Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Wood Sabold/Courtesy of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon Dunes
Bandon, OR • Public
Bandon Dunes
57744 Round Lake Rd
Bandon, OR 97411-6360
United States
Telephone
Overview
Chicago recycled-products mogul Mike Keiser took a gamble when he chose then-tenderfoot architect David McLay Kidd to design a destination daily fee on the remote southwestern coastline of Oregon. But the design Kidd produced, faithful to the links-golf tenets of his native Scotland, proved so popular that today Keiser has a multiple-course resort at Bandon Dunes that rivals Pinehurst and the Monterey Peninsula—or perhaps exceeds them, given that all five Bandon courses are ranked on our 200 Greatest, four in the top 100. None of that would have happened if McLay Kidd hadn’t produced a great first design that drew golfers into its orbit.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2001.
Highest ranking: 28th, 2005-'06, 2011-'12.
Previous ranking: 40th.
2025-'26 ranking: 44th.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since the inaugural edition in 2003.
Highest ranking: 5th, 2011-'12.
Previous ranking: 8th.
2025-'26 ranking: 9th.
Best in State: Ranked second, 2011 to present.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“An exceptional links golf experience with a wide variety of shot options and layout variety. Some of the most beautiful and difficult holes in the United State line the Pacific Ocean cliffs and the way that the course wraps around the shoreline is breathtaking."
Read More2025
Review
“An exceptional links golf experience with a wide variety of shot options and layout variety. Some of the most beautiful and difficult holes in the United State line the Pacific Ocean cliffs and the way that the course wraps around the shoreline is breathtaking."
Read More2025
Review
“Bandon Dunes delivers an unforgettable links experience capped by one of the most memorable closing stretch of holes in American golf. The 16th, a short par 4 perched on the cliffs, is the dramatic highlight, combining risk-reward strategy with postcard views of surf and sand. Throughout the round, the course and conditions gives golfers a plethora of shot options, encouraging creative use of the ground, low trajectories, and alternative lines into greens. As you walk in toward the clubhouse, the ocean vistas, crashing waves, and ever-changing coastal light make the finishing holes as visually inspiring as they are strategically engaging."
Read More2025
Review
“The golf course that is the name sake for the resort is probably its worst golf course. While certain holes like the 3rd and 16th holes shine, there are just too many holes, like the non-strategic 1st, 9th, 11th and 17th, that don't measure up to other holes at the resort. Play it once when you visit, but play Pacific Dunes or Bandon Trails for the repeat round!"
Read More2025
Review
“This course arguably started destination golf in the USA. Plays like a traditional links course - wide fairways, firm bouncy turf, great shot options, incredible views."
Read More2025
Review
“When I think of Bandon Dunes, I think of St. Andrews — it is truly America’s golf Mecca. The resort’s slogan, “Golf as it was meant to be,” lives up to its promise. While Bandon Dunes is not the equivalent of its own “Old Course” (a role I would reserve for Pacific Dunes), it remains one of America’s finest courses. The setting, the firm and fast fairways, and the authentic links experience make it uniquely special within American golf."
Read More2025
Review
“As much fun as it is beautiful. A course that keeps your attention from start to finish for all the right reasons. Must go at least once"
Read More2025
Review
“Not much to say that hasn't already been said. A seaside links course with beauty, variety and, when the wind is blowing, serious challenge. Without the wind, the course is of average difficulty. Over the past several years, the greens have given way to poa annua which is essentially a native grass in the pacific northwest. They are now faster and just as true as they ever were."
Read More2024
Review
“A real masterpiece by David McLay Kidd, the initial course at this iconic golf destination resort. A magnificent representation of the majesty of golf and golf in this part of the world. It is a course that is very fun to play but make no mistake, errant and ill played shots will cost you. The wild Oregon Pacific Coast is visible and even in play on many holes. The variety in the holes and greens complexes puts this golf course in an elite class. Put this on your bucket list…..you will be happy you did."
Read More2024
Review
“The course that launched an industry, Bandon Dunes stands up against each of its peers on the Oregon coast and, truly, against another other destination course anywhere. It's hard to imagine a 20-something architect creating such a thoughtful routing and with such hole variety. There are no weak holes here and the standouts are world class."
Read More2024
