Experience Bandon Dunes, a premier golf resort on Oregon’s coast featuring six world-class links-style courses, dramatic ocean views, and a walking-only tradition. A must-visit destination for golfers seeking pure, strategic, and scenic golf.
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Tucked along the rugged coastline of southern Oregon, Bandon Dunes isn’t just a golf resort—it’s a pilgrimage site for those who dream of the game in its purest form. Since opening in 1999, this world-class destination has redefined what it means to play links golf in the United States, delivering an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, strategic course design, and walking-only philosophy.
Bandon Dunes is a world-renowned golf resort located along the southern Oregon coast in the United States. Known for its stunning ocean views, rugged coastal terrain, and authentic links-style design, it has become one of the top golf destinations in the world. Here's a detailed overview of Bandon Dunes:
Location: Bandon, Oregon, USA. Opened: 1999. Founder: Mike Keiser, a Chicago-based businessman and golf enthusiast. Design Philosophy: Inspired by traditional Scottish and Irish links courses, emphasizing natural landscapes and walking-only play.
Bandon Dunes is home to six distinct golf courses, world-class courses and what makes each one a unique and unforgettable experience:
Opened: 1999. Architect: David McLay Kidd. Par: 72. Length: Approx. 6,732 yards. The original course featuring wide fairways, natural bunkers, and Pacific Ocean views.
Bandon Dunes is the foundation of the resort and set the tone for everything that followed. Designed to resemble a classic Scottish links course, it features wide fairways, natural fescue grasses, rugged bunkers, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The course flows naturally along the shoreline, offering dramatic elevation changes, firm turf, and constant exposure to the elements—especially wind. It’s a pure, minimalist experience with an emphasis on walking the course, which brings players closer to nature and tradition.
Signature Hole: Hole 16 – A short par-4 along the cliffs that tempts players to drive the green while risking the ocean on the left.
Opened: 2001. Architect: Tom Doak. Par: 71. Length: Approx. 6,633 yards. Frequently ranked among the top public courses in America, praised for its dramatic coastal holes and minimalistic design.
Pacific Dunes is known for its bold layout, dramatic dunes, and raw beauty. It plays shorter than Bandon Dunes on the scorecard, but is often more challenging due to wind exposure, undulating greens, and cliffside holes.
Doak’s design philosophy allows the land to dictate the routing. Fairways roll over massive dunes and along seaside cliffs, delivering breathtaking views and shot values that reward creativity and control.
Signature Hole: Hole 13 – A par-4 hugging the edge of the ocean with a dramatic backdrop and a green that demands precision.
Opened: 2005. Architects: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw. Par: 71. Length: Approx. 6,788 yards. Takes players inland through forest and dunes, contrasting the coastal feel of other courses.
Unlike the other coastal layouts, Bandon Trails begins with a few ocean-view holes before heading inland into rolling sand dunes, meadows, and dense forest. The result is a unique blend of strategy, serenity, and contrast.
The terrain varies dramatically, with elevation changes, tree-lined corridors, and natural undulations. It’s a cerebral course that challenges shot-making with less visual distraction but plenty of technical complexity.
Signature Hole: Hole 14 – A long par-3 playing downhill through a natural dune corridor, framed by coastal pines.
Opened: 2010. Architects: Tom Doak & Jim Urbina. Par: 71. Length: Approx. 6,944 yards. A tribute to Charles Blair Macdonald, the father of American golf architecture, featuring classic template holes.
Old Macdonald pays homage to Charles Blair Macdonald, the father of American golf course architecture. The course includes template holes—classic strategic designs like the Biarritz, Redan, Eden, and Road Hole—reinterpreted on Bandon’s sandy, windswept terrain.
It features huge greens, wide open fairways, and an emphasis on ground game strategy. It’s a course where imagination and variety thrive, rewarding those who understand historical design features and how to manipulate the contours.
Signature Hole: Hole 7 – A Biarritz-style par-3 with a deep swale bisecting the enormous green.
Opened: 2012. Architects: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw. Holes: 13 (All Par-3s). Designed for fun, quick rounds with unforgettable views.
The Preserve is a par-3 short course designed purely for enjoyment. Set along a cliffside bluff with sweeping ocean views, it’s an ideal way to end a day of 18-hole play or warm up before a tournament round.
Each hole offers something different: elevation changes, risk-reward shots, wind challenges, and gorgeous vistas. The Preserve promotes relaxed golf, social interaction, and creativity—without the pressure of a full round.
Signature Hole: Hole 11 – A short drop-shot hole with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean behind the green.
Opened: 2020. Architects: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw. Par: 72. Length: Approx. 6,636 yards. Features clifftop greens and no sand bunkers, offering spectacular views and unique strategic challenges.
