Bandon Trails · Hole 6
Blue
434
White
359
Gold
294
Red
194
A strong par 4 that features a significant elevation change — the tee shot plays uphill before the fairway pitches down toward the dogleg. Through-the-trees shotmaking is required on the approach, and the hole offers one of the more dramatic terrain changes on the front nine. A true test of course management.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
The uphill tee shot requires an extra club off the tee — the ball does not run as much when it lands on an uphill slope. Driver to the crest of the hill is the goal; reaching beyond the crest opens up the approach angle. The dogleg bends right after the crest; aim slightly right of center to work the ball around the corner.
Approach
The downhill approach from the crest is one of the most visually interesting on the course — the green is below you with trees framing the entrance. The ball flights further downhill, so club down. The left side of the green is the safe miss; right feeds into heavy rough and a difficult stance.
Putting
This green has more slope than any other on the front nine — front-to-back with a lean toward the right side. From back-left, putts can be very fast and break severely right. Lag putting is critical; a two-putt from anywhere in the back quadrant requires excellent pace control.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The uphill tee shot plays significantly longer — most players under-club and leave it short of the crest, leaving a harder approach angle.
- •The downhill approach plays shorter — take one or two clubs less than the yardage suggests. Most players fly the green.
- •The steep right-to-left putting slope from the back of the green produces severe three-putt opportunities. Lag putt with your whole attention.
Wind Intelligence
The elevation change on this hole creates interesting wind dynamics. The tee is slightly more exposed at the top of the ridge, while the green below is sheltered. You may feel a different wind direction at the tee than what reaches the green. In a southwest wind, the top of the ridge can channel gusts that are absent 30 feet below at the flagstick.
Hazard Map
- ▲Forest trees framing approach corridor
- ▲Heavy rough right of green
- ▲Severe slope on putting surface
- ▲Uphill tee shot to crest before downhill approach