Bandon Trails · Hole 14
Blue
342
White
267
Gold
202
Red
102
A short par 4 fully within the dunes section where the sandy terrain creates a links-like playing field. The hole routes through natural dune ridges and the ground game becomes as important as the aerial game. A driveable hole for longer hitters that presents an interesting risk-reward decision from the tee.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Driver can get close to or reach the green in one for longer hitters — but the dune ridges and bunkers fronting the green make this a risky play. A controlled three-wood to 200 yards leaves a simple wedge approach. Players who lay up are playing the smarter game; players who go for it need the ball on the green, not in the dune bunkers short of it.
Approach
Wedge or short iron from 140 yards to a green set among the dunes with sand features everywhere. The ground game is effective — a low-running approach that bounces through the dune grasses toward the green is the Bandon Trails way. Avoid the bunkers that frame both sides of the approach corridor.
Putting
A links-influenced green that drains quickly and is often firmer than earlier holes. The surface follows natural dune contours — some areas have more break than expected due to the sandy subsurface promoting uneven compaction. Read carefully and trust your first impression.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The driveable green tempts big hitters into a high-risk carry over dune bunkers — the reward (eagle) is real but the penalty (double) is equally real.
- •The ground game is more effective here than on any hole since the opening forest stretch — bump-and-run is a legitimate strategy from inside 150 yards.
- •The firm, sandy turf means approach shots land and run further than on softer courses — factor this in on short iron shots.
Wind Intelligence
The dune ridges create natural wind breaks but also funnel and redirect the prevailing southwest wind unpredictably. Wind may hit left-to-right from the tee but shift to right-to-left on the approach as the dune topography redirects it. Check the flag carefully at both distances and be prepared to adjust mid-round intuitions.
Hazard Map
- ▲Dune bunkers framing both sides of the approach
- ▲Sandy rough throughout the dune section
- ▲Natural dune ridges blocking sightlines