Bandon Dunes

Pacific Dunes is without question my favorite course, and #4 is my favorite hole in golf. The views are outstanding, and the design unique enough to hold your attention the entire round. I was lucky enough to take my Father there, and it was the golf trip of a lifetime. The entire resort is a MUST PLAY if you love golf!

Old Macdonald is the newest and, to be blunt, the least appealing option for golf enthusiasts visiting Bandon Dunes. It's not that it's a terrible golf course -- far from it. But there are too many odd design aspects that bump Old Mac, though visually dramatic, down to fourth on my personal list. Let's start with the greens. They're massive -- one of our caddies said they're the largest green surfaces in North America. I believe it. You could conceivably hit all 18 greens and four- (or five-) putt all of them. They're that big. But honestly, I don't really mind that. It rewards good ball-striking and distance control. My biggest issue was that there were nine good holes and nine ... well ... not-so-good holes. Too often, it seemed, there were brutally long par 4s with greens that not only were elevated but also had severe false fronts. I'm not a short hitter -- my average drive is probably 270 yards -- but with a little bit of wind, I was hitting driver-4 iron into several greens. Instead of having a playable putting surface to accept what are lower, less spinning shots, the greens here harshly rejected them. My playing partner wouldn't even bother going for some of the par-4 greens in two, knowing that he couldn't even come close. Frankly, it's too penal for the average golfer, especially when it's windy (which it is almost all the time). It just seemed like a missed opportunity, when the greens could have been designed to accept and funnel balls into pockets on the greens, rather than send them into tight lies well below the putting surface. Let me be clear, there are some awesome holes here -- the third, seventh, eighth, 13th and 14th all come to mind -- but you can find better golf options at Bandon.

I was giddy to finally play here, after hearing all of the endless chatter from colleagues and friends ... and wow. Just wow. If, for some reason, you can only play one round at Bandon, tee it up at Pac Dunes. Though it's short from the green tees (6,142), it is still plenty tough. That's what makes it so fun to play -- there are 280-yarders that look like birdie holes (but turn into stressful pars) and 440-yard par 4s that you're trying not to make triple. You can reach the par 5s with two big hits. The consecutive par 3s to begin the back nine, with views of the water, are as good as it gets. A tip: Above all, you really have to be precise with your irons here, because your ball can trickle into some of the most dastardly greenside bunkers you'll ever encounter. Now, for the REALLY important stuff: Make sure you order the Crispy Oyster sandwich for lunch at the Pacific Grill. It is, no exaggeration, the best sandwich I have ever had. And secondly, make sure you play the 36-hole Punchbowl course, with a few cold beers handy. So fun.

A disclaimer: I had no expectations whatsoever for Trails. All I'd heard was that it "wasn't on the water" and that it was "different". After playing here for the first time, all I can say is this: If you're planning a trip to this area, make sure Trails is on your list. I loved it. All of it. Every hole. The par 3s, in particular, are terrific, a fun collection of short and long holes, even the brutish 12th, which was stretched out to 235 yards for us. (Made par!) What makes Trails such a treat is that it still plays like a links course, with plenty of bounce and roll and undulation, but it also winds through the forest. Visually, it is stunning. I can't imagine how beautiful it'd be to play here in the fall, with all of the leaves changing colors. We played this on the back-end of a 36-hole day and it was a hike -- there are several steep climbs and hills -- but it was well worth it once you got to the green. I would rank this as my second favorite course at Bandon, behind only the marvelous Pacific Dunes.

Recently, a colleague and I made a three-day stop at Bandon. It was my first visit to one of America's golf meccas, and it did not disappoint. Our first full round was at the original course, Bandon Dunes. As you might expect, the holes on the water are absolutely breathtaking. The fourth hole is one I'll remember forever. It's a short par 4, and as you walk down the fairway for your second shot, you turn the corner to look toward the green and -- wham! -- there's the Pacific Ocean. We played from very manageable tees (it was about 6,200 yards) and had a great time. The weather was perfect for both of our rounds here -- 65 and sunny, with light winds -- so it wasn't an overwhelming challenge, but in the summer, when the winds are fierce, it would be all you can handle.

