Bandon Dunes Golf Resort stands as America's premier links golf destination, perched on dramatic cliffs along Oregon's wild southern coastline. The resort now features seven distinct courses - five championship layouts and two acclaimed par-3 designs - all walking-only and caddie-friendly in the Scottish tradition. Whether you're planning a long-overdue mancation with your golf buddies or finally checking off that bucket-list trip, Bandon delivers an experience that keeps golfers rebooking 18 months out.
What Do You Call Your "Guys Trips"?
- Seven courses mean you can play a different layout every round without repeating
- Walking-only policy creates an authentic experience that bonds your group
- Four-bedroom cottages are designed specifically for golf foursomes
- Remote location means zero distractions from work or daily life
- Caddie culture adds expertise and local knowledge to every round
The Seven Courses at Bandon Dunes
The resort's collection spans 25 years of thoughtful development, with each course designed by acclaimed architects who let the natural landscape dictate the routing. Understanding what each course offers helps you plan the right mix for your group's Oregon guys trips itinerary.
Championship Courses
Bandon Dunes opened in 1999 as the original course, designed by Scotsman David McLay Kidd. The layout runs along coastal bluffs with Pacific views on nearly every hole. This course typically produces the lowest scores among resort guests thanks to forgiving landing areas and moderately undulating greens.
Pacific Dunes followed in 2001, designed by Tom Doak and his Renaissance Golf Design team. Often ranked as the top public course in America behind only Pebble Beach, Pacific Dunes features rippling fairways and natural bunkers that feel discovered rather than constructed. The par-3 13th hole along the cliffs remains one of golf's most photographed.
Bandon Trails opened in 2005 from designers Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Unlike its siblings, this course winds inland through dunes, meadows, and forest rather than hugging the coastline. The variety of terrain creates a completely different experience - think quiet forest walks between dramatic dune reveals.
Old Macdonald arrived in 2010, designed by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina as a tribute to legendary architect Charles Blair Macdonald. Vast greens, fierce bunkers, and multiple angles of attack reward creative shotmaking. The scale feels massive compared to the other courses.
Sheep Ranch is the newest championship layout, opening in June 2020. Co-founded by resort owner Mike Keiser and Phil Friedmann, this Tom Doak design features nine greens perched right along the continent's edge with a full mile of ocean frontage. The raw, minimalist design feels like golf at the end of the world.
Par-3 Courses
Bandon Preserve opened in 2012 as a 13-hole par-3 course designed by Coore and Crenshaw. Currently ranked the #1 Best Public Short Course in America by Golfweek, the Preserve offers spectacular ocean views and greens that could seamlessly fit on any championship course.
Shorty's opened on May 2, 2024 - exactly 25 years after the resort first welcomed guests. This 19-hole par-3 layout from Rod Whitman, Dave Axland, and Keith Cutten winds through dramatic sand dunes southwest of Bandon Trails. Holes range from 39 to 152 yards across three sets of tees. The course is named after Shorty Dow, the property's original caretaker who first showed Mike Keiser the land that would become his dream.
All net proceeds from both Bandon Preserve and Shorty's support the Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation, funding conservation and economic development on the Southern Oregon Coast.
Practice Facilities and Putting
The Punchbowl is a 100,000-square-foot putting course designed by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina. This complimentary amenity for resort guests features 18 holes that take about an hour to play - no tee times needed, just drop your ball in the queue.
Charlotte's is a 9-hole par-3 layout at the practice center, renamed in honor of Shorty Dow's wife who was famous for her hospitality during the resort's early years. Free for guests, it's a great warm-up or a place to bring buddies with different skill levels.
Green Fees and What to Expect
Green fees at Bandon Dunes vary by season and guest status. Resort guests and Oregon residents pay $120 to $370 per round on the five championship courses. Day guests without lodging reservations pay $170 to $420. Both par-3 courses (Bandon Preserve and Shorty's) cost $100, with proceeds benefiting charity.
The resort operates as walking-only - no carts except for documented medical necessity. This isn't a limitation; it's central to the experience. Walking the links with your group, caddie bags in tow, creates the rhythm and camaraderie that defines Scottish-style golf. Caddie services are available and highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors who benefit from local knowledge of the winds and green complexes.
Lodging Built for Golf Groups
The accommodations at Bandon Dunes were designed with golf foursomes in mind. The four-bedroom Grove Cottages feature separate sleeping quarters with shared common areas - perfect for a weekend with the guys where you can decompress after rounds without stepping on each other.
