Bandon Dunes Golf Club was the first golf course built at the Bandon Dunes Resort in Bandon, Oregon. This course was the brain child of the owner Mike Keiser who wanted to bring an authentic Scottish type links design to the United States. David McLay Kidd was selected to build this layout - the first of three golf courses on the site.

Kidd had little experience but possessed the right qualities that appealed to Keiser and he was eventually given the project. As the project started, the land had to be cleared of the thick gorse that thrives in the area. This gorse is much more aggressive than the variety found in Scotland, so this was a major project. The plant often grows to over 20 feet in height and little else can live in the area.

Many of the holes at Bandon Dunes run along the Pacific Ocean. This provides for some very dramatic views and difficult course conditions. The wind is a major factor as well as the wet weather that is often found on the Oregon coast.

Bandon Dunes is one of the few golf courses left in American golf that doesn't allow golf carts. These are strictly walking, resort style golf courses, so players can either take a caddy, carry their bag or use a pull cart to play the golf course. This aspect further enhances the appeal of playing golf at Bandon Dunes.

The first hole to really capture the spirit of the golf course is the 5th hole. This hole travels along the Pacific Ocean and measures 428 yards from the back tee. This is also a great opportunity to get a good look at the wild gorse that surrounds the golf course. This golf hole will require your full attention, but golfers may find that to be quite difficult with the beautiful scenery that surrounds them.

The best line off the tee is toward the right-hand side of the fairway. This fairway is divided by two islands of thick vegetation in the center. You'll want to avoid these areas at all costs. Generally this hole plays directly into the wind, so hitting the ball solidly gives you a better chance at reaching this green in two shots.

The second shot will be played to a small green that almost feels like it is in a canyon. Tall mounds surround this green and getting up and down can be almost impossible. The great thing about many of the holes on Bandon Dunes is that you can roll the ball onto the greens. The 5th hole is no exception. Players will be able to roll the ball onto this green which might be the best option.

The ground at Bandon Dunes is hard and very favorable to running the ball onto the greens. Like most Scottish golf courses, Bandon Dunes allows golfers to play a wide variety of golf shots they may be unfamiliar with. Pot Bunkers, quick greens and wind are all major factors on this golf course.

Bandon Dunes is not a long golf course, measuring only slightly over 6,700 from the back tees. The weather conditions are the major factor when it comes to scoring on this golf course, as wind and rain are typical conditions that affect golf in Oregon.

The par-3 12th hole is typical of the short holes on this golf course. This hole measures 199 yards from the back tee, but the green is very shallow and firm. This hole backs up to the Pacific Ocean and takes a beating from the ocean winds which makes this green difficult to hold.

There is a bunker on the left side of the green that might require a 60-degree wedge to get the ball out of. Most of the bunkers at Bandon Dunes are very deep with steep faces. Playing the ball sideways is sometimes the only option out of these bunkers.

The best move you can make is to take a caddy on this golf course. The information they provide can make a big difference in your score and they are often quite funny and entertaining. Bandon Dunes Golf Club is a unique experience that can be enjoyed by any level of golfer. The fairways and greens are large and give the players several options to reach the green. Be careful of hiding pot bunkers.

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