Bandon Trails · Hole 16
Blue
448
White
373
Gold
308
Red
208
The signature hole at Bandon Trails is a long, dramatic par 4 that is among the finest holes not only at the resort but in American golf. The hole plays from a high dune tee through a sweeping valley of sandy waste, dune ridges, and fescue rough to a green set against a stunning natural backdrop. No other hole at Bandon Trails has more variety of terrain or more strategic depth.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Driver from the elevated dune tee, taking in the extraordinary view before committing to the shot. The fairway is visible below but appears narrower than it is due to the elevation. Aim at the left-center of the fairway — the prevailing southwest crosswind will move the ball right toward the ideal approach position. Reaching 260 yards puts you in position for a long iron approach to the green.
Approach
Long iron approach to a green that is set in a natural amphitheater of dune ridges. The approach requires carrying a waste area strip between the fairway and the green — don't short-side this carry. The left side of the green is more accessible; the right side has bunkers that are beautiful to look at and brutal to escape. Take one more club than instinct suggests.
Putting
The green contours follow the natural dune topography — subtle in some areas, dramatic in others. The signature hole deserves a careful read. Most putts on the left portion break left to right toward the natural drainage; putts on the right break right to left toward the bunkers. Get on the correct tier and lag putt.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The dramatic view from the elevated tee makes the fairway look narrower — it is wider than it appears. Commit fully to your shot rather than steering.
- •The waste area carry on the approach is non-negotiable — short is a very difficult lie in the sandy waste strip. Take enough club.
- •The bunkers right of the green are the most punishing at Bandon Trails. Recovery from the sand to a green that slopes away from the bunker requires a precise, high shot with excellent technique.
Wind Intelligence
The elevated dune tee exposes the tee shot to the full southwest wind, which typically crosses left-to-right across the dune valley. The wind effect on a downhill tee shot from this elevation is multiplied — the ball stays in the air longer and drifts more than on flat ground. Allow for significant right drift and aim accordingly. The approach also plays in a crosswind; adjust aim point aggressively to the left.
Hazard Map
- ▲Sandy waste area between fairway and green
- ▲Bunkers right of green — most penal on the course
- ▲Dune ridges framing both sides of the approach
- ▲Fescue rough throughout the dune valley