Old Mac · Hole 14
Blue
478
White
403
Gold
338
Red
238
The signature hole at Old Macdonald and one of the finest par 4s at the entire resort. Dramatically elevated tees and sweeping terrain views combine with a long, demanding approach to create the most memorable hole on the course. The views of the surrounding Bandon terrain from the tee are extraordinary, and the design demands the highest quality of shot to make par.
Shot-by-Shot Strategy
Tee Shot
Driver from the elevated tee, taking full advantage of the elevation to carry the ball further down the fairway. The elevation gives extra distance — don't over-swing trying to gain more. Aim at the left-center of the wide fairway; a pushed tee shot right finds a bunker cluster that effectively ends birdie chances. A 270-yard drive from the elevation leaves a manageable approach.
Approach
Long iron approach to a well-bunkered green with dramatic views framing the background. The green accepts approaches from the left more readily than from the right — anything right of center on the approach risks the steep right side bunkers. Aim at the left portion of the green and commit to a full, free swing.
Putting
The signature green has the most dramatic views of any putting surface at the resort. The green slopes consistently from left to right — all putts from the left break right. From the back, the pace is very fast on the left-to-right slope. Enjoy the surroundings between shots but focus completely on this green's demanding pace before putting.
⚠Gotchas — What Kills Your Score
- •The elevated tee encourages swinging too hard — the elevation does the work, not extra effort. A controlled, accurate drive is superior to a maximum-effort blast that finds the right bunker cluster.
- •The right-side bunkers on the approach are the most punishing on the hole. Even a slightly pushed approach can catch them — aim aggressively left.
- •The left-to-right putting slope is the most severe on the course. From above the hole on the left, putts can race well past the hole and off the right edge if pace isn't meticulously controlled.
Wind Intelligence
The elevated tee on hole 14 is one of the most wind-exposed points at Old Macdonald. The prevailing southwest wind is at full force here, and the elevation amplifies its effect on the tee shot — the ball stays airborne longer and drifts more than on any other tee shot on the course. In a strong southwest, allow for 30+ yard rightward drift on the tee shot. The approach also plays in the crosswind.
Hazard Map
- ▲Bunker cluster right of fairway
- ▲Right-side approach bunkers — most penal on the hole
- ▲Steep left-to-right putting slope on signature green
- ▲Full wind exposure from elevated tee