Golf's New Mecca

Considered the No 1 golf resort in the United States, with four courses ranked in the top 100, is Bandon Dunes really as good as the American golf media makes it out to be? Charles McLaughlin went to find out for himself.

The 6th at Bandon Dunes

Bandon Dunes *****

The first, and in my opinion, still the best course at Bandon, this was a revelation when it first opened in 1999, and it’s easy to see why. In some respects it represents the first true links course on American soil. Every hole has a distinct reason for being there and is truly memorable, although there are still particular standouts. The sublime sixth, a mid-length par-3, being an example on the front nine.

By the time you reach the closing stretch, you can’t believe it can get any better. But it does. Playing holes 15, 16 and 17, as the sun is setting, is simply one of the finest experiences in golf. The 16th, a short par-4 with the prevailing wind at your back, is an absolute gem. A ridge runs diagonally through the hole, giving you the option of laying up short of it from the tee or taking on the lengthy carry which, if successful, leaves little more than a flick to the clifftop-perched green. Classic.

Par: 72. Yardage: 6,732.
Designed by David McLay Kidd.

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Written by Charles McLaughlin

Photography by Courtesy of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

Click here to see the published article.

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