Bandon Dunes

Yes, it’s far. It’s not that easy to get to. Bandon Dunes is located in southern Oregon. In the western USA, on the Pacific Ocean. The most common way is to fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) and drive about 4.5 hours to the resort.

Alternatively, the North Bend Oregon Airport (OTH) is about 20 minutes from the resort, but it receives few international flights. It currently receives flights from airports like Denver and San Francisco, which can be a very good alternative to minimize driving.

The Resort

Developed in the late '90s by Mike Keiser (owner of Sand Valley and Cabot Collection among others), the resort began with one course: Bandon Dunes. Why in Bandon, Oregon? Or put another way, why in the middle of nowhere and far from everything? Because Keiser sought to create a resort with Scottish-style links courses in the US. And it was here that he found what he was looking for: land on the ocean and sand dunes. A perfect combination for links courses, like those he sought to emulate: Royal Dornoch, the Old Course at St Andrews, Royal Troon (and even Cypress Point, to an extent).

Today the resort has five 18-hole golf courses: Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald, and Sheep Ranch (listed in the chronological order they were opened to the public). Following the spirit of Scottish golf, all these courses are walking-only, and electric carts are only offered in case of a physical disability. Caddie service is offered as an excellent option for the public.

The Bandon Dunes resort has several types of accommodation. From classic hotel rooms to lodges with small kitchens and 2 bedrooms. Although it is truly very difficult to get availability for a stay longer than 2-3 days.

To move around within the resort—from accommodations to the courses or the practice area—the resort offers a shuttle service, which makes moving from one place to another very easy without needing to rent a car. This is very convenient for those staying at the resort.

Other accommodations, outside the Resort

Given the difficulty of securing lodging inside the resort, a good alternative is to stay outside. In this case, it is important to clarify that you can still use all resort services. From playing the 7 golf courses to eating in all the restaurants, using the shuttles, taking golf lessons with resort pros, using the practice area, etc.

In the town of Bandon, there are several hotels that can be a good alternative. Without much luxury, they are a comfortable alternative and close to the resort. You can also walk to various restaurants and bars in the town, as it is very small and everything is nearby.

Another option is to rent a house outside the resort. Today there are several available within 10 minutes of the resort. From houses for 4 people to luxury villas for 16 people.

The Resort Courses

Bandon Dunes (1999): The resort's first course, the one that made everything that followed possible: the #1 resort in the USA for over 20 years. A resort with five 18-hole courses, two par-3 courses, and a variety of lodging and restaurants. It's almost impossible to find availability even 18 months in advance. Designed by the (then inexperienced) David McLay Kidd, it is a fantastic welcome to the resort. A more "friendly" course with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean that prepares you for what is to come on the rest of the trip. A links-style course where the wind plays a fundamental role, featuring gorse bushes as seen in Scotland and Ireland.

Pacific Dunes (2001): The most awarded of the resort's five 18-hole courses, ranked #19 among the best courses in the USA by Golf Digest. A very demanding course with a variety of long and short, wide and narrow holes, where the wind plays a major role. It requires great precision and strategy to score well. With huge dunes, rolling greens, and spectacular views, it is considered the masterpiece of famed designer Tom Doak.

Bandon Trails (2005): Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, this course develops in three distinct zones: the dunes, the meadow, and the forest. Featuring spectacular walks between greens and tees through native forests. It is often described as a spectacular hike where you also happen to play golf. You hardly see other people during the round. At times it feels as if you were alone... in the world!

Old Macdonald (2010): The most "Scottish" course at the resort. Designed by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina, commemorating the template holes of C.B. Macdonald (designer of National Golf Links of America and The Lido). The result was Old Macdonald, which contains versions and remixes of template holes with original ideas from the designers. It feels as if it were lifted from the west coast of Scotland and placed in Oregon. You may have seen images of the "ghost tree" on hole 3 that characterizes this course.

Sheep Ranch (2020): Originally a course "without rules," with 13 greens, no set routing, and where each player chose their own hole design by firing from one green to another. It was also once considered for a private club, but Keiser dismissed the idea—he didn’t want a private club next to a public resort. Finally, Coore and Crenshaw redesigned the current course. A synthesis of wind, ocean views, and massive green contours. It is the most open and wind-exposed course, where the Pacific is visible from nearly all 18 holes, and the bunkers contain no sand because it would simply blow away! But it is very fun to play, and good scores are possible if the weather permits.

Bandon Preserve: A 13-hole par-3 course with distances between 80 and 160 yards. Blind shots, uphill, downhill, and greens with massive undulations. A more relaxed way to enjoy yourself with fantastic Pacific views.

Shorty’s: A 19-hole par-3 course of about 50-60 yards. Another great excuse to keep playing golf in a very relaxed way.

The Punchbowl: A massive putting green with various holes and demarcated routes, featuring cup holders on every tee and a bar alongside: Tap-in. A green with huge undulations where the only goal is to have a fun time with friends before or after a round.

Restaurants

There are about ten different restaurants inside the resort, all very varied. From The Gallery in the main lodge with varied dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, to Pacific Grill specializing in seafood, McKee’s Pub with a typical English pub vibe, or Ghost Tree Grill with a menu focused on grilled meats. The food is excellent everywhere, and the staff service is very good.

When to go?

While it never closes, winter months can be cruel due to low temperatures, wind, and potential rain. The best months are July and August. However, being so far north and exposed to the Pacific, weather issues are almost inevitable regardless of when you go.

The Experience of Visiting Bandon Dunes

It is a fantastic experience. You breathe golf at all times. It is a quick school in golf course design, where you feel a sensation very similar to playing in Scotland or Ireland but with American services. With five very different but exceptional courses in excellent condition. With challenges for all tastes and handicap levels, but enjoyable even for the less experienced. The service is excellent, and there is a great variety of restaurants and lodging. The trip there is worth it, no matter how long. I say this having taken over 30 hours from leaving my house to arriving at Bandon Dunes! A destination that must be visited at least once in a lifetime by those of us who love golf.