Hole 9 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Old Macdonald Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 416 yds
- Stroke index
- 7
- Hazards
- 7 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 41 yds deep × 32 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 · 416 yards
The plan for No. 9
The ninth hole at Bandon Dunes Resort's Old Macdonald Course marks the beginning of a notorious stretch that can devastate scorecards, particularly when Oregon's coastal winds howl. This deceptively challenging par 4 stretches 416 yards through relatively open terrain, but its straightforward appearance masks subtle complexities that demand precision. The tee shot requires careful consideration of wind direction and club selection, as the exposed location amplifies any breeze coming off the Pacific. The approach shot to the small green becomes increasingly treacherous as conditions intensify, requiring golfers to commit fully to their yardage and club choice. While Old Macdonald may lack the dramatic ocean vistas of its Bandon siblings, this hole exemplifies the course's strategic emphasis on ground game and wind management that defines authentic links golf.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the optimal position for your approach to the small green. Given the straight layout, focus your target line down the center of the fairway, leaving yourself the most direct angle to the pin. Club selection should prioritize accuracy over distance - a controlled driver or fairway wood that keeps you in the short grass is far more valuable than an aggressive swing that finds trouble. Pay particular attention to wind conditions, as this hole begins the stretch where coastal breezes can wreak havoc on scoring. In calm conditions, a confident driver swing down the middle provides the best setup. When winds pick up, consider scaling back to a 3-wood or hybrid to ensure you maintain control and stay in play.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot to this small green demands surgical precision. With limited green surface area to work with, course management becomes crucial - aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, especially when facing challenging wind conditions. The compact target means there's little margin for error on either side. Club selection should err on the side of taking enough club to reach the middle of the green comfortably. A controlled mid-iron to long-iron, depending on your distance and conditions, will serve you better than trying to squeeze extra yards from a shorter club. The small green rewards those who prioritize accuracy over aggressive pin-hunting.
On the green
While specific green contours aren't detailed, the small size suggests that most putts will be relatively short but potentially tricky to read. Focus on speed control above all else, as a small green means less room to recover from a poorly judged putt that runs well past the hole. Take extra time to read the subtle breaks that often characterize Old Macdonald's greens. The compact surface means that even slight slopes can significantly affect ball roll, making careful green reading essential for converting scoring opportunities.
Watch for
- Crossing center (crossing)
- Greenside center (greenside)
- Tee left (tee)
Hole 9 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 8,204 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 9 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 416 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 416-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 9?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered, large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 9?
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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.