Bandon Dunes: A Golfer’s Paradise debates Its Best Holes
Oregon Coast – Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, a renowned destination boasting five 18-hole courses, two short courses, and a putting course, is experiencing a surge in popularity, with reservations booking up months in advance. This golfing mecca on teh southern Oregon coast offers an immersive experience,encouraging players to embrace the tradition of all-day play,from sunrise to sunset.
Once on-site, golfers are treated to an abundance of challenging and scenic holes. The resort’s courses are consistently ranked among the best in the game, with GOLF magazine placing Pacific Dunes at the top, followed by Bandon Dunes, Bandon Trails, old MacDonald, and Sheep Ranch. However, the true passion at Bandon Dunes often lies in debating the merits of individual holes.
This spirited discussion was recently highlighted on the Destination Golf podcast, where hosts delved into their personal favorite holes at the resort. One host expressed a strong preference for short par-4s, citing the 6th at Pacific Dunes, with its strategically placed green and challenging bunkers, and the iconic 16th at Bandon Dunes, a visually stunning seaside hole. The par-5 3rd at Bandon Trails, described as a journey through a landscape from dunes to an “enchanted forest,” also made the list.
The other host championed holes from The Preserve, Bandon’s par-3 course, notably the 9th. This 130-yard hole offers a picturesque backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, with a dune casting a shadow on its left side.
Listeners are invited to share their own favorite holes and engage in the ongoing debate. Interestingly, Bandon’s longtime director of instruction, Grant Rogers, offers a simple yet profound perspective when asked about his favorite hole: “Whatever hole I’m on.”
