ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
Old Macdonald is composed almost entirely of famous 'template' holes—reinterpretations of classic designs by C.B. Macdonald, making each hole a nod to golfing history.
About
Old Macdonald, designed by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina, is an expansive and strategic links-style course inspired by the legendary templates of C.B. Macdonald. Its wide fairways, huge greens, natural dunes, and trademark coastal winds offer a dynamic challenge for resort guests. With its homage to classic design and compelling ocean views, Old Macdonald epitomizes the spirit of links golf in America.
Caddie Tip
Embrace the ever-changing coastal winds—they are often the course’s greatest defense. Take more club into cross or headwinds, focus on controlling your trajectory, and always factor in the immense green sizes—sometimes aiming for the middle is smarter than flag hunting. On several holes, use slopes and open entrances to your advantage.
The Main Challenge
Wind is the constant threat, intensifying the course’s length and asking for creativity in shotmaking. The tumbling fairways, massive greens, deep bunkers, and frequent bad lies provide both subtle and overt hazards. Putting from long distances across heaving slopes may test nerves more than any tee shot.
The Good
Golfers love Old Macdonald’s spacious fairways, massive undulating greens, and the unique thrill of playing faithful interpretations of golf’s classic template holes in a striking links setting with ocean views and natural dunes. Many find its strategic demands and engaging shot variety to be among the most rewarding experiences at Bandon Dunes.
The Not So Good
Some players find the exposure to wind makes rounds unpredictable and challenging, and the openness of the design occasionally gives the course a less intimate feel compared to its Bandon siblings. A few miss the obvious ocean frontage present at other resort courses and wish for more coastal interaction.
Signature Hole:
#
16
The 16th hole, a par 4 known as 'Alps,' is regarded as the most memorable at Old Macdonald. Golfers play from an oceanside ridge to a broad fairway before confronting a giant dune that partially obscures the green. The approach demands precision to a green set in a protected notch, yielding both drama and reward for bold play.
Clubhouse
The main clubhouse serves multiple courses and features a pro shop, locker rooms, grill restaurant, bar overlooking the coastline and dunes, outdoor seating, and attentive guest services. There’s shuttle access throughout the resort and overnight accommodation options just steps away.
Practice Facilities
Bandon Dunes offers a sprawling, 50-acre Practice Center with two full grass ranges oriented in opposite directions, a massive putting green, and multiple short-game areas for bunker, pitch, and wedge work. Charlotte’s 9‑hole par‑3 course sits alongside the range, letting players simulate on-course approaches before or after a round. Near the main lodge, the Punchbowl, an enormous, wildly contoured putting course that provides a social, lighted venue for inventive putting games and after‑dinner matches, echoing the feel of a fun, miniature links. Collectively, the facilities let serious golfers grind and buddies’ trips unwind in equal measure.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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