How to Play Bandon Dunes: Wind, Gorse and Ocean Bluffs

Bandon Dunes is the course that started it all. When it opened in 1999 on a remote stretch of the southern Oregon coast, few people believed golfers would travel that far to walk a links-style course with no carts, no houses and no frills. They were wrong. David McLay Kidd's design became the foundation of one of the world's great golf destinations, and it remains a favorite for many returning visitors.

What makes Bandon Dunes special is its blend of drama and playability. Fairways are generous, the turf is firm, and the wind turns every round into a puzzle. The ocean holes along the bluffs are unforgettable, and the inland holes through gorse and dunes are just as fun. If you love the feel of Scottish golf, enjoy creative shots along the ground and don't mind a breeze, this is your kind of place. It's also probably the most approachable of the resort's original courses for the everyday golfer.

Before you go

• Stay on property. Resort guests get the best access to tee times, and staying on site makes it easy to play multiple courses over several days.
• It's walking only. Carts aren't permitted except for medical needs. Hire a caddie, carry your bag, or use a push cart. A caddie adds a lot here, especially with reading the greens and picking lines in the wind.
• Know the wind seasons. In summer the prevailing wind tends to come from the north, while winter brings southerly winds. The same hole can play completely differently depending on when you visit.
• Choose tees for the conditions. On a windy day, move up a set. The course is more fun when you can reach the par 4s with reasonable clubs into the breeze.
• Pack for the Oregon coast. Even in summer, mornings can be cool and foggy. Waterproofs, a warm layer and a hat are essentials.

Hole-by-hole strategy

Holes 1–3: Find your feet

The opening holes ease you into the round with wide fairways and an introduction to the firm, bouncy turf. The main lesson here is to plan for roll. A shot that lands on the front of the green may run to the back, so land the ball short and let it release. The 3rd is a par 5 that climbs to one of the high points on the property, where you can take in a wide view of the course and the Pacific. Enjoy it, then take note of the wind direction; it will guide your club selection for the next several holes.

Holes 4–5: The first ocean holes

The 4th is a par 4 that bends right toward the ocean and finishes on a green perched on the bluffs, with the Pacific seemingly falling away behind it. It's one of the westernmost spots in the continental U.S. and the moment most visitors fall in love with Bandon. Play the tee shot to the left-center, which gives you a clearer view of the green. On the approach, the "infinity" look of the green makes it hard to judge depth, so trust your yardage and aim for the middle.

The 5th runs along the water through the dunes, with a fairway that rewards a well-placed drive. Watch out for the rugged native areas; they're not always as penal as they look, but wild drives can still find awkward lies. Keep the ball low and in play, and use the slopes to bring the ball onto the green.

Holes 6–13: Gorse, dunes and patience

The middle of the round moves inland through gorse, sandy waste and rolling dunes. Gorse is the one hazard you must respect: a ball that goes into it is almost always lost. Through these holes, think position over power. Pick targets that keep the ball out of the gorse even if it means a longer approach. On the par 3s, the wind is the biggest variable; trust the club your caddie suggests, even if it feels like too much or too little.

Holes 14–17: The match-play finish

Kidd designed the closing stretch with risk and reward in mind, so it's perfect for a friendly match. Each hole offers a bold line and a safer one. As a mid-handicapper, choose the conservative route unless you're behind in your match and need to make something happen.

The 16th is the signature hole, a par 4 on the edge of the cliffs high above the Pacific. A ridge cuts diagonally across the fairway, giving you two options off the tee. The brave play tries to carry the ridge to a narrow landing area for a short approach; the safe play stays short and to the side of the ridge, leaving a longer second shot. Kidd himself stresses that precision matters more than length here. Pick the line you can execute, then play to the safest part of the green, avoiding the cliff side.

Hole 18: The walk home

The closing hole brings you back toward the lodge, a pleasant finish after the drama of the bluffs. Choose a tee club that keeps the ball in play, then use the ground to feed your approach onto the green. Then head inside and plan your next round, because one is never enough at Bandon.

Scoring tips for mid-handicappers

• Play the ground game. The firm fescue turf rewards bump-and-run shots. Land the ball short and let it run onto the greens.
• Keep the ball low in the wind. Take an extra club, choke down an inch and make a smooth swing. A low, controlled shot is far more reliable than a high one.
• Avoid the gorse at all costs. Plan every tee shot to keep gorse out of play, even if it means hitting less than driver.
• Putt from off the green. Firm, tight lies around the greens make putting the safest option from many spots.
• Listen to your caddie. They know how the wind and the slopes affect every shot. Their advice is worth strokes.
• Enjoy the experience. Bandon Dunes is about the walk, the views and the camaraderie. A good attitude will lead to good golf.

Bandon Dunes captures everything that makes links golf special: firm turf, wind, ocean views and a walk with friends. Keep it low, stay out of the gorse and soak in the scenery, and you'll understand why so many golfers keep coming back.