Bandon Dunes
The course that started it all — David McLay Kidd’s 1999 cliff-top links that turned a remote stretch of the Oregon coast into a global walking-golf pilgrimage.
Bandon Dunes in photos
Can I play Bandon Dunes?
Yes — Bandon is a public, pay-and-play resort, so anyone can book. Resort guests staying on property get priority on the tee sheet and the best rates; a limited number of non-guest tee times are released closer in. The original Bandon Dunes course (David McLay Kidd, 1999) is one of five 18-hole courses at the resort.
How to book: Book through the resort — the surest route is a stay-and-play lodging package, which locks in tee times months ahead (peak summer dates go 6–12 months out). Reserve online at bandondunesgolf.com or call the resort. Everything is walking-only; you can carry, take a push cart, or hire a caddie, and caddies should be requested when you book.
About Bandon Dunes
Bandon Dunes opened in 1999 as the first course at what is now a five-course resort, and it single-handedly relaunched American links golf. Draped over sand dunes and craggy headlands above the Pacific, David McLay Kidd’s design rewards the ground game, running approach and a steady nerve in the wind. It is public and pay-and-play, but everything here is walking-only, caddie-friendly and best enjoyed over several days. Firm turf, huge contoured greens and jaw-dropping ocean holes make it a bucket-list stop for travelling golfers.
Signature hole
The drivable par-4 16th, played along the cliff edge high above the Pacific — a Golf Digest ‘America’s Greatest Holes’ selection.
What makes it special
The course that revived links golf in America
Bandon Dunes proved a remote, walking-only links could thrive in the US, and spawned four more acclaimed courses at the resort.
Cliff-top drama
Several holes, including the drivable 16th, run right along the bluffs above the Pacific with nothing but ocean beyond.
Walking-and-caddie culture
No carts, no crowds of buggies — just firm turf, push carts and local caddies, exactly as links golf was meant to be played.
Tournament pedigree
- 2020 U.S. Amateur (match play staged on Bandon Dunes)
- 2006 Curtis Cup (hosted at the resort)
Need to know
Best time to play
June through September brings the driest, warmest weather and the fullest tee sheets; late spring and early autumn offer firmer turf, lower rates and fewer crowds. Come prepared for wind and sideways rain year-round.
Dress code
Relaxed but collared — a collared shirt is expected; denim, cargo shorts and metal spikes are discouraged. Pack genuine wet-weather gear and a windproof layer regardless of season.
Good to know
Strictly walking (carts only for guests with a qualifying disability), so build in rest between rounds. The links turf plays fast and firm, greens are large and contoured, and the wind is the course’s main defence. Caddies and forecaddies add hugely to the experience on an exposed, dune-strewn layout.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH), North Bend — about 25 miles / 30 minutes north. Eugene (EUG) is roughly 2.5 hours and Portland (PDX) about 4.5 hours by car.
On arrival
Most golfers fly into North Bend (OTH) and drive 30 minutes south on US-101, or make the scenic 4–4.5 hour drive down from Portland. The resort is genuinely remote on the southern Oregon coast, so plan a multi-night stay rather than a day trip.
Stay near the course
Stay on-property to earn tee-time priority — options run from The Lodge and the Inn at Bandon Dunes to the Lily Pond, Chrome Lake, Grove Cottages and larger group houses, all a short walk or shuttle from the first tees.
Search hotels near Bandon DunesPlan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Bandon — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Bandon.
Explore BandonFrequently asked questions
Can I play Bandon Dunes as a visitor?
Yes. It is a public resort open to all — anyone can book. The reliable way to secure prime tee times is a stay-and-play package, which gives resort guests priority over day visitors.
How much does it cost to play?
Green fees are seasonal: roughly US$375 for resort guests in peak summer, dropping toward US$135 in the off-season, with higher rates for non-guests. Add about US$125 per bag plus gratuity if you take a caddie. Confirm current rates on the official site.
Do I have to walk?
Yes — Bandon is strictly walking-only. You can carry, use a push cart or hire a caddie; motorised carts are reserved for guests with a qualifying disability.
When is the best time to go?
June to September has the most settled weather and busiest tee sheets. Late spring and early autumn trade some warmth for firmer turf, better value and quieter fairways — but wind and rain are possible any time.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Hero image: Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Guide updated 2026-07-27.