Tom Doak has always been an architect who breaks the mold and his Pacific Dunes Golf Club at Bandon Dunes has once again shattered the standard. This was the second layout designed at Bandon Dunes and the golf course opened up in 2001. The harsh landscape made the perfect setting for a links-style golf course on the Oregon coast.

In the modern era length is an important factor, but Pacific Dunes is very short. This lack of length begs the question: "What makes this golf course so special?" First, this is the only golf course ranked among the "Top 10 Golf Courses in America" by Golf Magazine that has four par-3's on the back nine. Secondly, the natural, rugged terrain of Oregon allows golfers to experience golf not often found in the United States. As with all the golf course at Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes only allows walking. Only in special circumstances will the golf course allow golf carts and then they must be driven by one of the many caddies on staff. Golfers who have never played golf in the British Isles will find this to be a completely different experience than anything else in the United States.

The jagged look of the golf course is intentional in the design. This rugged look further enhances the feel and authenticity of the golf course. Pacific Dunes has superb course conditions, but they may depart from what many golfers have come to accept as standard. As Americans we expect our golf courses to be green and the bunkers to be well-manicured. This golf course is seeded with a seaside fescue that doesn't turn a deep green. Rather, yellows and browns are typical colors you can expect to find on this golf course. But don't let that turn you off to some incredible Oregon golf.

The 11th hole is one of the most scenic of any on the golf course. Although not a long hole at only 142 yards from the back tee, this golf hole will certainly test your abilities. This is a par-3 that is nestled right up along the Pacific coast. There are several bunkers located in front of and behind this green.

The green on this hole is relatively small and slopes from right to left. Any shot hit left flirts with the water of the Pacific Ocean, which is, I suppose, not a bad place to be - if you are a fish. There is no retrieving your ball from this chilly ocean. The best play on this hole is toward the right side of the green using the contour of the green to bring the ball back toward the middle.

Pacific Dunes allows the golfer to play shots they might not normally play at their home golf course. The hard, sand-based ground allows the ball to roll, and this track has been designed to allow the golfer to run the ball onto most of the greens. This is surprising considering how much rain falls in Oregon each year.

The 13th hole is a long par-4 that measures 444 yards from the back tees. This hole is framed by the Pacific Ocean on the left and sand dunes on the right. The best play from the tee is down the right side, letting the slope take the ball toward the ocean. This hole usually plays into the wind so be sure to hit a solid shot with a driver. Remember: When it's breezy, swing easy.

The second shot is to a deep green that is slightly elevated. If you have a caddy, now would be a good time to consult him. A shot on the front of the green with a back pin could mean a big number on the scorecard.

According to Steven Borror, Head Professional at Bandon Dunes Golf Club, the best time to visit the golf course is in September or October. " The summer months are the best times to avoid the rain, but typically this is also the time when we get the most wind." For this reason it is good that Pacific Dunes Golf Course is not very long. Playing in the wind can dramatically increase the distance of the golf course, you might as well be playing a golf course that is 7,200 yards on a windy day.

Summer Golf and More in Oregon
When the salmon run heavy, most times all you need is a net to pick them out of the water. The steelhead salmon is one of the most popular fish anglers take when visiting Oregon. As the summer is approaching, now is the time to start planning that

Free Golf at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Oregon
How would you like to play a free round of golf at Ghost Creek at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club? That is exactly what you can do if you purchase the Ghost Pass for the 2008 golf season. This is a great deal that includes one complimentary round of golf,

Bandon Trails- Diversity at its Best
Bandon Dunes Resort is one of the most popular golf destinations in the country. People come from all over the world to play these three championship Oregon golf courses. Bandon Trails Golf Course is the most recent addition to this golfing mecca