This is what I wrote in a review three years ago. "I like it a lot, didn't love it though. I think if I played it again I'd grow to love it more. There were just several blind shots that I thought were forced and unnecessary. They were there for the sake of it. But it was another fun walk and it was the second round of a 36-hole day for me."

Agree, with all that, but I think I liked it less the second time around. Too many forced carries into ridiculously huge greens on holes that are already difficult. I don't mind a forced carry, but to continuously do it on difficult holes makes no sense. It's still a good place and worth playing if you have time, but I wouldn't leave one of the other three off before this one.

It's all weird too because a lot of people love Old Mac. In fact, I've heard some say it's one of their favorites there. I don't see that.

I played it for the first time three years ago and liked it, but didn't love it. In fact, it was my least favorite of the four at Bandon. That no longer is the fact. It'd moved up a spot and I really, truly enjoyed this round.

The last time I played it after a long cross-country trip and was all out of sorts. This time, I wasn't rushed and had time to take in all the sights and sounds.

Now, it's still extremely difficult. Probably the most difficult of all the courses there. And it plays really long. But it's a great change of pace from the others.

At first I was frustrated that we were playing so near the Ocean but could not see it anywhere from the course. But I understand it's place in the rotation and really had a chance to appreciate it more the second time around.

It was my favorite course on the property the first time I played there 13 years ago and it remains my favorite. You just cannot beat the beauty, especially the ocean holes. They're all spectacular but my favorite is 10-11, back-to-back par 3s just on the Pacific Ocean. Breathtaking. (This time around I birdied the 11th, which is my favorite whole of all 72 holes there.)

This is the best resort experience in the United States and I've been to a lot of them.

(PRO TIP: When you're done, go play the punchbowl. It's a 36-hole putting green where you can take a drink and play for skins with your buddies. Tremendous.)

Got in the afternoon before and played the 13-hole Preserve course, and was ready to go early in the morning. This would be my third time playing the course but I was with a Bandon rookie and eager to see his reactions.

I'll continue to say, Pacific Dunes is my favorite course there but Bandon Dunes is the one I'd play if I had to play one every day. It's so fun, so beautiful and so playable. Players of all skill levels will enjoy it.

I hadn't been back in almost three years and had a hard time remembering all the holes for some reason. Old age. When I got there, it all quickly came flooding back. I remembered everything about it.

"Golf as it was meant to be" for sure.

The perfect way to get acclimated to the place. Flew cross-country, then drive 3 hours and jumped right onto the first tee.

Only 13 holes, I took five clubs with me - nothing longer than a 6 iron. Don't fool yourself, this track is not a piece of cake. You think it will be and for better players it probably is, but you will absolutely play shots from distances you don't regularly hit. That can be a challenge right off the place.

On the 13th hit a regular tee shot first, then hit a putt from there. It's tradition.

I recommend playing aggressive on #8 and try to drive the green if you have the range! This course is different than the other 3 courses as its not a links style but more traditional. I prefer playing these courses because you are not fighting 3 feet high wasteland rough. In my opinion, golfers will either love or hate this course layout.

I love all the courses in the area, but Pacific Dunes really stands out for me. Beautiful setting, well-maintained and a decent pace of play. What more could you ask for?

The Bandon golf Mecca is a bit out of the way, but if you love golf, you have to put it on your Bucket List.

First of all the resort is the best one stop golf experience on earth. Not even St. Andrews has as many high quality courses in one resort setting. There are multiple restaurants with quality food and in the case of McKee's pub quantity too. Add in the par 3 courses and the Punchbowl and you will never want to leave. For a single public resort, this is the place dreams are make of. If you've never been here, then this should be your next golf trip. If you've been here, you're probably working on when you can come back.
Secondly, this is a throw back to Links golf as played in the UK. Wind, walking and the ground game are here at all courses. If you are here for multiple days, odds are that it will rain. Embrace those things as that is what golf looks like at it's home. It is all about the golf here and it doesn't get better.