The Sheep Ranch is the newest addition to Bandon Dunes and perhaps the most unique and visually dramatic. Located north of the original resort courses, it features 9 green sites perched directly on ocean cliffs—more than any course in the world.
Unlike traditional layouts, Sheep Ranch has no sand bunkers. Instead, it uses the wind, rugged fescue, and natural elevation to protect par. With uninterrupted views, cliffside tee shots, and bold hole routing, it feels wild and exhilarating.
Signature Hole: Hole 6 – A short par-4 that runs directly along the ocean edge, offering stunning views and strategic challenge.
Each course at Bandon Dunes offers a distinct identity, making the resort more than just one great course—it’s a golf destination that feels like a tour through the world’s best links and golf philosophies. Whether you’re seeking strategy, beauty, history, or just pure joy, there’s a course here that speaks to your golfing soul.
Links-style architecture reminiscent of Scotland and Ireland. Walking-only policy encourages connection with the land and tradition of the game. Caddie services are highly recommended and part of the immersive experience. No real estate development on the courses — preserving the natural setting.
Regularly ranked among the top golf destinations in the U.S. and the world by Golf Digest, Golfweek, and GOLF Magazine. Hosted prestigious tournaments like: USGA Amateur Championships. Upcoming PGA Professional Championship (2026)
Accommodations: Multiple lodging options ranging from single rooms to golf villas. Dining: Casual pubs to fine dining, including The Gallery, McKee’s Pub, and the Pacific Grill. Practice Center: State-of-the-art range and short game areas. Shopping & Spa: Golf shops, custom gear, and massage therapy available on-site.
Authenticity: Closest thing to true links golf in the U.S. Natural Beauty: Oceanfront holes, rolling dunes, coastal wind. Camaraderie: Walking together with caddies and fellow players enhances the experience. Bucket-List Destination: Considered a must-play location for golf enthusiasts around the world.
A Collection of Masterpiece Courses
Bandon Dunes is home to six breathtaking courses, each offering a unique interpretation of links golf. The original Bandon Dunes course, designed by David McLay Kidd, set the tone with its authentic Scottish feel and sweeping coastal views. Not far behind in acclaim is Pacific Dunes, a Tom Doak creation often ranked among the best public courses in the country for its bold routing and natural flow with the land.
Bandon Trails, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, takes golfers inland through rolling dunes and dense forest, offering a dramatic shift in scenery. Old Macdonald, a tribute to the legendary Charles Blair Macdonald, features wide fairways and classic design templates that invite creative shot-making.
For a more relaxed yet equally scenic round, The Preserve—a 13-hole par-3 course—delivers pure fun and jaw-dropping Pacific Ocean views. And The Sheep Ranch, the newest addition, challenges players with clifftop greens and dramatic changes in elevation, rounding out what many consider the finest collection of golf courses in North America.
What sets Bandon Dunes apart isn’t just the quality of the golf—it's the philosophy behind it. The resort’s founders embraced the “Dream Golf” concept, focused on minimal interference with nature and a deep respect for the game’s traditions. Walking the course is not only encouraged—it’s required—inviting players to fully connect with the land, the wind, and the rhythm of the game.
There are no cart paths or intrusive distractions here—just you, your caddie, and the sea breeze. This commitment to purity has earned Bandon Dunes a cult following and global acclaim.
Beyond the fairways, Bandon Dunes offers an experience designed with the golfer in mind. Lodging options range from cozy single rooms to spacious cottages, while restaurants and pubs serve hearty meals and craft beverages perfect for post-round storytelling. The resort’s caddie program, practice facilities, and pro shop are all first-rate, providing everything needed for a memorable stay.
Part of Bandon Dunes’ charm is its accessibility. While the courses provide a true test for elite players, they remain welcoming to a wide range of skill levels. With multiple teeing options, straightforward routing, and strategic design, even first-time visitors can enjoy the challenge without feeling overwhelmed.
Many publications offer first-timer guides, helping newcomers navigate everything from which courses to play in what order, to what gear to pack for the ever-changing coastal weather. The resort is also frequently featured in top course rankings, praised for both its design and hospitality.
Natural Beauty of Bandon Dunes: Where Golf Meets the Wild Oregon Coast
At Bandon Dunes, the golf experience is inseparable from the land it inhabits. Situated on a remote stretch of the southern Oregon coast, the resort occupies a dramatic landscape where the Pacific Ocean crashes against towering cliffs, windswept dunes roll inland like frozen waves, and the coastal flora adds texture and color to every fairway. This raw, untamed setting is not just a backdrop—it’s the soul of the resort.
