Hole 4 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Bandon Trails Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 408 yds
- Stroke index
- 5
- Hazards
- 10 bunkers

Aerial source not provided
Green size: 48 yds deep × 24 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 408 yards
The plan for No. 4
Bandon Dunes Resort's Bandon Trails Course hole 4 presents a deceptively challenging 408-yard par 4 that embodies the course's reputation for strategic golf through Oregon's coastal landscape. This straight hole demands precision over power, with its small green serving as the primary defense against scoring. The relatively open fairway invites aggressive tee shots, but the approach shot becomes the critical moment where rounds are made or lost. Without significant hazards to intimidate, golfers must rely on course management and pin-point accuracy to attack the compact green complex. The hole's modest length and straightforward layout mask its true challenge – rewarding thoughtful play while punishing wayward approach shots on one of Bandon Trails' most strategic tests.
Off the tee
The straight layout allows for an aggressive target line down the center of the fairway. Most players should focus on a controlled drive that leaves a comfortable approach distance rather than trying to bomb it as close to the green as possible. Driver is certainly in play for longer hitters, but consider a 3-wood or hybrid if accuracy has been an issue - the small green will punish any approach from an awkward lie or angle. Target the center-left portion of the fairway to open up the best angle to the green. While there are no bunkers or water to avoid, staying in the short grass is crucial given the precision required on your approach shot.
Approach & recovery
With the green's small size being the hole's primary defense, your approach shot is where scores are made or lost. The key is committing to the right club and trusting your yardage - being between clubs on a small green is a recipe for trouble. Take one extra club and swing smoothly rather than forcing a shot. The small target means there's little margin for error, so prioritize hitting the center of the green over attacking tucked pins. Pay attention to wind conditions, as they'll have an outsized impact on such a precise approach shot.
On the green
The compact putting surface demands respect and careful speed control. With limited real estate, three-putts can happen quickly if you're not careful with your lag putting. Focus on getting your first putt within a comfortable two-putt range rather than being overly aggressive. Study the green's subtle breaks carefully - small greens often have more pronounced slopes that can catch players off guard. When in doubt, aim for the center of the green and let your putting stroke do the work. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes with tee shot strategy. Aggressive drivers might get closer to the green but risk finding rough or an uneven lie that complicates the approach. The reward for finding the fairway with good position is a scoring opportunity on what should be a manageable approach distance. Conservative players who prioritize position over distance will often score better here, as the small green rewards precision over power. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus on finding the fairway with whatever club gives you the most confidence. A 5-iron or hybrid off the tee is perfectly acceptable if it keeps you in play. On the approach, take plenty of club and aim for the center of the green - don't get cute with pin hunting. **Low Handicappers:** This is a birdie opportunity if you execute properly. Use your distance control skills to dial in the approach, but resist the urge to be overly aggressive with pin positions. The small green can humble even skilled players who get careless with their target selection. The handicap-5 ranking suggests this hole plays tougher than it looks, so respect the challenge regardless of your skill level.
Watch for
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 4 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 7,540 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 4 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 408 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 408-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 4?
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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 4?
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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.