The first course itself is a great one. Ironically, it is the only one that has the "Standard" of two par 3s and two par 5s on each nine. It is the only one with two nine hole loops which return to the clubhouse.
This might be the one with the best views. Some holes play along the clifftops, but many tee boxes on the inland holes are on top of a ridge which provide views of the course and ocean. Bring your camera.
The course itself is a treat. Most people will remember the cliff top 16th which is driveable in the summer. So many ways to play this hole, you will have to come back a half dozen times to try them. As with all links, the ground game and contours come into play. Shot options abound around the greens and I think you need to put the 60 degree away and bump and run or putt it. Bunkers are large and natural looking-they are also a challenge to get out of. One of the great things about this course is that some of the best holes are inland. I like the par 4 7th with the uphill approach or find yourself at the bottom of a hill. Drive to the correct part of the fairway or the green is semi-blind on the par 4 14th. Take advantage of the slope on the 2nd hole and aim left, the contours feed the ball right. The short 10th hole is also driveable, but if you take the direct approach there is a hill in front of the green. Taking the safe route which is left of the green opens up the green. Of course, in addition to the par 4 16th, the cliff top 5th and 6th holes are visually stunning and great holes.
This was the course that made me fall in love with links golf. Low running shots are the best option. Hitting the correct side of the fairway is a must. Using your putter from virtually anywhere and being creative with the green contouring is also required. If you don't like golf here, then save yourself some money and avoid Scotland and the UK in general, you won't like it there either.

This is a real links with quirk and the largest green complexes on earth. Golf course architecture buffs will recognize a lot of the MacDonald-Raynor template holes here; however, they are not just duplications but unique takes on them. The Eden is here on hole #2, but you could actually putt the whole way-something Old Mac would frown upon. The menacing bunkers come into play with front hole locations. Go long and there is a bunker at the back waiting for you. The Redan is here, but the green is significantly longer than the original or any of MacDonalds'. Yet it is undeniably a redan; I think the 16th at Pac Dunes is a better one-not a complaint just an observation. Do avoid the bunker on the left, I saw some people chip backwards to get out after the direct approach was an exercise in futility. There is a great recreation of the hellacious bunker at St. Andrews or the Cardinal bunker from Prestwick on the 6th which is a par 5" long hole". The 16th is a very long Alps hole, but if your drive is long enough the approach is neither blind nor need go over the hill. The 8th is a Biarritz. Some of the best holes are not template-the par 4 7th comes to mind as does the par 4 14th as well as the par 5s other than the 6th. The best green might be the par 3 5th; at least, if you miss the proper section watch the roller coaster putt. The blind drive on the 3rd hole is a joy and if you hit the left side, your ball might roll all the way down to the green.
The greens are massive-larger than St. Andrews. Hitting the proper club and proper section is vital. Considering the ground game options, use the contours. The routing is unique as the first nine has 3 par 3s and 1 par 5. The second nine has 1 par 3 and 2 par 5s and many par 4s-it is 500 to 800 yards longer than the front all depending on your tee choice. Most of the holes are in a great valley that opens after you walk up the hill on the 3rd hole. The views of the ocean happen on the 7th and 15th greens, but views of the course in all its splendor happen on top of the 3rd and 14th.
Remember, you are playing a links course and this is a great one. If you are looking for American aerial golf and two nines with 2 par 3s and 2 par 5s on each side, then this is not for you. I am sure that this is not everyone's cup of tea, but if you like links golf or want a living cliff-notes on architecture, then you will enjoy Old Mac. Not my favorite here, but I do get in a round each time I am in town; it is a unique experience in the States.

First of all, this is free. The 'Course' is located next to the first tee at Pacific Dunes. Just place your ball in the queue and wait your turn. Similar to the Himalayas putting course at St. Andrews, which was the inspiration, this course is a lot of fun. They move the holes around so multiple days of play is enjoyable and unique. The whole course is well contoured so putts are not straight forward, they are going to move about like on the regular courses. I would end the day here, but using this as a warm up is a realistic option.
There are beverage cup holders so drinking and wagering are encouraged. Similar to the par 3 courses at the resort it is all about the fun factor. I can't think of a better way to end a day at the resort and watch the sun set while getting in some practice.

