Old Macdonald
Bandon, Oregon
Visible from just about anywhere you may find yourself at Old Macdonald, The Ghost Tree presents itself front & center on hole 3 (Sahara). Play it safe and hit a draw, starting it right off the tree, or roll the dice and try going left of it for a possible shortcut to the green. This blind tee shot is one of the more entertaining shots at Bandon.
Old Macdonald is an homage to C.B. Macdonald, the “Father of American Golf Architecture.” Each of Old Mac’s eighteen holes is named for & employs characteristics of the various classic-age design templates used by Macdonald (Eden, Hog’s Back, Biarritz, Redan, Alps, etc.). Any prior golf-architecture knowledge to play or enjoy the course is not essential. Still, I suggest playing with an inquisitive mind -> Peppering your caddie w/ questions is a great way to learn about the history of these timeless design templates.
Old Mac is wide open, offering sightlines that appear to stretch on for miles. Its greens share a similar expansiveness - some of the largest in the world, it is not uncommon to be putting from 60 yards. At some point, you will have to remind yourself you’re not actually in Scotland.
Public: Course Website | Opened: 2010 | Designer: Tom Doak and Jim Urbina
