The 6th Holes at Bandon
The sixth holes across the property go under the magnifying glass.
As noted, I’m doing a review of each hole at Bandon, by going through each numbered hole across the five 18-hole courses. If you want to start at the beginning, do so here:
I’ve been looking at each numbered hole at the Bandon Dunes resort, and there have been some tough ones. The 6th holes at Bandon are a delightful assortment of holes, so let’s get to it.
Best 6th Hole:
There are really some choice options here, but there’s simply no denying how incredible the 6th hole at Sheep Ranch is. Just look at this tee shot:
The decision you have to make is how aggressive you want to be, as the hole dog legs to the right … but of course the more you take on, the bigger the chasm is that you need to clear. And if you fade the ball…. What I love about this hole is that the challenge isn’t just on the tee shot. The hole is fairly lengthy, made more so by an elevated green. If you are on the green in two (or frankly even close) you’ve done an excellent job. This shot by Patrick Koening really shows it off:
“Worst” 6th Hole
The 6th hole at Bandon Dunes is a perfectly fine par-3 that is reminscent of the 11th at Pacific Dunes and on its own is pretty innocuous. It’s not bad in any way, but I wouldn’t say it’s special per se. However, it’s where it’s placed that gets it put into this category for me. Look at the routing:
The yellow star indicates the 5th green, and the green circle is the 7th tee box. (It’s also right next to the 6th tee box for what it is worth.) The red hexagon is the 6th green. There is just a completely unnecessary walk back from that green to just where you were a moment ago. (This also happens between the 8th green and 9th tee.) It’s nice to add another hole along the coast, and I love the 7th hole and wouldn’t move it, but … Bandon Dunes gets a lot of praise for its routing, and this is just egregious shit. If I’m being fair, the 6th hole at Old Macdonald is also not my favorite - coming right after the “Short” hole, the “Long” hole is a cheeky followup, but man is it ever appropriately named, often dead into the wind.
Most Underrated 6th Hole
For me, it’s the one I almost chose before I realized there was no avoiding Sheep Ranch - it’s the 6th hole at Pacific Dunes. I love a short par-4, and the YouTube video done by No Laying Up on Pacific Dunes does an awesome job of detailing why this is so good.
The analysis here is spot on - you have a nervy tee shot and, depending on what line you choose, a potentially terrifying wedge over a “milk carton bunker” to a very small green.
It’s SUCH a good test of golf. See that wispy brown grass in the lower right corner above? That’s a giant hill that SHOULD be out of play. That’s where my tee shot landed the last time I played it = and a punch shot from there and a decent wedge left me with a par putt. (I missed.) The time before I was way out in the fairway and hit a very nervy wedge or 9-iron and made a birdie. It’s also incredibly easy to post a double bogey or worse here. It’s a brilliant hole.
Rounding up what we’ve gotten so far, here’s the count:
Best Holes: Sheep Ranch (2), Bandon Trails (1), Old Macdonald (1), Pacific Dunes (1), Bandon Dunes (1)
Worst Holes: Bandon Dunes (3), Bandon Trails (1), Old Macdonald (1), Sheep Ranch (1)
Most Underrated Holes: Sheep Ranch (1), Bandon Trails (3), Bandon Dunes (1), Pacific Dunes (1)
What’s your favorite sixth hole at Bandon Dunes Resort?