GreenlitBETA
Bandon, Oregon

Pacific Dunes

Golf Digest Top 100 Public·#2

Tom Doak's windswept masterpiece perched on coastal cliffs—arguably the finest links golf course in America.

About the Course

Pacific Dunes opened in 2001 as the second course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and has since become the highest-ranked course on the property. Designed by Tom Doak, this par-71 routing through massive coastal dunes and along the dramatic cliffs of the Oregon coast represents a masterclass in minimalist links architecture. The course feels as though it was discovered rather than constructed, with undulating fairways and rumpled greens framed by rugged sand dunes and natural bunkers that seem to emerge organically from the landscape.

What makes Pacific Dunes truly special is its unconventional design philosophy. Rather than build a tournament-caliber layout, Doak crafted what many consider the best collection of holes he could find on this spectacular piece of property. The routing includes four par-3s on the back nine, with back-to-back short holes framing some of the most memorable ocean vistas imaginable. Holes 4 and 13—two of the world's best coastal par-4s—command the attention with 440 yards of Pacific Ocean frontage at the 13th and equally dramatic cliff-top drama at the 4th.

Every round at Pacific Dunes feels like pure links golf with consequences. Small, well-defended greens demand precision, the wind tests every club in your bag, and the routing provides enough width and options to remain playable for golfers of all abilities. The course conditions are exceptional, with firm fescue fairways and greens that reward creative shot-making. Whether playing in calm summer conditions or battling the relentless Pacific wind, Pacific Dunes delivers an experience that golfers return to again and again.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • ✦Ranked #23 on Golf Digest's Greatest Golf Courses in America and #2 best public course in the country—a bucket-list destination that lives up to its acclaim
  • ✦Walking-only links golf with professional caddies who enhance the experience and preserve a 500-year tradition of the game
  • ✦Dramatic back-to-back par-3s near the ocean, signature holes #4 and #13 with unparalleled Pacific Ocean frontage, and five holes named to Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Holes in America
  • ✦On-property lodging ranging from simple rooms to luxury 4-bedroom cottages, plus exceptional dining and spa facilities create an all-inclusive golf resort experience
  • ✦Mid-July through September offers the calmest, most predictable weather on the Oregon coast with clear days averaging 65-68°F, allowing groups to play multiple rounds daily at declining rates
Courses on Property
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Pacific Dunes18 holes · Par 71

Tom Doak's windswept masterpiece featuring four back-nine par-3s, dramatic ocean cliffs, and two of the world's best coastal par-4s.

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Bandon Dunes18 holes · Par 72

The original 1999 course by David McLay Kidd with rolling fairways, stunning ocean vistas, and championship-caliber links golf.

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Bandon Trails18 holes · Par 71

Designed by Coore & Crenshaw, this course winds through dunes, meadows, and forest—a serene counterpoint to the seaside courses.

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Old Macdonald18 holes · Par 71

Tom Doak's homage to classic Scottish links with expansive fairways, bold contours, and the famous Ghost Tree on hole 3.

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Sheep Ranch18 holes · Par 72

The newest addition (2020) by Coore & Crenshaw, featuring a mile of ocean frontage with cliffside greens and bold promontory play.

⛳
Bandon Preserve13 holes · Par 49

Fun par-3 course perfect for warm-ups, short games, or evening play; proceeds support coastal conservation.

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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$100–$420/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Yes
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
Mid-July through the end of September offers the calmest, most predictable weather and the driest conditions on the Oregon coast, with average highs of 65-68°F and minimal rainfall. August and September are particularly reliable for clear, sunny days and warm fall temperatures. This is peak season with higher green fees. For budget-conscious groups, November through January offers dramatically reduced rates ($100-175 for first round) and the bonus of fewer crowds, though expect rain and wind typical of the Pacific Northwest coast. Spring (April-May) brings increasing sunshine and warmer temperatures, while avoiding the peak summer crowds. Avoid December-January for peak-season pricing; the winter months are wet and stormy though still playable.
LinksOcean ViewsBucket ListWalking OnlyCaddies AvailableResortChampionshipMajor VenueHistoricWaterfront
Stay on Property
Bandon Dunes offers diverse on-property accommodations from simple single rooms in The Lodge ($150-400/night) to luxury 4-bedroom Grove Cottages ($2,000+/night peak season). The Lodge and Inn provide traditional hotel-style rooms with ocean and course views. Chrome Lake lofts and standard rooms are nestled in forest settings. Round Lake offers newly renovated accommodations. All rooms feature comfortable beds, quality bathrooms, and access to the resort's amenities including spa services, restaurants, and shuttle service.

Bandon Dunes offers diverse on-property accommodations from simple single rooms in The Lodge ($150-400/night) to luxury 4-bedroom Grove Cottages ($2,000+/night peak season). The Lodge and Inn provide traditional hotel-style rooms with ocean and course views. Chrome Lake lofts and standard rooms are nestled in forest settings. Round Lake offers newly renovated accommodations. All rooms feature comfortable beds, quality bathrooms, and access to the resort's amenities including spa services, restaurants, and shuttle service.

Nearby Lodging