By Oregon Golf Association
Nestled along the rugged coastline of southern Oregon, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort stands as a testament to the vision of its founder, Mike Keiser, and the timeless allure of links golf. As it celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024, Bandon Dunes has firmly established itself as one of the premier golf destinations in the world, blending stunning natural landscapes with meticulously designed courses that pay homage to the sport's Scottish roots. As the resort slogan goes… “Golf as it was meant to be.”
The Visionary Behind Bandon Dunes
The story of Bandon Dunes begins in the early 1990s when Mike Keiser, a successful Chicago businessman and passionate golfer, envisioned creating a golf course that embraced the traditional links style. Keiser sought to craft a pure golfing experience, one that focused on the natural elements and the true spirit of the game. This vision led him to the wild and windswept dunes of Bandon, Oregon—a location that, at first glance, seemed an unlikely spot for a world-class golf resort.
The Birth of a Golfing Haven
In 1999, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort opened its first course, simply named Bandon Dunes. Designed by Scotsman David McLay Kidd, the course was an immediate success, celebrated for its rugged beauty, strategic complexity, and commitment to the links tradition. The course's layout takes full advantage of the natural contours of the land, offering breathtaking ocean views and challenging golfers with its undulating fairways and unpredictable coastal winds.
The success of the initial course spurred further development. Pacific Dunes, designed by Tom Doak, followed in 2001 and quickly garnered acclaim for its dramatic seaside holes and creative design. Bandon Trails, crafted by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, opened in 2005, offering a unique experience that winds through coastal forests, dunes, and meadows. Old Macdonald, a tribute to golf course architect C.B. Macdonald and designed by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina, was added in 2010, followed by the Punchbowl, a 100,000-square-foot putting course designed by Doak and Jim Urbina, in 2014. Sheep Ranch, opened in 2020 and also designed by Coore and Crenshaw, is the fifth and most recent 18-hole course on the property, which boasts nine greens hovering over the Pacific Ocean.
Shorty’s, a 19-hole short course designed by the team of Rod Whitman, Dave Axland, and Keith Cutten—opened in early May 2024. The course honors Shorty Dow, the first caretaker and self appointed "governor, mayor, and sheriff" of Bandon Dunes. Just like Bandon Preserve, Shorty's will again be a 'course with a mission,' directly funding the Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation's grant-making efforts on the Southern Oregon Coast.
The Bandon Dunes Experience
Bandon Dunes is more than just a collection of golf courses; it is an immersive experience that celebrates the purity of the game. Golfers from around the globe are drawn to its minimalist ethos—walking-only courses, traditional links challenges, and the absence of the modern distractions often found at other luxury resorts. The resort's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship further enhances its appeal, ensuring that the natural beauty of the area remains preserved for future generations.
Milestones and Celebrations
As Bandon Dunes celebrates its 25th anniversary, it reflects on a quarter-century of achievements and milestones. The resort has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including several USGA events. Notably, it hosted the U.S. Amateur Championship in 2020, bringing the world's top amateur golfers to its storied courses. Additionally, the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championship in 2019 and the upcoming U.S. Junior Amateur in 2025 highlight Bandon Dunes' ongoing commitment to supporting and showcasing amateur golf.
Impact on Amateur Golf
Bandon Dunes' influence on amateur golf is profound. By providing a venue for major amateur competitions, the resort has played a pivotal role in the development of young golfers and the promotion of the sport at the grassroots level. Its emphasis on walking courses and traditional links play offers amateur golfers a unique and challenging environment, helping to hone their skills and deepen their appreciation for the game's heritage.
Looking to the Future
As it marks its 25th anniversary, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, passion, and respect for tradition come together. It is not just a destination for golfers; it is a pilgrimage for those who seek to experience the game in its most pure and beautiful form. Here’s to the next 25 years of unparalleled golfing adventures at Bandon Dunes.
