Hole 1 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Sheep Ranch Course)

Par 5 • 549 Yards • Bandon, Oregon

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Challenging

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.

Tees:

549y517y491y422y307y

Green:48y × 27y

Fairway @250y:71y wide

dogleg

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Bandon Dunes Resort (Sheep Ranch Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 549 yds
Green: 8081 sq ft
Course Slope: 129
Course Rating: 76.2

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Hole 2

Par 4 • 318y

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Recommended Gear

A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This world-renowned opening hole offers a generous landing zone with the fairway expanding to 71 yards wide at the 250-yard mark. Take advantage of this width by playing aggressively off the tee - the extra distance will set up a much easier second shot on this 549-yard par 5.

approach

With no bunkers protecting this hole, your main strategic consideration is distance control. The large green measuring 8,081 square feet gives you plenty of room for error, making this an excellent birdie opportunity if you can get your approach shot close.

tee shot

The fairway actually widens as you go out, starting at 53 yards at the 200-yard mark and expanding to 71 yards at 250 yards. This means longer hitters have even more room to work with - don't hold back on this spectacular opener.

green

The green's generous dimensions of 48 yards long by 27 yards wide mean pin position will be crucial for your approach strategy. With this much real estate, focus on getting to the correct level or section of the green rather than going directly at every pin.

approach

At 549 yards, this par 5 is reachable in two for longer hitters, especially with the forgiving layout and lack of hazards. However, the panoramic ocean views can be distracting - stay focused on your yardages and commit to your club selection.

train this shot at home

This 549-yard par 5 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Scoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

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?

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?

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.

What's a good score on hole 1?

This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.

Can I practice hole 1 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Bandon Dunes Resort (Sheep Ranch Course). You can play this exact par 5 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →