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 and was a collaborative design between Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. Unlike the other golf courses at Bandon Dunes, Bandon Trails features trees and dramatic elevation changes.

Bandon Trails takes the golfer through three distinct ecosystems: the dunes, the meadows and the mountains. The 14th hole is currently the highest point on the property and has some of the most stunning views on the golf course. All of these features makes this golf course a nice addition to the links-style of the other two golf courses.

Don't expect to find a long golf course on the card - the weather and wind conditions are what make this golf course challenging. Many people have compared this golf course to Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey. Although there are more trees around Bandon Trails, there are still many opportunities to play running shots onto the greens.

Bandon Trails starts off in the dunes and makes it way inland toward the mountains, the par-5 3rd hole is a great example of the rolling fairways players can expect to find. This hole measures 549 yards from the back tee, and the player must carry a waste area before reaching the fairway. The farther left you aim the ball, the shorter the carry distance.

The best line off the tee is toward the bunker in the middle of the fairway, but only the longest of hitters will be able to reach this bunker. Depending on the wind direction, hitting this fairway can be a challenge. Check the wind on the second shot to determine the correct layup distance. The back of this green falls off dramatically and can make for a difficult recovery shot.

The greens at Bandon Trails tend to be quite large and undulating. This is not a surprise considering that Ben Crenshaw is considered one of the greatest putters of all time. There is a pattern with great players of the modern era who turn to golf course design. They often tend to build golf courses that emulate their own game. Ben Crenshaw is no exception and has placed a great emphasis on the short game at Bandon Trails Golf Course.

According to Steve Borror, Head Golf Professional at Bandon Dunes, "Every hole is a signature hole, but one of the most popular on the Bandon Trails course is the 17th hole." This par-3 plays only 180 yards but the green complex is very tight and usually the wind is blowing across this hole.

This hole is heavily bunkered with traps on the right and left of the green. The bunker on the right is quite nasty and par will be a difficult score if you hit the ball here. The best place to miss the ball on this green is long and right, as this collection area will leave the player with a relatively easy pitch to this medium sized green.

Bandon Trails, like her sister courses, is a walking-only facility. Players can carry their bags, use a pull cart or employ the use of a caddy. During the high season the Bandon Dunes Resort employs over 300 caddies to meet the needs of their guests.

Bandon Trails Golf Course is a great golf course for any skill level of golfer. The golf course is in great condition and the added amenities make this a must-play for any golf enthusiast. The summer months are the best time to visit this area of the country.

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