This is what a par 3 course should be; Fun, interesting greens and a place to hang out with friends while enjoying a beverage or two. The Preserve at Bandon Dunes has all of those things. It might be the best conditioned course on the property. The greens are immaculate. This is a great place to go for a second round after playing one of the big courses on the property.
This is all about the greens which are well contoured and putting is very interesting. Ben Crenshaw said "Golf begins when the ball hits the ground" and this course fits that description perfectly. Watching the ball roll on the contoured greens is a joy. Aiming for the flagstick is not the best option in most cases. Finding a slope and letting the ball feed is the best option and most pleasurable. No hole is long, but it is not really about the tee shot, although some of them are blind or semi-blind which makes watching the ball move on slopes that much more fun. If there is a 2 club wind, then that makes the tee shot more interesting. Getting back to those wonderful greens, finding the correct section is needed, but if you miss, no worry putt from anywhere. In fact, on the 13th hole, putt from the tee box.
Is it worth the $100? All proceeds go to a Conservation group so feel good about that. If you use this as your second play in the summer, the next round is free on the day. Above all, this place is meant for fun, betting with friends. taking in the views and enjoying the best par 3 course on the planet.

How can you get people away from the clifftops at both Dunes' courses? Build something like Bandon Trails-that is how. Although set inland, I highly recommend a round at the Trails. This is probably the most difficult of the four courses, yet still enjoyable for all handicaps. As part of the resort, you have access to all that the resort offers.
The routing takes you through dunes, forest and a meadow and returns in the dunes. The holes look like they were already there waiting for somebody to just play them. This course does have the most holes with elevation change. Many holes are uphill in nature. If here during the summer, the last three holes are uphill and into a wind-definitely a challenge to keep one's score at par for this set. Despite being set inland, the course still plays like a links with firm and fast conditions. Ground game options and using the contouring of the greens and ground come into play or at least you should use them-they are there for a reason. Hard to pick out a signature hole as all of them are top notch. The 14th is probably the easiest to remember. Despite being a driveable par 4, the strategy of risk reward comes into play. If you are not on the left side, you have a blind uphill approach to a narrow target. If on the left side, all opens up to you. Many, if not all, of the holes have this type of strategy. In other words, the fairways are wide, but you need to hit the correct side of them to score well. Bunkering is abundant, yet perfectly placed. Dare to flirt with them and you are rewarded with an easier approach. The greens are excellent with contours that provide challenge but not of the clown's mouth variety. They are also divided into sections and hitting the proper section is key to avoiding a three putt. Bring your lag putting. The course has par 3s and 5s that run in different directions and lengths. Great sets of both. The par 4s are enjoyable and you never see the same thing twice-all are unique.
If at the resort for multiple days, do spend a round here. Can't say that it is my favorite of the four courses, but Trails is not to be missed. It does offer something different and unique. Do it as a second round of a 36 hole day.

If you're serious about your putting, this is a great test. With 36 holes perched above the Pacific Ocean next to the Pacific Dunes clubhouse, this is fun test on either course -- the Red or the White. Many of the holes have breaks that are unfathomable. It's also a great way to warm up for the greens you'll face on Old Macdonald or any of the other four courses at Bandon Dunes.

This is where it all started at Bandon Dunes Resort, and it's still a classic. Not as flashy as Pacific Dunes, but a great and rare test of links golf in America. One you get to the middle of the front nine, the views come into play and the holes just continue to get better from there. A real classic.

Ocean views from every hole, tough undulating greens, an endless variety of tee shots and putts -- what's not to like about Bandon Preserve? This is a fun, quick ride, and it isn't easy. Find one of those cavernous bunkers and you might not have a stance. No two of the holes are alike and you can even use the putter off the tee on No. 18.