Hole 16 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Old Macdonald Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 455 yds
- Stroke index
- 2
- Hazards
- 8 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 32 yds deep × 43 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 · 455 yards
The plan for No. 16
The 16th hole at Bandon Dunes Resort's Old Macdonald Course stands as one of the resort's most captivating par 4s, stretching 455 yards through the dramatic Oregon coastal landscape. This straight but deceptively challenging hole demands precision from tee to green, with the ever-present coastal winds adding complexity to club selection and strategy. The tee shot requires careful positioning to set up the optimal approach angle to the small, well-defended green complex. What makes this hole truly memorable is how it embodies the classic links philosophy of Old Macdonald - rewarding thoughtful course management while punishing aggressive play that strays from the intended line. The approach shot to the compact green demands pinpoint accuracy, as the putting surface offers little margin for error. This hole exemplifies why Old Macdonald is considered one of Bandon's most interesting and strategic tests.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize finding the optimal angle for your approach rather than maximum distance. With no significant hazards listed, the primary challenge lies in positioning yourself for the best approach to the small green. Aim for the center-left portion of the fairway to open up the green for your approach shot. Driver is certainly in play for longer hitters, but don't discount a 3-wood or driving iron if conditions are windy or if you're struggling with accuracy. The key is leaving yourself a comfortable approach distance - typically somewhere in the 150-180 yard range for most golfers. Pay close attention to wind direction, as afternoon conditions can dramatically alter your target line and club selection.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole reveals its true teeth. The small green demands pinpoint accuracy, and with the #2 handicap rating, there's little margin for error. Club selection becomes critical - it's better to be long than short on most small greens, as recovery shots from behind are typically easier than those from greenside bunkers or rough. Consider the pin position carefully. If the flag is tucked behind trouble or on a challenging section of the green, aim for the center and take your two-putt par. The wind factor cannot be overstated here - what might be a 7-iron in calm conditions could easily become a 5-iron in a strong headwind.
On the green
Small greens at coastal courses like Bandon typically feature subtle but significant breaks influenced by the surrounding terrain and prevailing winds. Focus on lag putting to avoid three-putts, as the premium real estate means you'll likely face several challenging pin positions throughout your round. Pay attention to grain direction, which can be influenced by the coastal winds. Putts toward the ocean may be faster, while those against the grain could be slower than they appear. Take time to read the green carefully - small greens often have more severe slopes to create challenge within limited space.
Watch for
- Greenside center (greenside)
- Crossing center (crossing)
Hole 16 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 7,993 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Bandon Dunes Resort (Old Macdonald 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 (Old Macdonald 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 16 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 455 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 455-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 16?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, heavily bunkered, large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 16?
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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.
What's a good score on hole 16?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.