Pacific Dunes is a breathtaking coastal links and the rightful owner to the resort’s longest stretch of beach-front property. Designed by Tom Doak, Pacific Dunes was the 2nd constructed course of the resort and continuously ranks among the elite in the country. Simply named for its wealth of ocean views and massive sand dunes, Pacific Dunes is arguably the most exciting course in the collection. This dramatic landscape, hand crafted by nature, is preserved through a masterful design that runs in accordance with the ancient features of the land. Navigating amid the complex sand-laden terrain and along expansive, blue vistas of the Pacific, there’s a sight to behold at every step. Pacific Dunes modest distances are a meager compromise to the challenges supplied in the rugged earth, the natural sand bunkers, and the ever changing winds. From “mere” ocean views to sheer cliff-side layouts, one is subject to the elements of the present as much as the past on this storm-beaten shoreline links. Capturing the lore of the games humble origins, Pacific Dunes has reached the royal ranks of American golf and states its case as the most captivating course of the great Northwest.
Pacific Dunes is the shortest course at Bandon, but provides few favors to long hitters and levels the playing field with its tricky angles and contours. True to a traditional links, there are plenty of large landing zones, however many of the hole layouts call for target golf. On many holes, “fairway” doesn’t always guarantee a good look, and “green hit” is surely no promise of a par. The terrain is extremely undulated, not dissimilar from the other Bandon courses, and by design, there are often numerous options available for reaching your target. Studying the grounds and surveying the gales is at a premium here where knock-down shots range from favorable to mandatory. Playing the ground allows one to reduce the wind factor and work cooperatively with the rolling earth, though the danger of sand is ever present. Countless bunkers of countless natures blanket the course, and uncover yet another obstacle to avoid. From giant sand dune embankments to deep pothole bunkers to long meandering greenside traps, sand is naturally part of the experience. Also present, typically around the perimeters, are long grasses and sprawling fields of impenetrable gorse. These true links greens are larger than they appear from the illusory angles provided from the fairway. As expected, the contours are intricate, extreme and difficult to read, and 2-putts provide a greater sense of accomplishment than normal.
About Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, on the southern coast of Oregon near Bandon, OR, is a world class golf mecca, and a defining piece of the puzzle regarding the quality and diversity of Northwest golf. Golf enthusiasts travel from all corners to experience this collection of nationally acclaimed golf. From the forested coastal inlands to the weather-shaped dunes of the ocean-front links, Bandon Golf Resort offers four captivating courses that are worthy of any golfers bucket list. Continuously topping the charts of many accredited golf rankings, Bandon is more than just a premier golf destination; it’s like a trip abroad to Scotland or a history lesson of golf and how it was intended to be played. Hand-crafted by nature, and plotted by man, Bandon Golf Resort has captured the spirit of the old game to the Northwest golfers delight.
