Hole 3 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Bandon Trails Course)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 549 yds
- Stroke index
- 3
- Hazards
- 10 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 36 yds deep × 32 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 · 549 yards
The plan for No. 3
The third hole at Bandon Dunes Resort (Bandon Trails Course) presents a deceptively straightforward par 5 that demands precision over power. This 549-yard test features a straight layout through the coastal landscape, where the absence of traditional hazards shifts focus to strategic positioning and green complex navigation. The tee shot offers a generous fairway, inviting aggressive play, but the approach to the small green becomes the hole's defining challenge. With limited margin for error on the putting surface, players must carefully consider their second shot positioning to set up a manageable angle. This hole exemplifies Bandon Trails' philosophy of rewarding thoughtful course management over brute force, making it a memorable strategic examination.
Off the tee
Driver is the preferred club for most players, as maximizing distance off the tee significantly improves your chances of reaching in two or setting up a short iron third shot. Aim for the center of the fairway to maintain the best angles for your second shot. The straight layout means you can be aggressive with your target line without worrying about doglegs or hidden trouble. Focus on solid contact rather than trying to overpower the shot - a well-struck drive in the fairway is far more valuable than a wayward bomb in the rough.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot strategy depends heavily on your driving distance and skill level. Longer hitters may attempt to reach the green in two with a fairway wood or hybrid, but the small green makes this a high-risk proposition. The safer play is to advance the ball into prime wedge range, ideally within 100 yards of the green. Target the center of the fairway to maintain the best angle into the small green. Avoid getting too aggressive if you're between clubs - taking one more club and swinging smoothly often yields better results than forcing a shorter iron.
On the green
The small green demands accuracy on your approach shot and precise putting once you're on the surface. With limited real estate, pin positions can dramatically affect the difficulty of approach shots. Focus on hitting to the center of the green rather than chasing pins, especially when they're tucked near edges. The compact putting surface means most putts will be relatively short, but subtle breaks can be deceiving on smaller greens. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers multiple risk/reward decisions. The primary choice is whether to attempt reaching in two shots versus laying up for a comfortable wedge. Going for the green rewards perfect execution with eagle opportunities but punishes mishits severely given the small target. The conservative three-shot approach virtually guarantees a birdie look from close range, making it the percentage play for most golfers. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Play this as a three-shot hole every time. Use driver off the tee if you can keep it in play, then advance with whatever club gets you to comfortable wedge distance. Don't get greedy trying to reach in two - focus on avoiding big numbers and you'll likely card your best score on this hole. **Low Handicappers:** This hole demands a calculated approach to risk management. If you're hitting driver well, consider going for the green in two when conditions favor it. However, the small green means even good players should respect the challenge. When laying up, be precise with your positioning to leave your favorite wedge distance. This is a hole where course management skills separate good players from great ones. The key to mastering this par 5 is recognizing it as a scoring opportunity while respecting the precision required around the green. Smart club selection and conservative target selection often yield better results than heroic attempts.
Watch for
- Greenside bunker (greenside)
Hole 3 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 7,199 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 3 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 549 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 549 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: large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 3?
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The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.