Bandon Dunes Continues Upping Its Game As Top Golf Resort

Among the many outstanding sports and recreation attractions the state of Oregon has to offer, there’s one nestled on the remote southwest coastline that annually serves as an elite destination that attracts enthusiasts from parts near and far. Indeed, in a relatively short period of time, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has established a sterling reputation as one of the top golf destinations in the world.

If you’ve never witnessed Bandon Dunes in-person, pick up an annual “best of” issue of your favorite golf magazine and you’ll quickly learn all you need to know about how it stacks up. In Golfweek’s Best 2025 of top resort golf courses in the United States, the Oregon resort claims four of the top seven spots on the list and five of the top 13. Its Pacific Dunes course comes in at No. 2 on the list, Bandon Trails fifth, Old Macdonald sixth, Bandon Dunes seventh and Sheep Ranch 13th.  

It's no surprise, then, that Bandon Dunes draws golfers from across the United States and around the world. That interest has led to steady expansion over the years that has continued to add to the attraction of the scenic resort. 

Shorty Down. Photo Courtesy of Bandon Dunes.

The resort opened in 1999 with the introduction of its first course, Bandon Dunes, and has grown to include five 18-hole links courses (all prominently featured in Golfweek’s recent rankings), in addition to two beloved par-3 courses, Bandon Preserve and Shorty’s.

Shorty’s – named after Shorty Down, the first caretaker and self-appointed “governor, mayor and sheriff” of Bandon Dunes – is the newest addition to the resort’s offerings and opened to wide acclaim in 2024. Located between the opening holes of Bandon Trails and the Pacific Ocean to the west, the 19-hole short course’s routing winds golfers through rolling natural dunes and scenic shore pines to provide yet another challenge for visitors to experience during their extended stay.

Shorty’s. Photo Courtesy of Bandon Dunes.

Jeff Simonds, Bandon Dunes’ general manager who first joined the resort staff in 2004, says the new par-3 course has drawn a great deal of interest from visitors and serves as a unique entry point for golfers to get their bearings before moving on to the unique challenges that await from the other links courses at the resort. 

“Shorty’s really serves as a great warmup to links golf, giving plenty of opportunities to practice your shots and start feeling more comfortable making that call,” Simonds said. 

But Shorty’s and Bandon Preserve punch above their par-3 weight when it comes to the impact the two courses have, as they both serve as “courses with a mission.”  

The resort’s increasing attraction and steady expansion have led to escalating economic impact for the Southern Oregon Coast, generating millions for the area economy in many forms and providing jobs for more than 800 staffers as a leading employer in the region. As a big part of its mission to serve as a leading economic catalyst for the local community, Bandon Dunes directs all net proceeds from its two par-3 courses to fund the Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation in support of conservation, community and the economy on the Southern Oregon Coast. According to Simonds, the resort granted $2.4 million through the net proceeds generated by Shorty’s and Bandon Preserve in 2024, alone. 

Already a first-class resort, Bandon Dunes is always refining its attractions and experiences to continue to serve its new and repeat visitors. Simonds says that people come from pretty much everywhere to experience the resort, with Oregon and West Coast golfers, in particular, making up a hearty portion of its annual visitors. The resort recently revamped its Gallery restaurant in the main lodge, now featuring Italian cuisine that caters to popular guest requests. Additionally, he says the resort is looking at expanding its lodging to include more rooms for overnight stays on-property. 

Last year, the resort added to its already bountiful culinary offerings when it opened Ghost Tree Grill, an upscale, Pacific Northwest-inspired steakhouse and raw bar. Nestled amongst the towering trees near the 18th hole of the resort’s Old Macdonald course, the new restaurant provides sweeping views of the course from its decidedly unique location.   

Robert Cox Trophy (USGA’s longest-serving original championship trophy). Photo Courtesy of Bandon Dunes.

Aside from recreational golf, Bandon Dunes will host the 125th U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship this August, as one of several notable USGA amateur events to be held at the resort in the coming years. The invitational tournament is held annually and attracts the best women’s amateur golfers in the United States with plenty at stake, including qualifying exemption for the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open. 

Additionally, the resort is set to host the 2026 PGA Professional Championship, a four-day, 72-hole event that serves as the national championship for PGA of America professionals from across the country, with the showcase event being held since 1968. The 312-player field will consist of past champions, top-20 players and players qualifying through 41 PGA Section Championships. The event will be held April 26-29, 2026. 

Two years later, the state will welcome the best golfers from the United States, Great Britain and Ireland as Bandon Dunes will serve as the site for the 2028 Walker Cup, a biennial competition that has more than a century of history.

For those wanting to golf Bandon Dunes, it’s best to plan well in advance. As of this writing, the resort is now booking about 18 months out, currently for October through December of 2026. For additional details on the reservations process, it’s best to consult the resort’s reservations site.  

Fear not, though. When you consider the first-class golfing experience and all the amenities that await, it’s totally worth the wait.

To Learn More

For more information on Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, go to www.bandondunesgolf.com.