Additional options include single rooms at The Lodge and Inn, Lily Pond Rooms with fireplaces and forest views, and various configurations in between. The resort's shuttle service connects all lodging to courses, restaurants, and facilities throughout the property.
One practical note from recent guests: some accommodations lean toward functional rather than luxurious. The focus here is on golf, not resort opulence. If your group needs high-end finishes, ask specifically about room conditions when booking.
Dining After Your Round
Ten on-site dining options cover everything from quick bites to full steakhouse service.
Ghost Tree Grill is a Pacific Northwest steakhouse and raw bar named after the fabled tree on Old Macdonald's third hole. This is where you celebrate a great round with a proper steak and scotch.
The Gallery & Puffin Bar serves Italian classics at the main lodge with panoramic views of the original Bandon Dunes course - ideal for watching groups finish their rounds while you start your evening.
McKee's Pub delivers traditional pub fare in a Scottish-style setting with local microbrews. This becomes the natural gathering spot when your buddies are scattered across different tee times.
Pacific Grill offers seafood-focused menus above the Pacific Dunes pro shop. Trails End features seasonal Pacific Rim cuisine near Bandon Trails. Shorty's Clubhouse serves Mexican street fare at the new par-3 course - tacos and golf might be the perfect combination.
Additional options include The Bunker Bar for late-night drinks, The Library Lounge for cocktails and South Coast cuisine, Charlotte's for BBQ at the practice facility, and Sheep Ranch Clubhouse for quick-serve options at the resort's northernmost course.
Planning Your Trip: Booking and Logistics
Bandon Dunes books 18 months or more in advance during prime season. If you're planning an Oregon guys trip for summer or early fall, start the booking process now for next year. The resort accepts reservations through June 2027 via their trip planner form.
Getting There: The resort sits just outside Bandon, Oregon on the southern coast. Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) in North Bend is a 25-30 minute drive with regular flights from Denver and San Francisco. Eugene Airport (EUG) is about 2.5 hours north with connections from major West Coast cities. Many groups fly into Portland and make the scenic 4.5-hour drive south - not a bad option if you're splitting the driving among buddies.
Best Time to Visit: May through October offers the most reliable weather, though Oregon's coast can surprise you any time of year. Wind is constant and part of the challenge - the courses were designed for it. Shoulder seasons (April, November) sometimes offer better availability and lower rates if you're flexible.
Pro Tip for First-Timers: Consider starting your trip with a par-3 day. Play Bandon Preserve in the morning and Shorty's in the afternoon - that's 32 holes to dial in your short game and wedge distances before tackling the championship courses. Finish at The Punchbowl for putting contests before dinner. You'll arrive at Bandon Dunes or Pacific Dunes the next morning with your short game sharp and your group already in a competitive groove.
Beyond the Courses
While golf dominates the itinerary, the surrounding area offers options for rest days or non-golfing companions.
Whiskey Run Beach sits near Sheep Ranch and provides a rugged coastal walk. The Whiskey Run hiking trails offer more structured options for staying active between rounds. Elliot State Research Forest is less than an hour north via Coos Bay for those wanting to explore Oregon's old-growth timber country.
Within Bandon itself, you'll find cranberry bogs (Oregon produces 95% of the nation's cranberry crop), a charming old town, and the kind of small-town coastal atmosphere that reminds you why remote destinations have their appeal.
Water sports enthusiasts can find wind and kite surfing equipment rentals in Coos Bay, about 25 minutes north. Deep-sea fishing charters for salmon and steelhead depart from local harbors. But honestly, most groups fill every available hour with golf - the courses are that good.
Championship Pedigree
The USGA has hosted nine amateur championships at Bandon Dunes, most recently the 2025 U.S. Women's Amateur. The organization has scheduled 13 more national championships at the resort through 2045, cementing Bandon's status as a permanent fixture in American competitive golf.
The annual Bandon Dunes Championship brings elite Division I college teams each March. Past participants include future PGA Tour stars Wyndham Clark, Bryson DeChambeau, and Xander Schauffele. Watching these events - or timing your trip around them - adds another dimension to the experience.
Your Bucket-List Golf Destination Awaits
Bandon Dunes delivers what serious golfers seek: world-class layouts, walking-only tradition, and an atmosphere built around the game rather than resort amenities. The seven-course collection means your group can return multiple times without repeating the same itinerary - and according to the resort, most visitors can't wait to book their next trip before leaving. One detail worth noting: the resort's caddie program supports the Evans Scholarship, helping academically-achieving caddies attend college. Requesting an Evans Scholar caddie adds meaning to your round while supporting the next generation of the game.
