Hole 12 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Bandon Trails Course)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 242 yds
- Stroke index
- 18
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 43 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 · 242 yards
The plan for No. 12
At just 242 yards, Hole 12 at Bandon Dunes Resort's Bandon Trails Course proves that length isn't everything in golf design. This deceptively challenging par 4 demands precision over power, with the shortest distance creating the most strategic complexity on the course's easiest handicap hole. The straight layout appears inviting from the tee, but the small green complex becomes the ultimate test of accuracy. Without significant hazards to distract, golfers must focus entirely on club selection and execution for their approach shot. This minimalist design philosophy exemplifies Bandon Trails' commitment to strategic golf, where every shot matters regardless of yardage.
Off the tee
The absence of major hazards creates an interesting strategic dilemma. Aggressive players can attempt to drive the green with a well-struck driver or 3-wood, but the small green size makes this a high-risk proposition. The safer play involves laying up with a mid-iron to long-iron, leaving a comfortable wedge distance for the approach. Focus your target line on the center of the fairway, giving yourself the best angle into the small green. Wind conditions at Bandon will heavily influence your club selection, so factor in the coastal elements when making your decision.
Approach & recovery
For those laying up off the tee, the approach shot becomes critical to scoring. A short wedge or pitching wedge should provide excellent spin and control into the small target. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position - with such a small surface area, getting the ball on the putting surface is more important than attacking specific pin locations. The straight layout means you'll have a direct line to the flag, but don't let this tempt you into being overly aggressive with pin-seeking shots.
On the green
The small green demands respect with your putting approach. Focus on lag putting to ensure you don't leave yourself with challenging comeback putts. Speed control becomes crucial on a compact surface where running putts off the green is a real possibility. Read the subtle breaks carefully, as even minor undulations become magnified on such a small putting surface. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole epitomizes risk/reward golf strategy. Going for the green offers the chance at eagle and almost guarantees birdie if successful, but missing the small target can lead to difficult recovery shots. The conservative approach of laying up virtually guarantees a birdie opportunity while keeping big numbers off the scorecard. Weather conditions should heavily influence your decision - calm conditions favor aggression, while wind makes the conservative play more attractive. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Take the conservative approach every time. Use a 5 or 6-iron off the tee to ensure you stay in the fairway, then focus on hitting the green with your wedge approach. Par is an excellent score here, and bogey isn't disastrous given the handicap rating. **Low Handicappers:** This is your chance to be aggressive and gain strokes on the field. Consider going for the green in favorable conditions, but have the discipline to lay up when conditions aren't ideal. Your short game skills should allow you to get up and down even if you miss the green slightly. The beauty of this hole lies in its simplicity and the strategic choices it presents. Whether you choose aggression or patience, precise execution is rewarded, making it a true test of both decision-making and golf skills.
Watch for
- Greenside bunker (greenside)
Hole 12 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 7,560 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Bandon Dunes Resort (Bandon Trails 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 Trails 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 12 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 242 yards.
How difficult is hole 12?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 12?
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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.