Hole 17 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Old Macdonald Course)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 546 yds
- Stroke index
- 10
- Hazards
- 8 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 53 yds deep × 42 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 · 546 yards
The plan for No. 17
The 17th hole at Bandon Dunes Resort's Old Macdonald Course presents a compelling 546-yard par 5 that embodies C.B. Macdonald's philosophy of strategic golf design. This straight, no-nonsense layout challenges players with its deceptive simplicity, demanding precision over power. The tee shot must navigate the undulating fairway terrain characteristic of Oregon's coastal links, while the approach to the small green requires careful club selection and placement. Without significant hazards to intimidate, this hole relies on subtle contours and wind conditions to test every aspect of a golfer's game. The compact green complex rewards accurate iron play and punishes wayward approaches, making this penultimate hole a true test of skill before the closing stretch.
Off the tee
The opening shot sets the tone for the entire hole, and accuracy trumps distance here. Focus on finding the fairway with a controlled tee shot, as being in play is far more valuable than gaining extra yards from the rough. A driver or strong 3-wood should be sufficient for most players, with the target line favoring the center-left portion of the fairway. This positioning typically provides the best angle for your second shot and avoids any fairway bunkers that may guard the right side. The key is establishing a solid foundation for the hole rather than trying to gain maximum distance.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot strategy depends heavily on your tee shot position and personal capabilities. For most golfers, this becomes a positioning shot rather than an aggressive attempt to reach the green. Lay up to your preferred wedge distance, typically leaving yourself with a full shot into the small green. The ideal layup position is in the center of the fairway, giving you the best angle to attack any pin position. Stronger players who can realistically reach in two should carefully consider the risk versus reward, as the small green makes it a challenging target even with mid-irons.
On the green
The small green at the 17th demands precision with your approach shot and careful attention to putting strategy. Pin position becomes crucial here, as the limited green space means there's little room for error. When the flag is tucked, don't be afraid to aim for the center of the green and take your two-putt par. The putting surface likely features subtle breaks that can be deceiving, so take time to read the green carefully. From longer distances, lag putting becomes essential since three-putting on this small surface would be particularly costly.
Watch for
- Crossing center (crossing)
- Greenside center (greenside)
- Fairway left (fairway)
Hole 17 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 10,766 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 · 6d 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 17 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 546 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
↓
At 546 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 17?
↓
This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered, large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 17?
↓
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.