cliff is never far away.
Approach
For longer hitters who can reach or near-reach in two, the green is slightly elevated and guarded by a deep bunker on the left. Layup players should aim for the 100-yard marker in the fairway, which leaves a full wedge to a receptive portion of the green. The green is large and there is room to work with from the fairway — the biggest mistake is going right or coming up short-left into the bunker. In two attempts, always favor a slight draw to keep the ball away from the cliff.
Putting
The long green at 5 has a subtle movement from back to front and from left to right near the front section. Eagle putts from deep in the green require a careful speed read — three-putting for par on a hole you have reached in two is a deflating outcome. Aim for the center of the green and leave yourself a short birdie putt rather than chasing a tight pin position.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The tailwind makes it easy to overhit — long hitters need to be disciplined with their second shots to avoid running through the green.
- •The cliff on the right is in play for anyone who gets too aggressive with their draw.
- •The deep left bunker catches any approach that rides the wind too far.
- •Layup players must be precise — a layup into the right rough leaves an approach that still requires a shot near the cliff edge.
Wind Intelligence
When the southwest wind is at your back, this hole becomes genuinely reachable in two for stronger players. A 280-yard drive in light wind becomes a 310-yard drive with a tailwind. However, the tailwind also makes the approach shot harder to control — take less club and commit to the swing. In a rare headwind (north-northeast), this hole becomes a three-shot par 5 for all but the longest hitters.
Hazard Map
- ▲Pacific Ocean bluffs and cliff edge on the right side for the entire hole
- ▲Deep bunker left of the green
- ▲Native fescue rough throughout
- ▲False front on the green