Old MacDonald: Links Golf at Its Most Authentic and Unforgiving

Andrew Fazekas
Sep 8
4 min read

A tribute to golf's golden age that rewards strategic thinking and punishes poor execution.

Overview

Old MacDonald is the most polarizing course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, and that's exactly what makes it brilliant. Designed by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina as a tribute to Charles Blair Macdonald's template holes, this course represents the most authentic recreation of Scottish links golf you'll find in America. Playing 6,706 yards at par 72, Old Mac presents beautiful, vast expanses that feel like a beast to conquer.

What immediately strikes you about Old MacDonald is its sheer scale and strategic complexity. The course features wide fairways that initially appear forgiving, but severe penalties await those who miss in the wrong spots. Massive, deep bunkers can swallow errant shots whole, creating a level of intimidation that separates this course from its more forgiving siblings at Bandon. The huge fairways give you room to swing freely, but the strategic positioning of hazards demands thoughtful course management over pure power.

This is links golf in its purest form – a throwback to the golden age of golf course architecture where strategy trumped length and precision mattered more than distance. The course feels like stepping back in time to experience golf as it was originally conceived, complete with the mental challenges and strategic decisions that made the game captivating for centuries.

Old Mac occupies a unique position in the Bandon rotation. While it may not have the dramatic coastal routing of Pacific Dunes or the strategic brilliance of the original Bandon Dunes course, it offers something equally valuable: an education in golf's architectural heritage wrapped in a playing experience that will test every aspect of your game.

Highlights

Hole 3 ("Sahara"): Par 4

After finishing up on the second green, the tee short from the third hole will point you to a giant ridge and the iconic Ghost Tree, a bare Port Orford cedar perched on the ridge and serving as your strategic reference point. Despite the intimidating tee short, this is a relatively short par 4. If you can clear the ridge and line it up right, you'll get a great roll and be pleasantly surprised how short your approach shot is. After walking up the ridge past the Ghost Tree, you're treated to a spectacular reveal of the vast, expansive course layout ahead - your first real appreciation for Old Mac's scale. This hole perfectly encapsulates the course's risk-reward philosophy in miniature and will leave a lasting image in your mind.

Hole 7 ("Ocean"): Par 4

This stout par 4 into the wind features one of the most memorable approach shots in golf. The big uphill shot to reach the green perched high on the dunes plays much longer than the yardage suggests due to elevation and prevailing wind. After your walk to the green, you're rewarded with the big reveal of the Pacific Ocean - one of the most spectacular views at Bandon that makes the challenging approach completely worthwhile. Savor the view (and make a stop at the turnstand) before returning back inland on the next hole.

Hole 11 ("Road"): Par 4

This hole is an homage to St. Andrews' famous Road hole. Playing left off the tee is the safe option, but it leaves you with a challenging approach with a small but gnarly bunker left of the green. A long drive down the right side opens up the best angle, but bunkers will punish mishits to the right.

Hole 16 ("Alps"): Par 4

A giant ridge cuts in from the left, creating a challenging strategic puzzle. You need a great tee shot to avoid a blind approach over the massive dune. If you play short left, your approach is blind but not impossible - the landing area is friendlier than you'd expect, rolling downhill to the green as long as you avoid the bunker on the right. Listen for the signature bell that lets the group behind you know it's clear to hit. Most players accept this as a three-shot hole, but the rewards are there for those bold enough to take on the ridge.

Verdict

Old MacDonald rewards strategic thinking and punishes poor execution like no other course at Bandon, creating the most memorable moments of triumph and disaster you'll experience at the resort.

Tips

Old MacDonald plays best in moderate or low wind conditions. When winds are high (20+ mph), the course can become almost unplayably difficult for average golfers.
Study the template holes before your round. Understanding Macdonald's architectural concepts will enhance your appreciation and improve your strategic decisions.
The massive fairways are deceptive – take time to understand the proper angles and landing areas. What looks like a generous target often has severe consequences for missing in the wrong spot.
Don't let the scale intimidate you. The course rewards aggressive play from the correct positions, but punishes random aggression without strategic thought.
Consider playing Old Mac later in your Bandon trip after you've warmed up on the other courses. The strategic complexity and severe penalties can be overwhelming for your first round at the resort.
If you find yourself in one of the deep bunkers, focus on getting out safely rather than trying to be a hero. Some of these hazards are designed to cost you a full stroke, and accepting that reality will save you from turning bogeys into double bogeys or worse.