Oregon has some of the best seaside golf in the country. Who doesn’t love some windswept seaside golf? Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is the ultimate bucket-list golf mecca on Oregon’s rugged southern coast, a pure links paradise with five championship 18-hole courses (plus short courses and a massive putting green). Perched on dramatic dunes, bluffs, and the Pacific Ocean shoreline. Designed by minimalist masters like David McLay Kidd, Tom Doak, Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw. It’s the way golf was meant to be played.

Quick Facts

  • Five world-class 18-hole courses (plus two par-3/short courses and a huge putting course) all natural, links-style with no carts (walking/caddies only)
  • True links golf Firm turf, run-up shots, wind as a major factor, and creative recovery from dunes/grasses
  • Seasonal play: Year-round potential, but peak spring/fall for best weather (50s-70s°F); summer for long days, winter for quieter escapes
  • Bucket-list status: Multiple courses ranked in America’s/Golf Digest top 100 public; often called the best golf resort in the U.S.
  • Resort immersion: On-site lodging (lodge, cottages, bunkhouses), multiple dining options, practice center, caddies essential

The pacific coastline stretching from Baja to Seattle is among the most beautiful in the world. Breathtaking scenic vistas up the entire coast. Oregon is no exception, it’s the standard. Count yourself among the fortunate when you make your way out there.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-course marathons (36+ holes daily), post-round pub sessions with single malts or local brews, caddie stories, and that high-energy links challenge, wind makes every round different
  • Families: Short courses and putting green for all levels; non-golfers enjoy coastal hikes, beach walks, or nearby town of Bandon; resort family-friendly with views and vibes

Top Standout Courses

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort links course on Oregon Pacific coast

Pacific Dunes (Tom Doak)

The crown jewel, often ranked #1 at the resort and among America’s best public courses. Short but rugged, with spectacular 60-foot dunes, blind shots, creative greens, and ocean drama. Wind turns it into a test of every shot; many call it the most fun and inventive.

Bandon Trails (Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw)

Inland masterpiece, starts atop massive dunes, then winds through meadows, forests, and sand. Strategic, beautiful variety, and more sheltered from wind; frequently praised as underrated and a favorite for its flow and scenery.

 

Old Macdonald (Tom Doak & Jim Urbina)

Homage to classic architecture, giant greens, punchbowl complexes, template holes (Biarrtiz, Alps, etc.), and bold contours. Fun, quirky, and replayable.

Sheep Ranch (Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw)

Newest oceanfront gem — shortest/easiest of the big five, with nine cliffside holes, unobstructed Pacific views from every hole, and a unique par-34/38 routing (multiple par-3s early). Stunning and approachable.

Bandon Dunes (David McLay Kidd)

The original that started it all, bluff-top ocean views, natural dunes, forgiving off the tee, and slick greens. Solid challenge with iconic holes; hosted U.S. Amateur events.

 

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Bandon Dunes Resort on-site: Main Lodge, Grove Cottages, Chrome Lake Lofts, Lily Pond rooms — all with ocean/forest views; dining from Pacific Rim to steakhouse/pub
  • Stay-and-play packages essential — include lodging, rounds (priority tees), caddies encouraged, practice access; book far in advance (months ahead for peak)

All Key Bandon Dunes Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Pacific Dunes (Doak, inventive links icon)
  • Bandon Trails (Coore/Crenshaw, strategic meadow beauty)
  • Old Macdonald (Doak/Urbina, classic template fun)
  • Sheep Ranch (Coore/Crenshaw, cliffside ocean stunner)
  • Bandon Dunes (Kidd, original bluff-top classic)
  • Plus Shorty’s (new par-3, 19 holes), Bandon Preserve (par-3), Charlotte’s Par-3, and massive putting course

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via bandondunesgolf.com, fills fast; caddies highly recommended for local knowledge/wind strategy
  • Fly into North Bend (OTH), 1 hour drive, or Eugene/Portland for longer scenic coastal route (worth it)
  • Pair golf with Oregon Coast classics: fresh seafood, craft beer, whale watching, or hikes in nearby state parks
  • Walk every round (no carts!); embrace the wind (“when it’s breezy, swing eezy”); forward tees available but tips are epic

Time to walk the dunes, battle the breeze, and experience golf as it was meant to be. Bandon Dunes is calling your escape,