Bandon Dunes Golf Resort - Bandon Trails

Bandon Trails opened in 2005 as the third course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Unlike the oceanfront courses, Trails was routed through the property's interior, integrating three distinct ecosystems: sand dunes, open meadow, and coastal rainforest. Coore and Crenshaw extended the layout westward to incorporate ocean-adjacent dune terrain, giving the course remarkable variety.

The course begins atop a massive sand dune before descending into sprawling meadows, then climbing into dense coastal forest before returning to the dunes for a dramatic finish. This diversity sets Bandon Trails apart and has earned it a devoted following among golfers who value strategic variety over raw coastal drama.

Coore and Crenshaw returned to make significant renovations, refining holes to improve playability. The course is consistently praised as one of the most strategically interesting designs at the resort, with many repeat visitors calling it their favorite Bandon experience.

Bandon Trails offers the most varied terrain of any course at Bandon Dunes Resort. The routing moves through sand dunes, open meadow, and dense coastal rainforest, creating a journey that feels like three courses in one round. While it lacks sustained ocean views, the inland setting provides shelter from coastal wind.

At 6,765 yards and par 71, Bandon Trails rewards strategic thinking and shot shaping. The green complexes are among the most interesting at the resort.

Bandon Trails is the most sheltered course at the resort, but wind still affects play on the exposed dune holes. The forest holes create tight corridors requiring accuracy.

The green complexes reward players who study contours and pick the correct approach angle. Many greens have false fronts and subtle tiers that make distance control critical.