Hole 5 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Bandon Dunes Course)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 428 yds
- Stroke index
- 1
- Hazards
- 1 bunker
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 52 yds deep × 28 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 3 · 428 yards
The plan for No. 5
STRATEGY INTRO** The 5th hole at Bandon Dunes presents one of the most demanding challenges on David McLay Kidd's masterpiece, earning its position as the #1 handicap hole. This lengthy par 3 stretches the full distance at 428 yards, requiring golfers to execute a precise long iron or hybrid shot in the often windy coastal conditions that define Bandon's character. This hole epitomizes the strategic demands of links golf, where club selection and course management become paramount. The combination of significant length, small green target, and Bandon's notorious ocean winds creates a scenario where par is an excellent score and bogey is often acceptable. The straight layout may appear straightforward, but the challenge lies in executing under pressure with the knowledge that this is statistically the toughest hole on the course.
Off the tee
Given the 428-yard distance, your club selection will largely depend on wind conditions and pin position. In calm conditions, most golfers will need a long iron, hybrid, or even a fairway wood to reach this small green. The key is committing fully to your club choice - indecision leads to poor contact and short shots on this demanding hole. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to overpower the shot. The straight layout means you can aim directly at your target, but be aware that the small green demands precision. Take extra time to assess wind direction and strength, as coastal conditions can dramatically affect ball flight over this distance.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach shot, making execution even more critical. The small green size means there's little room for error, so aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position. This conservative strategy gives you the best chance of finding the putting surface and avoiding the surrounding trouble. Pay special attention to the firmness of the green and landing area. Bandon's links-style conditioning often means balls will run upon landing, so factor this into your club selection. A shot that lands short and runs onto the green is often more successful than trying to fly it directly to the pin.
On the green
With a small green, putting strategy becomes about lag putting and avoiding three-putts. The green's size means most putts will be relatively short, but don't underestimate the subtle breaks that can exist on links-style greens. Read putts carefully and focus on solid contact and pace control. Given the difficulty of hitting this green in regulation, when you do find the putting surface, take advantage of the scoring opportunity. Two-putt pars are excellent scores here, and even a one-putt can feel like a birdie given the hole's challenge.
Watch for
- Mapped bunkers (1) shape the preferred lines; use the aerial map for front/side position rather than a single yardage.
- Native scrub/wooded areas (17 mapped zone(s)) pinch the corridor; favor the open side off the tee.
Hole 5 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 9,143 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 5 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 428 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 428 yards, most golfers will need a fairway wood or hybrid to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 5?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3, large green requiring good lag putting.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 5?
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Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 5?
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The green is large and can play quite long. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.
What's a good score on hole 5?
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This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.