A Golfer’s Dream on the Oregon Coast
Introduction
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Oregon, USA, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort stands as a pilgrimage site for golf purists seeking an authentic links experience. Designed to honor the spirit of Scottish golf, Bandon Dunes embraces the natural landscape, offering firm fairways, towering dunes, and relentless coastal winds. With six world-class courses, including the iconic Bandon Dunes course, the resort has cemented its reputation as one of the finest golf destinations in the world. Whether you’re drawn by the challenge, the stunning ocean vistas, or the camaraderie of true links golf, Bandon Dunes is an unforgettable journey.
General Information
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is located in Bandon, Oregon, USA, along the breathtaking Pacific coastline. The resort opened in 1999, with the original Bandon Dunes course designed by David McLay Kidd. Since then, the resort has expanded to include courses designed by Tom Doak, Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, and Gil Hanse, creating a golfing mecca revered by players worldwide.
What Makes Bandon Dunes Unique?
Course Layout & Design
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is home to six distinct courses, each offering a unique take on authentic links golf:
- Bandon Dunes – The original Par 72, 6,732-yard course designed by David McLay Kidd, featuring rolling fairways, ocean views, and challenging coastal winds.
- Pacific Dunes – A Par 71, 6,633-yard masterpiece by Tom Doak, known for its dramatic cliffs, undulating greens, and strategic bunkering.
- Bandon Trails – A Par 71, 6,788-yard Coore & Crenshaw design that winds through forested dunes and scenic meadows.
- Old Macdonald – A Par 71, 6,944-yard course paying tribute to legendary course designer C.B. Macdonald, featuring massive greens and wide-open fairways.
- Sheep Ranch – The newest addition, a Par 72, 6,636-yard layout by Coore & Crenshaw, offering stunning coastal views and a minimalist links design.
- Bandon Preserve – A 13-hole Par 3 course, perfect for a fun yet challenging short-game test.
Signature Holes
- Hole 16 (Pacific Dunes) – A stunning par 4 along the ocean cliffs, demanding precision and nerve.
- Hole 5 (Bandon Dunes) – A breathtaking par 4 that plays directly into the coastal wind, requiring strategic shot-making.
- Hole 10 (Sheep Ranch) – A signature links-style hole with no bunkers, just the raw power of nature and rolling terrain.
Tournaments & Legacy
Major Championships & Historic Moments
Bandon Dunes has hosted numerous prestigious amateur and professional events, further solidifying its legendary status:
- U.S. Amateur (2020) – The first-ever U.S. Amateur Championship played at Bandon Dunes, won by Tyler Strafaci.
- Walker Cup (2029, upcoming) – Bandon Dunes has been selected as the host for the 2029 Walker Cup, one of the most prestigious team events in amateur golf.
- U.S. Women’s Amateur (2006, 2022) – A proving ground for the next generation of women’s golf superstars.
Champions of the Last Decade
Recent Tournament Winners
- 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur at Bandon Dunes – Saki Baba
- 2020 U.S. Amateur at Bandon Dunes – Tyler Strafaci
- 2019 U.S. Four-Ball Championship at Bandon Dunes – Scott Harvey & Todd Mitchell
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Bandon Dunes offers an immersive golf experience with top-tier facilities and amenities:
- Bandon Dunes Golf Academy – Featuring elite coaching, state-of-the-art swing analysis, and short-game training.
- Luxurious Lodging – Guests can stay in ocean-view cottages, lodge rooms, or rustic bunkhouses.
- Dining & Clubhouses – Fine dining at Pacific Grill, McKee’s Pub, and The Gallery, offering locally inspired cuisine.
- No Membership Required – Unlike many elite clubs, Bandon Dunes is open to the public, welcoming all golfers to experience its magic.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Many of the game’s greats have tested their skills at Bandon Dunes, including Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy.
- Course Record: Bandon Dunes – 60, set during a U.S. Amateur practice round.
- Longest Drive: 405 yards on Old Macdonald’s 3rd hole, aided by the Pacific winds.
- Most Birdies in a Single Tournament Round: 11 birdies at Pacific Dunes during a U.S. Amateur qualifier.
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- The resort was inspired by Scotland – Founder Mike Keiser envisioned a true Scottish links experience on American soil.
- Walking-only policy – Carts are not allowed, enhancing the pure golf experience.
- The Pacific Dunes “Lost Ball” Phenomenon – Due to the swirling winds, balls have been found over 200 yards off course.
- The Sheep Ranch used to be an unmarked golf sanctuary, played only by those “in the know” before becoming an official course.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
Bandon Dunes isn’t just a golf course—it’s a spiritual journey for golfers. The elements, the design, and the sheer beauty of the Oregon coastline create an authentic links experience rarely found outside the UK and Ireland. Whether you seek championship-level competition, unforgettable scenery, or a test of pure shot-making skill, Bandon Dunes delivers in every way.
Regularly ranked among the Top 10 Golf Destinations in the World, this resort is a must-visit for golfers of all levels. If golf is your passion, then Bandon Dunes is your paradise.
