Sunset Bay Golf Course

Eighteen miles north of Bandon Dunes resides Sunset Bay in Coos Bay, Ore., a 12-hole course tucked away in a state park. In character and complexion, Sunset is the epitome of a hidden gem. There are no tee times: first-come, first-served. Intrigued, we were off. Pulling into the lot, it becomes apparent Sunset Bay's name is a bit of a contradiction. Its driveway resides less than 800 feet from the Pacific Ocean, but the course sits in a valley, with vistas more akin to Napa County than coastline. Due to the valley’s towering pines, a permanent shadow is cast over the property, the sun visible only at high noon. Just short of 4,000 yards from the tips, each hole is both challenging to the most skilled player yet playable for the novice. Be it tight pine corridors, landing zones the dimensions of a laptop, multiple drivable holes, or green contours that would give professionals fits, Sunset Bay combines a creativity and joy that harkens back to a simpler time.