Pacific Dunes
Tom Doak's minimalist links along the Oregon dunes — a walking-only, clifftop masterpiece at Bandon Dunes that ranks among the finest modern courses anyone can play.
Pacific Dunes in photos
Can I play Pacific Dunes?
Yes — Pacific Dunes is one of the courses at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and is open to anyone; there is no membership. Resort guests get the priority tee times and the best rates, so the vast majority of visitors book a stay-and-play, but non-guest day play is possible when space allows. Every round is walking-only, as the entire resort bans carts.
How to book: Book through Bandon Dunes Golf Resort as part of a lodging package; resort guests reserve tee times when they book their stay, and multi-round packages are the norm. Limited day-guest times can be requested by phone but are far harder to get, especially in the May–September peak. Caddies and push carts can be arranged in advance.
About Pacific Dunes
Opened in 2001, Pacific Dunes was Tom Doak's breakthrough — a raw, minimalist links routed through natural dunes and gorse directly above the Pacific, with the ocean in play on the storied 4th and the clifftop 10th through 13th. It broke convention with back-to-back par 3s, back-to-back par 5s and an unusual routing that bends to the land rather than fighting it, and is routinely rated among the very best courses built anywhere in the modern era. As part of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort it is pure, walking-only, caddie-culture golf that any visitor can play by booking a stay. Firm turf, sea wind and huge greens make it endlessly replayable and utterly different every day.
Signature hole
The clifftop stretch from the 10th to the 13th is the heart of the round, including rare back-to-back par 3s at the 10th and 11th perched above the Pacific — exhilarating in calm air and brutal in the wind.
What makes it special
Doak's minimalist links
A course laid lightly on the natural dunes, widely rated among the greatest of the modern era.
Clifftop par 3s
Rare back-to-back par 3s at the 10th and 11th, perched directly above the crashing Pacific.
Walking-only golf
No carts anywhere — just caddies, push carts and the wind, the way links golf is meant to be played.
Tournament pedigree
- 2006 Curtis Cup
Need to know
Best time to play
Late spring through early autumn (May–October) brings the driest, calmest weather and is peak season; winter is wet, windy and much cheaper, but the firm links plays year-round for those who embrace the elements.
Dress code
Relaxed but golf-appropriate — collared shirts are the norm, and no metal spikes; weatherproofs and warm layers are essential given the exposed coastal setting.
Good to know
Walking only — no carts anywhere on the resort — so a caddie or a push cart is recommended, and fitness helps over the dunes. Wind is the defining hazard; keep the ball low, expect a four-to-four-and-a-half-hour walk and savour the ocean holes.
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, North Bend (OTH) ~35 min; Eugene (EUG) ~2h30; Portland (PDX) ~4h30.
On arrival
Bandon Dunes sits on a remote stretch of the southern Oregon coast, about 35 minutes south of the small North Bend/Coos Bay airport and a four-to-five-hour drive from Portland or Eugene. Most visitors fly into North Bend and rent a car, or drive the coast; the resort also arranges transfers.
Stay near the course
Stay on site at the resort, which is the point of a Bandon trip — options run from lodge rooms to the Chrome Lake rooms and multi-bedroom cottages, all a short walk or shuttle from the first tees. There is little else nearby, so on-resort lodging and dining are how the experience is designed.
Search hotels near Pacific 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 the public play Pacific Dunes?
Yes. It is a resort course at Bandon Dunes open to anyone — resort guests get priority and best rates, so most visitors book a stay-and-play, but limited day play is possible.
How much does it cost to play Pacific Dunes?
Green fees range widely by season and guest status, roughly USD 130 in winter for resort guests up to about 425 at peak for day guests. Prices are approximate and seasonal.
Do I have to walk?
Yes — Bandon Dunes is entirely walking-only, with no carts unless medically required, so plan on a caddie or push cart and come prepared to walk the dunes.
When is the best time to play?
May to October offers the driest, calmest conditions and is peak season; winter is wet and windy but cheaper for those happy to play in the elements.
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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.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.