Hole 6 at Bandon Dunes Resort (Sheep Ranch Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 460 yds
- Stroke index
- 1
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 41 yds deep × 37 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 · 460 yards
The plan for No. 6
The sixth hole at Sheep Ranch showcases the masterful routing of Coore and Crenshaw, who transformed this rugged coastal terrain into one of golf's most celebrated modern links. This straightaway par 4 embodies the architects' philosophy of letting the natural landscape dictate play, demanding precise positioning on the windswept Oregon bluffs.
Off the tee
The key to conquering this hole starts with an aggressive but calculated tee shot strategy. With 460 yards to work with, most players will need to challenge their driver to get into optimal approach position. The target line should favor the center-right portion of the fairway, which typically provides the best angle into the small green. Wind conditions will heavily influence club selection here - on calm days, driver is essential, but when the coastal winds are up, consider a strong 3-wood to ensure you find the fairway. The straight layout means accuracy is paramount; even minor misses can leave you in challenging lies in the natural rough areas that characterize Sheep Ranch's minimalist maintenance approach.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole truly shows its teeth. With a small green as your target, precision trumps power. Most players will face a mid-iron to long-iron approach, depending on how well they executed the tee shot and current wind conditions. The green's compact size means there's little room for error - focus on the center of the green regardless of pin position. Club selection should err on the side of taking enough club, as coming up short often leaves more challenging recovery shots than being pin-high or slightly long. The natural contours around the green, typical of Coore & Crenshaw's work, will funnel well-struck shots toward the putting surface.
On the green
The small green demands respect with the putter. While specific break patterns aren't documented, expect subtle undulations that reward careful green reading. Given the green's size, most putts will be relatively short, making lag putting less critical than on larger surfaces. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive. The premium on accuracy throughout this hole extends to the putting surface - two-putting consistently will serve you better than attempting heroic putts that could easily slide off the small target.
Watch for
- The absence of identified bunkers around this hole means course management focuses on wind conditions and green reading
Hole 6 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 9,710 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:
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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 6 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 460 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 460-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 6?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 6?
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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.
What's a good score on hole 6?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.