The courses at Bandon Dunes hug the edge of the continent, often with nothing between the player and the horizon but roaring waves and salt air. Several holes across the resort—especially on Pacific Dunes, Sheep Ranch, and Bandon Dunes—are perched high on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. These cliffside fairways provide: Sweeping views of endless ocean, with waves crashing below. Ever-changing skies, as coastal weather systems roll in quickly, often creating dramatic lighting and cloud formations that feel cinematic. Iconic photo moments, particularly at sunset, when the sun dips below the horizon and lights up the coastline in hues of gold, red, and violet.
Windswept Dunes and Wild Grasses
The name "Bandon Dunes" isn’t just for show. The entire property is built atop massive sand dunes sculpted over centuries by coastal winds. These dunes: Create natural elevation changes and undulating terrain that add character to every hole. Are covered in native fescue grasses, which sway rhythmically in the breeze, offering a rugged, wild aesthetic. Serve as natural defenses on the courses, challenging golfers with blind shots, unpredictable bounces, and dramatic backdrops.
Native Vegetation and Coastal Ecosystem
Bandon Dunes embraces its ecosystem. Rather than altering the land to fit golf, the courses were routed to work with the landscape. You’ll find: Gnarly shore pines and twisted manzanita bushes, especially on Bandon Trails. Heather, moss, and wildflowers, which provide seasonal bursts of color. Wetlands, streams, and natural depressions that enhance both playability and the visual richness of the setting.
A Constant Companion
Part of the natural beauty—and the challenge—of Bandon Dunes is the ever-present coastal wind. Often strong and unpredictable, the wind: Adds to the wild character of the place. Influences course strategy dramatically from day to day. Heightens the connection between golfer and environment, forcing thoughtful, adaptive play.
Bandon’s beauty isn’t limited to blue skies. In fact, many golfers consider the misty mornings, overcast afternoons, and dramatic marine layers part of the resort’s magic. Whether under sunshine or fog, the courses exude mood and atmosphere: In the summer, the fescue glows golden and the skies are often clear, perfect for photography. In winter, storms roll in with power, painting a raw and poetic picture of nature in motion. Spring and fall offer vibrant plant life and changing light, enhancing the already stunning visuals.
Photogenic at Every Turn
Bandon Dunes is a haven for photographers and nature lovers. Whether you're playing a round or simply walking the grounds, it's common to see: Professional golf photographers capturing landscapes that belong in magazines. Wildlife like deer, rabbits, and seabirds coexisting peacefully among the dunes. Quiet moments of solitude where it’s just you, the wind, and the ocean’s roar.
Part of what makes Bandon Dunes’ natural beauty so remarkable is its isolation. The resort is hours from the nearest major city, meaning: There’s no noise pollution, traffic, or urban sprawl—just nature. The air is fresh, often filled with ocean mist and the scent of pine. The surrounding area remains largely undeveloped, giving Bandon a feeling of timelessness and untouched grandeur.
Bandon Dunes isn’t just a golf resort—it’s an immersive journey into one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in North America. From towering cliffs and rolling dunes to stormy skies and sea breeze, every element of nature plays a role in the experience. The scenery doesn’t just frame the golf—it defines it.
As Bandon Dunes celebrates its 25th anniversary, it continues to evolve. In 2026, the resort will host the PGA Professional Championship, further cementing its status as a premier golf venue. With each milestone, Bandon Dunes strengthens its reputation—not just as a bucket-list stop, but as a transformative golf experience.
While Bandon Dunes is best known for its “Dream Golf” experience, it has also emerged as a respected host of elite amateur and professional tournaments. Its challenging links-style courses, unpredictable wind, and stunning coastal views make it a favorite for organizations like the USGA and PGA of America. What Makes Bandon a Championship Venue?
Course Variety and Difficulty: Each course presents a different challenge—open and wind-exposed holes, blind shots, elevated greens, deep bunkers, and coastal cliffs.
Tournament Infrastructure: Bandon has proven it can manage large events smoothly, with sufficient lodging, crowd control, player logistics, and media handling.
True Links Golf Conditions: Wind and firm turf offer a distinct, strategic test unlike most U.S. venues—rewarding creativity, ball flight control, and mental toughness.
Commitment to Pure Golf: Bandon Dunes follows a walking-only philosophy, no distractions from real estate or commercial build-up, just pure focus on the game.
Bandon Dunes offers a pure, unforgettable golf experience on the rugged Oregon coast. With six world-class, links-style courses designed to blend naturally into the dramatic coastal landscape, it's golf as it was meant to be—walked, wind-swept, and deeply connected to nature. From sweeping ocean views to strategic course layouts and top-tier amenities, Bandon is a bucket-list destination for golfers of all skill levels seeking challenge, beauty, and authenticity.
Bandon Dunes is more than a resort—it's a return to the soul of golf. With its stunning coastal terrain, masterful course design, and commitment to authenticity, it stands as a shining example of what the game can be when allowed to breathe with the land. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a curious traveler, Bandon Dunes is a journey worth taking.
