Hole 3 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Bandon Dunes Course)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 543 yds
- Stroke index
- 3
- Hazards
- 8 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 42 yds deep × 34 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 543 yards
The plan for No. 3
This reachable par 5 presents an excellent scoring opportunity, but success hinges on intelligent course management and respecting the Oregon coast's ever-changing wind conditions. With no major hazards protecting the hole, the primary challenge becomes positioning yourself for the best approach angles while managing the smaller green target. The third hole at Bandon Dunes offers one of the best birdie opportunities on the front nine, playing as a relatively straightforward par 5 with a generous fairway and minimal trouble. However, the small green demands precision on your approach shots, making strategic positioning more important than raw distance. The coastal winds can dramatically affect club selection and shot shape, requiring constant attention to conditions throughout the hole.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize finding the fairway over maximum distance. With the straight layout and open design, driver is typically the right choice for most players, but focus on hitting it in play rather than bombing it. Aim for the center of the fairway, allowing the natural roll to carry you toward an ideal position for your second shot. The key is avoiding any rough that might complicate your approach to the small green target.
Approach & recovery
This is where the hole's character truly emerges. For longer hitters, the decision becomes whether to go for the green in two or lay up to your favorite wedge distance. The small green size makes going for it in regulation quite challenging, even from optimal positions. If laying up, target the 100-120 yard range where you're most comfortable with your wedge play. When going for the green, favor the center and accept whatever pin position is given - the small target leaves little room for aggressive pin-hunting.
On the green
The compact putting surface requires precise distance control on your approaches. Focus on leaving yourself below the hole when possible, as uphill putts on this small green are much more manageable than downhill sliders. Pay close attention to the wind direction when reading putts, as the exposed coastal location can influence ball roll more than expected.
Watch for
- Mapped bunkers (8) shape the preferred lines; use the aerial map for front/side position rather than a single yardage.
- Native scrub/wooded areas (13 mapped zone(s)) pinch the corridor; favor the open side off the tee.
Hole 3 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 8,973 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Bandon Dunes Resort (Bandon Dunes Course) — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Bandon Dunes Resort (Bandon Dunes Course). · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
Our Stroke Play Competition At Bandon Dunes Got Off To A Hot Start! (Bandon Belt Episode 1)
Maintaining Bandon Dunes: Oregon's Links Golf Mecca | All Grass Is Local | Pres. by Toro
The Evolution of Maintaining Bandon Dunes Resort | All Grass Is Local
PGA Professional Championship 2026 at Bandon Dunes.
PGA Professional Championship 2026 at Bandon Dunes
PGA Professional Championship 2026 at Bandon Dunes.
How did Hole 3 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 543 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 543 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 3?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered, large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 3?
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The green is large and can play quite long. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.