THE ORIGINAL TRACK
As an all-encompassing example of true links golf with its pot bunkers, quirky bounces and challenging putting surfaces, the original Bandon Dunes is the perfect leadoff hitter for a multi-day adventure. From the opening hole — a right-angled dogleg that climbs a dune — to the epic final stretch including No. 16, as fine a short par 4 as there is, and No. 18, a handsome, gently rising par 5 with a huge gorse-choked ravine up its right flank — it begs for creativity.
In other words, consider employing something other than all-American, straight-up, roll-your-own stroke play. Go off the map and chuck the individual score for a change. This is links golf, for God’s sake, and in the homeland, match play is king.
