Accessing Golf Course: Bandon Dunes Play Instructions
Bandon Dunes Resort: Two Courses Echoing Carnoustie's Legacy
Nestled in southwest Oregon, the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is home to seven exceptional courses, two of which share a striking resemblance to the iconic Scottish links course, Carnoustie. These are the original Bandon Dunes, designed by David McLay Kidd, and Pacific Dunes, the creation of Tom Doak.
The design of the original Bandon Dunes was inspired by Scotland, particularly Dornoch, with its fescue fairways, large dunes, and breathtaking sea views, making it a fitting tribute to Carnoustie's rugged seaside links character. Pacific Dunes, on the other hand, boasts undulating fairways and holes traversing many dunes, further enhancing the resort's reputation for high-quality links golf with a feel reminiscent of classic Scottish courses.
While all seven courses at the resort are a testament to golfing excellence, Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes are particularly noted for capturing the spirit and difficulty comparable to Carnoustie. The other courses, such as Bandon Trails, Old MacDonald, and the more recent additions like Bandon Preserve, Sheep Ranch, and Shorty's, while equally impressive, do not tend to be cited as directly comparable to Carnoustie's iconic links style.
The Bandon Dunes resort has hosted several tournaments, including the 2020 US Amateur, and will continue to be a hub for golfing events in the future. The resort will host the 2025 US Women's Amateur, and upcoming events include the 2028 Walker Cup, the US Amateur in 2032, and the US Women's Amateur in 2041.
For resort guests and Oregon residents, green fees for the main five courses range between $120 and $370, with a second round on the same day costing around half the price of a single round. The two short courses, Shorty's and the Bandon Preserve, have green fees ranging between $60 and $125.
Push carts are allowed at Bandon Dunes, making it a comfortable experience for golfers. The resort's seventh and latest course, Shorty's, is a 19-hole par-3 course designed by Rod Whitman, Dave Axland, and Keith Cutten. Sheep Ranch, another course designed by Coore and Crenshaw, opened eight years later.
Old MacDonald, the fourth course at Bandon Dunes, was inspired by legendary designer Charles Blair MacDonald. Bandon Trails, the third course, was designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, taking players through meadows and forest before finishing on some imposing and spectacular dunes.
The Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw-designed Bandon Preserve opened in 2012, adding another layer of golfing diversity to the resort. Pacific Dunes, the second course at Bandon Dunes, was designed by Tom Doak, and Bandon Dunes, the original course, is widely regarded as one of the best public courses in the US.
In conclusion, the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort offers an unparalleled links golf experience, with two courses, Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes, particularly noted for their Carnoustie-like character and challenge. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, a visit to this resort promises an unforgettable golfing adventure.
Golf at the Bandon Dunes Resort offers a unique sports experience, as two of its courses, the original Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes, share a resemblance with the iconic Scottish links course, Carnoustie, thereby providing a memorable golfing experience. If you're looking to explore high-quality links golf with a touch of classic Scottish courses, these two courses are an excellent choice.
