The Preserve · Hole 6
Back
175
Forward
155
The signature hole of Bandon Preserve and one of the most photographed par-3s in the Pacific Northwest. Hole 6 plays to a clifftop green with an unobstructed 180-degree panorama of the Pacific Ocean. There is nowhere on earth quite like this tee box — the ocean stretches to the horizon in every direction, the green floats at the cliff edge, and the wind does whatever it pleases. Take the photo. Then make the shot.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
At 175 yards with ocean wind, this is a mid-to-long iron in most conditions. The prevailing southwest wind often blows directly into or across the face here. Take an extra club or two and play a controlled, lower ball flight — the green is generous in width and will accept a bump-and-run from the front. Aim conservatively inland from any cliff-side pin positions.
Putting
The signature green slopes gently toward the ocean. Any putt from the inland (left) side will break toward the water — more than it appears. Distance control is critical on long putts; the green is firm and the downhill to the ocean-side edge is unforgiving. Lag beautifully, accept a par on this hole, and enjoy the view.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The visual drama is the biggest hazard. Golfers have airmailed this green trying to muscle up for the occasion. This is a golf shot, not a performance.
- •Ocean-side pin positions are traps. A ball that misses right here is not recoverable. Aim for the inland half of the green regardless of pin position.
- •The green can appear closer than it is because of the dramatic backdrop — the ocean behind gives no depth perception cues. Trust the yardage marker.
Wind Intelligence
Wind on hole 6 is the defining variable of the entire round. The southwest exposure means the wind is almost always a factor, ranging from a gentle oceanside breeze to a howling gale that makes 175 yards feel like 230. Spend extra time reading the flag and the grass in front of you before committing to a club. This is the hole where correct wind assessment wins the round.
Hazard Map
- ▲Pacific Ocean cliff — right side is total loss
- ▲Fescue rough surrounds entire green complex
- ▲No bailout left — adjacent rough is punishing