Pacific Dunes Recognized by Pacific Northwest Golfer Magazine
Par-4 fourth selected as one of the ‘Great Holes of the Northwest’
In the June 2023 issue of Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine, the par-4 fourth hole on the Pacific Dunes course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Ore. is recognized as one of the “Great Holes of the Northwest,” one of just four holes selected each year by the Northwest’s largest and longest-running golf publication.
This hole, which hugs the edge of the bluff that hangs out over the Pacific Ocean, can be played anywhere from 463 yards to 369 yards. The direction of the wind will make all the difference on how to play it. The fairway slopes from left to right, toward the cliff, and there is nothing there to stop the golf ball. There is a lot of room left, but the large fairway bunkers on the left side will determine what club to hit off the tee. If the wind is out of the north, club down off the tee, because the ball will fly, and it will roll. Or, if it is really at your back, tee it up and swing away with the driver, to carry the fairway bunkers.
Although playing it safe down the left side, eventually the cliff to the right of the green will need to be contended with. Among the waste areas and tall fescue grasses are small pockets of safe landing areas to the left of the green for the second shot, and the mounds will kick the ball toward the putting surface.
Designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2001, Pacific Dunes was the second course to open at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Pacific Dunes was the site of the inaugural U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball in 2015. Playing to a par of 71, the front nine features just one par-3 and one par-5, while the back nine has four par-3s and three par-5s. Pacific Dunes is currently ranked the No. 8 course in the world.
With a direct-mailed circulation of 123,000 households, Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine has been the voice of golf in the Northwest for over 25 years. It is the only Northwest golf publication with a verifiable demographic of its readership. Pacific Northwest Golfer is all about golf, and dedicated to golfers, and is the model by which other regional golf publications have used. It is the official magazine of the British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Pacific Northwest golf associations, as well as the Pacific Northwest Section PGA. Published by the Pacific Northwest Golf Association, a 501c3 charitable international amateur golf association, Pacific Northwest Golfer is a member benefit delivered to member clubs in British Columbia and to those who utilize the USGA GHIN Handicap System through member clubs, either public or private.