With 54 holes – and soon to be 72 – Bandon Dunes is a true golf mecca. From the cliff-side ocean holes at Pacific Dunes to inland gems at Bandon Trails, Bandon Dunes Resort has more than its fair share of unforgettable golf holes. Here’s our list of the 10 best from Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes and Bandon Trails.
1
Pacific Dunes No. 4 – 463 yards, par 4
With ocean bordering the entire right side of this long par-4, the rules are simple: favor the left with your golf ball and the right with your sight-seeing. Even if every other hole was ugly and boring, No. 4 alone would make Pacific Dunes a must-play.
2
Bandon Dunes No. 4 – 410 yards, par 4
When your aim point behind the green is Asia, you know you’re playing a bona fide ocean hole.
3
Bandon Dunes No. 16 – 363 yards, par 4
For a golfer looking to make a birdie, what’s the only thing more fun than a short, downwind par 4? One along the ocean. There may not be a better risk-reward hole at Bandon Dunes. The more you chew off, the shorter your approach. Go too far right, and you’re in the Pacific Ocean.
4
Pacific Dunes No. 13 – 444 yards, par 4
True to links golf form, you can’t see everything that’s in front of you from the tee. Trust your caddy and hit it where he or she tells you. If you’re successful – heck, even if you aren’t – you’ll enjoy one of the prettiest strolls up the fairway of any hole at Bandon Dunes.
5
Pacific Dunes No. 18 – 591 yards, par 5
An excellent par-5 finisher that’s perfect for deciding a match. If you can get your drive in play, you’ll have a chance to get your second to ride the slope of the fairway down toward the green. Do you have what it takes to make a closing birdie?
6
Bandon Trails No. 11 – 445 yards, par 4
The only hole at Bandon Dunes with a lake. Here, the ocean takes a break and the true inland beauty of Oregon shines through.
7
Bandon Dunes No. 13 – 553 yards, par 5
Elephant-sized humps mean a 3-wood approach from a side hill lie is a given, but you’ll have fun with it because there’s plenty of room to miss. Whether you think you can get your third shot up and down is another question entirely…
8
Pacific Dunes No. 3 – 499 yards, par 5
One of the defining characteristics of links golf is holes that appear wide open from the tee, but in fact require precision. Two great shots are needed here to be in position for a birdie. If the pin is back-right, it’s a lot of fun.
9
Pacific Dunes No. 11 – 148 yards, par 3
Most great golf courses have a devilish little par-3, and Pacific Dunes is no exception. A good look at birdie is no given as the wind, a small green and the distraction of scenery take hold.
10
Bandon Dunes No. 6 – 161 yards, par 3
Even though it’s a short hole with a big green, don’t get lazy. If the wind kicks up, the ocean left can sneak up on you.
