Bandon Dunes Golf Resort - Bandon Dunes

Bandon Dunes opened on May 19, 1999, as the first course at what would become America's greatest golf resort. Chicago entrepreneur Mike Keiser hired David McLay Kidd, a relatively untested 25-year-old Scotsman whose father was the head agronomist at Gleneagles, to design the inaugural course on spectacular dunesland perched 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean.

The course was an immediate sensation, proving that American golfers were hungry for authentic links golf. Bandon Dunes featured walking-only play, no real estate development, and a wild coastal setting that felt more like Scotland than the Pacific Northwest. Kidd's design prompted Keiser to add Pacific Dunes (2001), Bandon Trails (2005), Old Macdonald (2010), and Sheep Ranch (2020).

Kidd's original layout remains a fan favorite and holds a special place as the design that launched a revolution in American resort golf, proving that a remote coastal location could draw golfers from around the world.

Bandon Dunes is a walking-only links course on the rugged southern Oregon coast, set atop bluffs 100 feet above the Pacific. The routing weaves between oceanfront holes and interior holes through native gorse and dune terrain. At 6,732 yards it is not overwhelmingly long, but ever-present coastal wind and firm conditions make club selection a constant puzzle.

The course has a wild, natural feel with no cart paths and gorse bushes that punish wayward shots. Caddies are available and recommended.

Wind is the dominant factor on every shot. The prevailing wind comes from the north-northwest, but ocean breezes swirl throughout the round. Bring low-trajectory punch shots and expect to adjust club selection significantly.

Keep the ball in play off the tee — gorse bushes mean a lost ball. Favor the wide side of fairways. A caddie's local knowledge is invaluable for first-time visitors.