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
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,
Houston, We Got No Problem: Why Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston Needs to Be Your Next Golf Trip
There’s just something so incredible about beautiful, well kept, muni Golf Courses, and Houston’s got a great one. Memorial Park Golf Course is Houston’s crown jewel municipal layout, a historic, Tom Doak-redesigned masterpiece in the heart of the city, nestled within the massive 1,466-acre Memorial Park (one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.). With wide fairways, fascinating green complexes, strategic bunkering, and runoff areas that reward creativity, it’s a playable yet challenging track that’s hosted the PGA TOUR’s Texas Children’s Houston Open since 2020. Affordable greens fees, top conditioning, and that big-city energy make it perfect for quick getaways or multi-round Houston golf trips.
Quick Facts
- 18-hole championship course: (par 72, up to 7,400 yards), originally 1912/1936 (John Bredemus), fully renovated by Tom Doak (with Brooks Koepka input) in 2019
- Urban park setting: Flat terrain with added dimension via ravines, water features on closing holes, minimal bunkers (just 19!), and bold contours for drama
- Year-round play: Houston’s mild winters (great escape); hot/humid summers mean early tees; overseeded for spring PGA event vibes
- Affordable elite access: Greens fees often $50-$150 (resident/non-resident, peak/off-peak); one of the best bargains for PGA TOUR-level quality
- PGA TOUR home: Hosts the Houston Open annually, play where the pros battle for drama on the back nine
Perfect For…
- Guys’ Trips: Urban energy with quick access to downtown Houston nightlife, post-round burgers/beers at on-site spots, and easy combo with nearby courses like The Golf Club of Houston or BlackHorse
- Families: Public muni vibe with forgiving wide fairways, practice facilities (lighted range, putting/chipping greens); non-golfers enjoy the surrounding park trails, picnics, or nearby museums/zoo
Top Standout Features
Tom Doak Redesign (2019)
The star, Doak’s first PGA TOUR-hosting project, blending public playability with pro-level excitement. Wide fairways for everyday golfers, but precision needed for ideal angles; undulating greens with runoff/short-grass surrounds create risk-reward and creativity (Koepka helped focus on scoring drama).
Signature Closing Stretch
Bold water features and strategic decisions on the back nine, designed for excitement and tournament finishes. The layout encourages bold play while keeping it accessible; often praised as one of America’s top munis (Golf Digest, Golf Magazine rankings).
Practice Paradise
Lighted double-deck driving range, large putting/chipping greens, and a pro shop, great for warm-ups or all-day sessions. On-site Beck’s Prime for quick bites and drinks adds to the casual vibe.
Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots
- Nearby Houston hotels: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa (partnership packages with Memorial Park tee times, no resort fees, pools/spa); Galleria-area spots like Staybridge Suites or IHG options for easy access
- Urban packages: Combine with Houston golf trails (usgolftreks.com or similar) for multi-course deals; no on-site lodging, but downtown/ Galleria hotels are minutes away
- Easy add-ons: Pair with nearby gems like Wildcat, Tour 18, or BlackHorse for full Houston golf itineraries
All Key Memorial Park Golf Highlights at a Glance
- Memorial Park Golf Course (Tom Doak redesign, PGA TOUR host)
- Lighted driving range & practice areas
- On-site clubhouse & Beck’s Prime dining
- Nearby: The Golf Club of Houston, BlackHorse, High Meadow Ranch
- Plus Houston’s other munis (Gus Wortham, Sharpstown) for variety
Pro Tips
- Book tee times early via memorialparkgolf.com or GolfNow, popular spot, especially weekends; use the app for easy access
- Fly into Houston Hobby (HOU) or George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), short drive to the park
- Pair golf with Houston classics: BBQ, craft beer scene, NASA, or Astros games; spring timing catches Houston Open energy
- Play mornings to beat heat/humidity; forward tees keep it fun; embrace the urban park feel, walkers welcome, but carts available
Time to tee it up where the pros play, chase birdies in the heart of Houston, and reset on one of America’s best munis. Memorial Park is calling your escape.
