Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 11th
0 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 11th
The par-3 11th is just one of many vantage points that features ocean views at Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 2nd
1 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 2nd
Early on, it's easy to find the large greenside bunkers Bandon Dunes Golf Resort's Pacific Dunes Course. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 4th
2 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 4th
The ocean comes into view early and often at Pacific Dunes, like here on the par-4 fourth hole. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 6th
3 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 6th
The first of many imaginative par 3s at Pacific Dunes: the sixth. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 8th
4 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 8th
The par-4 eighth on Pacific Dunes is the golf course's no. 5 handicap hole. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 10th
5 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 10th
The 10th is the first of back-to-back par 3s with ocean views on Bandon Dunes Golf Resort's Pacific Dunes Course. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 11th
6 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 11th
The stunning 11th at Pacific Dunes is the second of consecutive par 3s. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 12th
7 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 12th
The par-5 12th on the Pacific Dunes Course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has a few bunkers and more ocean views. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 13th
8 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 13th
The fairway is more generous than it may appear from the tee on the par-4 13th at Pacific Dunes. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 14th
9 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 14th
Missing the green on the short, downwind par-3 14th hole can leave one of the most difficult up-and-downs on Bandon Dunes Golf Resort's Pacific Dunes Course. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 15th
10 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 15th
Reaching the green in two is entirely possible on Pacific Dunes' short, par-5 15th. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 16th
11 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 16th
An iron or hybrid off the tee might be the best option for the short par-4 16th hole on Bandon Dunes Golf Resort's Pacific Dunes Course. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 17th
12 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - 17th
Deep bunkers protect the left front of the green on Pacific Dunes' par-3 17th hole. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - no. 18
13 of 14
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort- Pacific Dunes - no. 18
There's a lot going on Pacific Dunes' finishing hole, the par-4 18th. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
14 Images

Pacific Dunes on the Oregon coast: One picture-perfect moment after another

BANDON, Ore. -- Designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2001, Pacific Dunes is the top-rated course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and arguably the best public-access course in America.

What makes it unique is the variety of holes, natural layout and incredible views. And those views and picturesque holes never let up. Fairways ripple over 60-foot sand dunes, bunkers look they've been there for centuries and over every crest, it seems, is the ocean.

At just over 6,660 yards, this par 71 isn't particularly long, but it's very challenging, especially if the wind is up.

And it's a lot of fun.

Mike Bailey is a former Golf Advisor senior staff writer based in Houston. Focusing primarily on golf in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America with an occasional trip to Europe and beyond, he contributes course reviews, travel stories and features as well as the occasional equipment review. An award-winning writer and past president of Texas Golf Writers Association, he has more than 25 years in the golf industry. He has also been on staff at PGA Magazine, The Golfweek Group and AvidGolfer Magazine. Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeBaileyGA and Instagram at @MikeStefanBailey.
Now Reading
Pacific Dunes on the Oregon coast: One picture-perfect moment after another