The 16th Holes at Bandon
Wow, we have a doozy here.
I’ve been going through the holes at Bandon Dunes Resort, finding the best 1st hole, the best 2nd hole, etc. We’re on the home stretch now, but if you want to start at the beginning, here’s where to do it. Also, just go here to see any and all posts about Bandon Dunes, The Happiest Place On Earth.
The Best 16th Hole
So, while we’re gonna end up at the expected spot, it’s worth noting that both Old Macdonald and Sheep Ranch have WORLD CLASS 16th holes, and we’ll get to both a bit down the post. But it would be folly to not give this to the 16th at Bandon Dunes. It’s probably the most photographed hole on the course, it’s incredibly unique and most importantly it’s fun as hell to play.
From the tee, the biggest concern seems like it’s that massive chasm crossing the fairway. But it’s really not in play (unless you absolutely chunk your tee shot which I can’t imagine anyone doing, he sobbed quietly to himself). What’s really hazardous is that waste/bunker area in front of it, that sits below the greenside area. A great drive should cover that but there’s also no telling where it ends up. The green slopes away on the front, left and back and the right side is, of course, a cliff.
In the No Laying Up video of Bandon Dunes proper, all four guys went for it, and several had an eagle putt having driven the ball up to the fringe. Nobody did better than par, I believe. People get engaged on this hole, groups set their entire round so that they can be on this hole around sunset, etc. It’s almost certainly the most famous hole on property and has to be in this spot.
The Worst 16th Hole
There’s a lot of folks out here who will be shocked that the choice is NOT the 16th at Pacific Dunes. For sure, the hole has some issues in that many, many tee shots all end up in the same place, to the right side of the fairway (which doglegs to the right). There are so many divots down there that they often have to tarp it in the winter to let the grass properly heal. But … that’s because most people play it wrong (or hit poor shots). There’s an easy way to play it up the left side with a layup - and yes, this is the same strategy as on 14 at Bandon Trails, but it’s a much simpler shot and for too many golfers, it feels like a copout. That’s fine, but if you want to take the risk, be prepared for a bad result if you miss.
On the other hand, I have less nice things to say about the 16th at Bandon Trails. A 500-yard par-5 sounds great until you realize that it’s not just uphill but probably is 8-10 stories uphill, adding at least 100 yards in relative distance. It’s also one of the holes that starts to get re-exposed to the ocean and every time I’ve played it, it’s into a howling wind which makes it even longer.
I will even add as a buffer that I managed to par this hole the last time I played it, but my goodness, it’s so tough and can serve as a round killer. Coming off the heels of the amazing 15th hole at Trails, it’s a bit of a downer for me.
Most Underrated 16th Hole
I can’t choose so I’m splitting this between the amazing Alps hole at Old Macdonald and the immediately famous par-3 at Sheep Ranch. Both of them are holes I can’t get out of my mind after I play, and ones I get geared up to play again as soon as I’m done.
On Old Mac, the 16th hole is a long par-4 with a HUGE hill on the left side of the fairway that actually is dropped right in between where most drives end up and the green.
If you’re long enough off the tee you might be able to get past it on the right side to see the green, but most of the time, it’s a blind approach where you use a post atop the hill as a guide for where to aim. It’s not really clear how much room is behind this hill (note: a LOT, and there’s bunkers splayed around the green) so it’s a test of faith, yardage guides and hopefully your caddie.
Also, when you’re done, there’s a bell to ring to let the group behind you know it’s safe to hit. Always love a good bell.
In stark contrast, there’s the par-3 16th hole on Sheep Ranch, which is so scenic and relatively easy it’s silly. I’ve played it three times in three different winds and hit anywhere between a wedge and a 6-iron. From the forward tees, some folks even putt it though the turf there has gotten so beat up that’s not always in play, sadly.
What’s fun here is that this green sits below the 3rd hole, another wonderful oceanside par-3, and also that the gorse hill to the right creates some funkiness for a tee shot that isn’t perfectly straight. A par should be easy here if it’s not insanely windy, but it’s not. The look back on the course is pretty special, too.
Let’s check in and find our new tallies:
Best Holes: Sheep Ranch (2), Bandon Trails (3), Old Macdonald (4), Pacific Dunes (3), Bandon Dunes (4)
Worst Holes: Bandon Dunes (4), Bandon Trails (3), Old Macdonald (4), Sheep Ranch (5), Pacific Dunes (0.5*)
Most Underrated Holes: Sheep Ranch (4.5), Bandon Trails (4), Bandon Dunes (1), Pacific Dunes (4), Old Macdonald (2.5)
What’s your favorite 16th hole at Bandon Dunes Resort?