Hole 7 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Bandon Trails Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 440 yds
- Stroke index
- 7
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 50 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 4 · 440 yards
The plan for No. 7
The seventh hole at Bandon Dunes Resort's Bandon Trails Course presents a deceptively straightforward par 4 that demands precision over power. This 440-yard test stretches across the property's inland terrain, where towering coastal pines frame a generous fairway that invites aggressive driving. The absence of traditional hazards shifts focus to the hole's subtle complexities—elevation changes and the small, receptive green that rewards accurate approach shots. Players must resist the temptation to attack, as the compact putting surface punishes wayward iron play with challenging recovery shots. It's a classic risk-reward scenario where course management trumps brute force, embodying Bandon Trails' philosophy of strategic golf through natural, understated design.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize finding the fairway over maximum distance. With no major hazards to navigate, focus on hitting a controlled drive that leaves you with a comfortable approach distance. Most players should aim for the center of the fairway, allowing for natural shot dispersion. Consider hitting a 3-wood or hybrid if you struggle with driver accuracy - leaving yourself 160-180 yards into a small green is far preferable to hitting from the rough at 120 yards. The straight layout means your target line is straightforward, but pay attention to wind conditions that could push your ball toward the edges of the fairway. A drive that finds the short grass anywhere from 250-280 yards out will set up an ideal approach.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole shows its teeth. The small green size means your margin for error is limited, making club selection and commitment crucial. Favor the center of the green regardless of pin position - chasing pins on a small target often leads to trouble. Take one extra club to ensure you clear any front-edge trouble and focus on a smooth, controlled swing. The straight hole layout means you won't have awkward lies or uneven stances to deal with, so this is purely about execution. If the pin is tucked in a corner, aim for the fat part of the green and rely on your putting rather than risking a miss that could leave you scrambling for bogey.
On the green
With a small green, your primary focus should be getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive. The putting surface likely has subtle breaks that become more pronounced on longer putts, so leaving yourself within 10-15 feet gives you the best chance at birdie while virtually guaranteeing par. Read putts carefully from both sides - small greens can have deceptive slopes that aren't immediately apparent. Focus on solid pace control, as running putts past the hole on a small green often leaves difficult return putts. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a classic risk/reward scenario in club selection. Aggressive players might be tempted to hit driver and try to get as close as possible, but the small green actually rewards the more conservative approach of ensuring you're hitting from the fairway with a comfortable club. The biggest risk is getting too aggressive with pin hunting on the approach. The reward for hitting it close is obviously birdie, but the penalty for missing the small green entirely can quickly turn this scoring opportunity into a bogey or worse. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High Handicappers:** Focus entirely on hitting fairways and greens. Consider hitting 3-wood or hybrid off the tee for better accuracy, and always aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position. Your goal should be a stress-free par with an outside chance at birdie if you roll in a putt. **Low Handicappers:** You can be more aggressive with driver off the tee given your better accuracy, but still respect the small green on approach. This is a hole where you should expect to make birdie with two quality shots, making it crucial for building momentum in your round. Consider pin position more carefully, but don't force difficult shots when the safe play leads to similar results. The key for all skill levels is recognizing that this hole rewards patience and precision over power and aggression.
Watch for
- Water along the hole
- Greenside bunker (greenside)
Hole 7 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 10,550 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 7 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 440 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 440-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 7?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 7?
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The green is large and can play quite long. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.
Which side of the fairway is safer on hole 7?
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Aim for the right side of the fairway when possible. Missing left (water) brings more trouble into play.
What's a good score on hole 7?
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This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.