Hole 1 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Sheep Ranch Course)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 549 yds
- Stroke index
- 5
Hole 1 map
34 yd wide × 43 yd deep · 14.9 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 5 · 549 yards
The plan for No. 1
The Sheep Ranch opens with what many consider the finest opening hole at Bandon Dunes Resort, a spectacular par 5 that immediately showcases the panoramic ocean vistas that define this youngest course in the collection. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened in 2020, this hole sets the tone for a round where every shot is framed by breathtaking coastal scenery.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on positioning for your second shot while accounting for the ever-present coastal winds. Aim down the center-left of the fairway to open up the best angle to the small green. Driver is typically the right choice here, as distance helps with the approach, but accuracy remains paramount. The straight layout means there's room to work with, but coastal winds can push shots offline quickly. Take an extra moment on the tee to assess wind direction and strength, as conditions can change rapidly along the Oregon coast.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot presents the hole's primary strategic decision. For those attempting to reach in two, the small green size demands precision - consider laying up to your favorite wedge distance if conditions are challenging. The preferred angle is from the center of the fairway, giving you the best look at the small target. Without significant hazards protecting the green, aggressive play is rewarded, but the compact putting surface punishes wayward shots. Club selection should factor in wind, elevation changes, and pin position, with many players opting for one more club than the yardage suggests.
On the green
The small green requires precise approach shots and confident putting. While specific break patterns aren't detailed, expect subtle undulations typical of Coore and Crenshaw designs. Focus on getting below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are generally more manageable on smaller greens. The coastal winds can affect even short putts, so take time to read the green carefully and commit to your line.
Watch for
- With no bunkers protecting this hole, your main strategic consideration is distance control
- At 549 yards, this par 5 is reachable in two for longer hitters, especially with the forgiving layout and lack of hazards
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 8,081 sq ft
Course and tournament history
Historical context for the course and venue. Each entry identifies the event or course it describes.
2018 · Ben Crenshaw
Like all courses at Bandon, Sheep Ranch has won numerous accolades:
Source →
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Bandon Dunes Resort (Sheep Ranch 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 (Sheep Ranch 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 · 549 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 549 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 1?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: 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 wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.