Pacific Dunes
Bandon, OR • Public
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
](http://golfdigest.sports.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/2015/07/21/55ad8e76add713143b42e65b_courses-2013-02-cosl19_pacific_dunes_618.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.914.suffix/1573448799923.jpeg)
Stephen Szurlej
Overview
This was the second course constructed at Bandon Dunes Resort and the highest ranked among the resort’s five 18s. To best utilize ocean frontage, Tom Doak came up an unorthodox routing that includes four par 3s on the back nine. Holes seem to emerge from the landscape rather than being superimposed onto it with rolling greens and rumpled fairways framed by rugged sand dunes and marvelously grotesque bunkers. The secret is Doak moved a lot of earth in some places to make it look like he moved very little, but the result is a course with sensual movements, like a tango that steps toward the coast and back again, dipping in and out of different playing arenas from the secluded sand blowouts to the exposed bluffs and all variations in between.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2003.
2023-'24 ranking: 21st.
Previous ranking: 18th.
Highest ranking: 14th, 2007-'10.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since the inaugural edition in 2003.
2023-'24 ranking: 2nd.
Highest ranking: 2nd, 2007-'12, 2015 to current.
Best in State (including 2023-24 ranking): Ranked first since 2003.
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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
“The highlight architecturally of the Bandon experience. The 2nd course and in my opinion, like many others the best overall experience at Bandon. A unique collection of holes where you can score (1, 2, 3, 12, 15, 16) and holes you simply try to survive (4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 13, 17, 18) Simply something for everyone. Views, multiple ways to play each hole, the heavy Pacific air playing havoc with your ball on the coastal holes."
Read More2024
Review
“A lot has been said already about Pacific Dunes, but this stellar golf course really exceeded my expectations and was comfortably my favorite course at the excellent Bandon Dunes resort. Pacific Dunes really has it all - breathtaking views throughout (but especially holes 10, 11, 13), firm, fast conditioning, and a wonderful and unique routing with plenty of variety and strategic options. In terms of challenge, I would say this is probably either the toughest or 2nd toughest course at the Resort along with Bandon Trails, as these greens and approaches require precision. Pacific Dunes is truly an elite course with no real weak holes except for the 1st, which eases you into the round if they play the Back tees up. One of the best courses in America, public or private."
Read More2024
Review
“A lot has been said already about Pacific Dunes, but this stellar golf course really exceeded my expectations and was comfortably my favorite course at the excellent Bandon Dunes resort. Pacific Dunes really has it all - breathtaking views throughout (but especially holes 10, 11, 13), firm, fast conditioning, and a wonderful and unique routing with plenty of variety and strategic options. In terms of challenge, I would say this is probably either the toughest or 2nd toughest course at the Resort along with Bandon Trails, as these greens and approaches require precision. Pacific Dunes is truly an elite course with no real weak holes except for the 1st, which eases you into the round if they play the Back tees up. One of the best courses in America, public or private."
Read More2024
Review
“Pacific Dunes introduced public golfers both to the world of Tom Doak and golf has never been the same. A genius routing produces a sequence that turns the player towards, along, and away from coastside cliffs throughout the round. Par fours are outstanding and offer tremendous variety. The course is perfectly fit for changing weather conditions."
Read More2024
Review
“A stunning oceanside course that definitely makes you feel like you are in Ireland. Bandon Dunes resort is a golfers paradise."
Read More2024
Review
“Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is located on the western coast of Oregon, 2.5 hours south of Eugene, Oregon and 45 min south of North Bend. There are currently 5 championship courses and two short courses (The Preserve-a 13 hole par 3 course ) and Shorties (a 19 hole par 3 course). Pacific Dunes opened in 2001 and was designed by Tom Doak. It’s a masterpiece that looks like it was carved out by nature. It features tall dunes and great views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s challenging, especially when the wind is blowing hard."
Read More2024
Review
“Incredible setting and even better golf course. A tremendous number of interesting shots to hit."
Read More2023
Review
“The resort is a well-appointed golfer's paradise, with 6 fun courses, but this one takes the cake. Feel like you're playing multiple courses in one round as the course starts inland and makes it's way to the coast, and then back inland. While this course is hard, the weather presents the greatest challenge here, as with a less windy day, this course can yield a lot of birdies. It's a fun walk with great views and does not get boring as you play it more and more."
Read More2023
Review
“Pacific Dunes is an excellent course with amazing views and a great history. Absolutely a must play if you are staying at the resort. For my money, however, it’s the least enjoyable round on property (not saying much as they all are incredible courses) — but it’s got a ton of highlights. It’s just a touch tighter than Old Mac and Trails, and doesn’t have the same views as Bandon and Sheeps. That said the Punch Bowl is a ton of fun (putting course) and the food at the restaurant is worth getting (highly recommend the chowder as a starter and the desserts!)."
Read More2023
Review
“Course layout and holes in isolation are interesting fun and extremely challenging, although the questions asked do not seem to fit well in the setting when considereing the severe prevailing wind. The wind makes the level of precision needed on many of the holes extremely demanding. The course begins and end on relatively boring notes with two short par 4 openers that play extremely similiar to one another - just filler holes to getyou out closer to the ocean. The closing hole is a par 5 that collects tee shots into the same area and leaves a blind approach over a severe bunker to a green that runs severely away from landing area. Holes in the middle portion of the course are extremely demanding, especially with 4 consecutive hole that play directly into the wind and many shots that can't be missed on either side - requires a very straight, low ball from long irons - even from green tees. The holes don't seem very fun because of the extreme precision required and the penal nature of misses. An example of this is the 13th hole which plays as a long, uphill par 4 dead into the wind. Although the fairway landing area is generous, the approach plays uphill to an elevated green sandwiched between steep bunkers on right and the cliffs that meet the left edge of the green. To have to hit a long iron to a target area of about 20 yards with wind that can move the ball some 40 yards left to right in the air is extremely difficult to say the least - especially with this hole closing off a demanding stretch of 4 consecutive holes. The course features some spectacular scenery and some extremely unique and fun holes, such as the 9th with two greens that make the hole play extremely different day to day. Many of the holes though don't seem to fit the setting and would be better if on a less exposed, windy course."
Read More2023
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