Hole 1 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Old Macdonald Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 341 yds
- Stroke index
- 11
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers
Hole 1 map
46 yd wide × 52 yd deep · 2.5 ft total elevation range
Light = gentler slope · Red = steeper slope
White lines: 1 foot of elevation. Arrows: downhill. General terrain, not a pin read.
Approach from bottom
Contour source
USGS NED ned19_n43x25_w124x50_or_southcoast_2008 1/9 arc-second 2010 15 x 15 minute IMG · collection 2008
Map source & reference
Mapbox Satellite composite · capture date not provided. Green at the top; the labeled map reference is below.
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 341 yards
The plan for No. 1
The opening hole at Bandon Dunes Resort's Old Macdonald Course sets the tone for C.B. Macdonald's inspired template design philosophy with a deceptively strategic 341-yard par 4. This straight hole invites an aggressive tee shot across the windswept Oregon coastline, where golfers can "swing free from the tee" knowing the generous fairway will accommodate bold play. The real challenge emerges at the compact, heavily contoured green complex that epitomizes Old Macdonald's legendary putting surfaces. What appears to be a simple approach shot quickly reveals the course's true character - a small target featuring dramatic slopes and ridges that demand precise distance control. The green's intricate contours can turn routine pars into bogeys, while rewarding well-struck shots that find the proper tier with excellent birdie opportunities.
Off the tee
With no significant hazards threatening your tee shot, this hole encourages confident, aggressive driving. Your target line should favor the center of the fairway, giving you the best angle and distance for your approach. Most players can use driver here, as the generous landing area rewards length and sets up shorter approach shots to the challenging green. Consider the wind conditions carefully, as Bandon's coastal location means breezes can significantly affect ball flight. A well-struck drive that bounds forward on the firm fescue fairways can leave you with just a short iron or wedge into the green, creating an excellent scoring opportunity.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole reveals its true character. The small green features the extreme contouring typical of Old Macdonald's putting surfaces, with slopes, ridges, and potentially dramatic elevation changes that can send slightly offline shots rolling well away from the pin. Club selection should prioritize accuracy over distance. A controlled short iron that lands softly on the correct portion of the green is far superior to an aggressive wedge that might bound over or roll off the putting surface. Study the pin position carefully - some areas of this green will be more accessible than others depending on the day's setup. The key insight from experienced players is that a well-executed shot that runs up onto the green can create eagle opportunities, but this requires precise distance control and understanding of the green's contours.
On the green
Expect putting to be the most challenging aspect of this hole. Old Macdonald's greens are famous for their dramatic contours, and even this small putting surface likely features significant slopes and potential false fronts or collection areas. Read putts from multiple angles, paying special attention to the overall slope of the green and how it might affect ball roll. Conservative lag putting often proves more effective than aggressive attempts at holing longer putts, as three-putts are a real possibility on these surfaces.
Watch for
- Greenside center (greenside)
- Crossing center (crossing)
- Fairway left (fairway)
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 12,368 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 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 341 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 341-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 1?
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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 1?
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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.
What's a good score on hole 1?
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This hole is a birdie opportunity if you find the fairway. This shorter par 4 rewards accuracy off the tee with a short iron approach.