Bandon Preserve at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort on the Oregon coast: Short on yardage, long on views
BANDON, Ore. -- Opened in 2012, the 13-hole, par-3 Bandon Preserve is perfect preparation for the regulation courses at Bandon Dunes Resort, or simply a great option late in the day for anyone who wants a quick, but challenging round. Best of all, this Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore design provides great views of the Pacific from every hole.
The course begins high atop a sand dune and rolls down toward the beach before returning up the hill to the clubhouse shared by Bandon Trails. Holes range from 63 yards to around 150 yards from the back tees, but multiple teeing grounds change the course from day to day. It's also a good option for players to mix up the tees, which helps provides even more variety. Add to that some of the most undulating greens and most difficult bunkers at the resort, and Bandon Preserve is no pushover to be sure, especially if it's windy.
As a side note, all net proceeds from Bandon Trails are donated to the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance, an organization that supports conservation, community and economy on the southern Oregon Coast.