These days Pacific Dunes is the most talked about course in Bandon.  It packs the most dramatic dunes on the property many of which are smothered with gorse creating
hallway walls that ensconce the fairways defining the holes.  From the minimalist school of golf architecture, Tom Doak coaxed natural bunkers, used existing mounds and swales for contours, and accented it all with the sea grass and foliage that is native to the Oregon coast.  The ocean front vistas create memorable seaside holes which will take your breath away.

The course presents an amazing variety of holes in an intriguing sequence.  The back nine par 35 has only 2 par fours, 4 par threes, and 3 par fives.  If the wind is down the short holes give real scoring opportunities…if it is up, as it usually is, the shot factors required on the short holes increase geometrically…as can your score.

Pacific Dunes is a seaside links experience in the tradition of the Irish classics like Ballybunion, Waterville, and Royal County Down.  So pour yourself a Guinness when you are done.

All the links elements are evident on the opening hole.

Shoe Bunker was hand sculpted by Bob Gaspar one of Doak’s long time operatives.

Gorse covered dunes delineate many of the holes.

A “Hanging Chad”…..where is one more breath of wind when  you need it?

Sea grass accents the par 3 fifth hole.

Short par four sixth has a cavernous bunker protecting a three story green.

Everything but trolls and burning oil protecting this green setting.

Shore line views are downright distracting.

As were the colorful kite surfers.

One of four challenging three pars on the inward nine.

Two surprising close to that tight pin over the gnarly bunker.

The gorse covered dune towers over this shallow par four green.

The view of this finishing hole will cling to you long after you are done.

August, 2012

(Click to read Postscript From Bandon Dunes)

For more course detail click to see Pacific Dunes Course Review