This place looks epic. A peaceful golf paradise that not even your slice can disturb. Forest Dunes is a hidden gem in northern Michigan’s Huron National Forest. A secluded, golf-focused resort in Roscommon. Pristine natural surroundings, massive dunes, mature pines, and two world-class courses that deliver variety and innovation. Featuring Tom Weiskopf’s classic parkland gem and Tom Doak’s revolutionary reversible “The Loop,” it’s pure Midwest bucket-list territory. Firm and fast conditions, strategic shot-making, epic scenery, and that remote “up north” escape vibe.
Quick Facts
- Two championship 18-hole courses (plus The Loop’s dual routings) + Bootlegger (10-hole par-3 short course) + putting greens
- Unique designs: Weiskopf’s forested-to-dunes transition; Doak’s fully reversible 18 (Red counterclockwise one day, Black clockwise the next, same holes, different experience!)
- Seasonal play: Mid-April to late October; peak summer/fall for long days (golf until 9pm+ in summer) and prime conditions
- Public resort access: Stay-and-play focus with priority tees; top-ranked public gems (Forest Dunes often Top 50 nationally, The Loop in top 100 public lists)
- Secluded luxury: On-site lodging (lodge, villas, cottages), dining, and golf-only immersion with no distractions, just great golf
For those who are into local lore, there have been many reported sightings of the Michigan Dogman in the Huron Forest. Part dog, part man, with glowing eyes and a piercing howl. He’s like Michigan’s bigfoot.
Perfect For…
- Guys’ Trips: Multi-round marathons (play The Loop Red one day, Black the next for “two courses in one”), post-golf fireside beers, stargazing in the dark skies, and friendly bets on creative holes
- Families: Relaxed short-course fun (Bootlegger par-3), spacious villas/cottages for groups, nature vibes; non-golfers enjoy forest walks or nearby lakes
Top Standout Courses
Forest Dunes Course (Tom Weiskopf)
The original star, a Top 50 public course nationally with wide fairways, large greens, and two personalities: front nine through dense Huron National Forest pines, back nine opening to dramatic glacial sand dunes. Elevation shifts up to 100 feet, risk-reward holes, and a fun 19th-hole par-3 for settling matches. Classic, challenging, and beautifully conditioned.
The Loop (Tom Doak Red & Black Routings)
North America’s only fully reversible 18-hole course. Same 18 fairways/greens, but switch directions daily (Red counterclockwise, Black clockwise). Firm, fast inland-links style with undulating terrain, wild grasses, strategic bunkers, and clever angles. Play it twice for completely different experiences; innovative, fun, and highly acclaimed as a modern masterpiece.
Bootlegger (10-Hole Par-3 Short Course)
Quick, creative fun. 1,100 yards of pitch-and-putt-style holes (par-3s from short to longer), inspired by 1920s local history. Grab a few clubs, cold drinks, and enjoy casual rounds or warm-ups with music and vibes.
Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots
- Lake AuSable Lodge: Cozy, steps from tees and clubhouse
- Villas & Cottages: Spacious options for groups (2-8 people), kitchens, lake or course views
- Stay-and-play packages include lodging, rounds (priority on both courses), practice access, and perks; book direct for best deals
All Key Forest Dunes Golf Highlights at a Glance
- Forest Dunes Course (Weiskopf parkland/dunes classic)
- The Loop (Doak reversible Red/Black innovation)
- Bootlegger (10-hole par-3 short course)
- Plus massive practice areas, putting course, and future SkyFall private access for guests
Pro Tips
- Book stay-and-play packages early via forestdunesgolf.com; fills fast in peak summer/fall; includes multi-round options and replays
- Fly into Traverse City (TVC) 1.5 to 2 hours drive, or Detroit (DTW)/Grand Rapids (GRR) for longer scenic routes
- Pair golf with northern Michigan favorites: fresh cherries, local breweries, hiking, or epic stargazing away from city lights
- Embrace firm conditions (run the ball!); use caddies for strategy on The Loop; forward tees make it accessible for all
Time to get lost in the forest, play reversible magic, and reset with pure golf immersion. Forest Dunes is calling your name.
