Bandon Dunes - 16th Hole

In a good way, it feels like the build at Bandon Dunes crescendos on the 16th hole. Partially because of the view, partially because of the holes that precede it, and partially because it is a drivable par4 given the prevailing wind.

Options abound off the tee. From the tips, the hole plays 360 yards and is approximately 240 yards to carry the centerline bunkers. Given said prevailing wind, the carry is achievable if the player is playing from the correct tee relative to their index. If executed a short pitch awaits to a green guarded by a singular bunker in front.

Given the position of the centerline bunker, the bail out left gives the player a good, albeit somewhat blind, angle to the green. But unless a deft iron player, this player decided on the tee they were playing for four.

With David McLay-Kidd a Scot, it is no surprise that he designed his first course to encourage match play. The sixteenth is where many a match turn and given the near certainty of par if good tee ball is hit, the player who goes all in for the 3 could leave with the upper hand or early hat removal.