Pacific Dunes vs Old Macdonald – Bandon Dunes Showdown
Bandon, Oregon
Bandon Dunes Showdown captures a conceptual battle between two of the most revered courses on the Oregon coast. Located in the far southwest corner of the state, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort stands as a testament to the vision of founder Mike Keiser. His decision to build a world-class golf destination in this remote region inspired a global movement of modern golf resort developments, including sites like Sand Valley, Cabot Links, and Barnbougle Dunes. While the resort offers five 18-hole courses, the comparison between Pacific Dunes and Old Macdonald often takes center stage for those seeking the ultimate architectural experience.
Bandon Dunes Showdown in Oregon is a practical starting point for readers who want source-backed local guidance.
The Legacy of the Bandon Dunes Showdown
When we look back at the Bandon Dunes Showdown, we are really comparing two different philosophies of links golf. Both courses are situated in Bandon, Oregon, which is roughly 5 hours south of Portland and 9 hours north of San Francisco. The resort is a massive complex featuring not only five championship courses but also two par-3 courses and a putting course. The rivalry between Pacific Dunes and Old Macdonald is rooted in their shared pedigree, as both were shaped by the hand of Tom Doak, yet they offer vastly different visual and strategic profiles.
Pacific Dunes: A Tom Doak Masterpiece
Pacific Dunes opened in 2001 and was designed by Tom Doak. The course is celebrated for its dramatic landscape and its seamless integration into the natural dunes. One of the most striking features of the layout is the back nine, which presents a rigorous test for any golfer. This stretch includes four par 3s that demand precision and courage.
Among the highlights is the 11th hole, a short par 3 that is played on cliffs perched high above the Pacific Ocean. The sheer drop and the wind make it one of the most photographed holes in the world. Then there is the 17th hole, a longer Redan-style hole cut directly into the dunescape, which requires a strategic approach to navigate the sloping green.
Old Macdonald: The Art of the Template Hole
Opening in 2010, Old Macdonald was a collaborative effort between Tom Doak and Jim Urbina. While Pacific Dunes focuses on the raw drama of the coast, Old Macdonald is a masterclass in the use of template holes. The course was designed to pay homage to the classic architecture of the early 20th century, utilizing specific hole types that have defined the game’s history.
The course is most famous for its four template par 3s, which include:
- The Eden
- The Short
- The Biarritz
- The Redan
These holes provide a textbook experience for golf historians and enthusiasts, challenging players to use the contours of the land to feed the ball toward the hole.
Comparing the Bandon Dunes Showdown Layouts
In the Bandon Dunes Showdown, the contrast in layout is evident when comparing their signature holes. Pacific Dunes uses the 17th hole to showcase a Redan-style green within a wild, natural setting. In contrast, Old Macdonald treats the Redan as a specific architectural study, placing it within a broader set of template holes. While Pacific Dunes feels like a discovery of the land, Old Macdonald feels like a curated gallery of the greatest design ideas in golf history.
Architectural Perspectives and Difficulty
Even the architect himself found it difficult to choose a favorite. In a 2009 forum discussion, Tom Doak mentioned that he could not really say he preferred Pacific Dunes over Old Macdonald after playing both extensively. This admission speaks to the balance of the two courses. Pacific Dunes offers a more visceral, atmospheric challenge, while Old Macdonald provides a cerebral experience where the player must solve the puzzle of the template designs.
The Broader Bandon Dunes Experience
While the Bandon Dunes Showdown focuses on these two giants, the resort is home to other incredible layouts. These include Bandon Dunes, designed by David McLay Kidd in 1999, Bandon Trails by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2007, and the more recent Sheep Ranch, also by Coore and Crenshaw, which opened in 2020. For those looking to organize a full trip, we recommend checking out our Planning a Bandon Dunes Golf Trip – Complete Oregon Coast Guide to make the most of the region.
Final Verdict on the Bandon Dunes Showdown
Ultimately, the Bandon Dunes Showdown does not have a single winner, as the choice depends on what a golfer values most. If you crave the dramatic cliffs and the raw power of the Pacific, Pacific Dunes is the definitive choice. However, if you appreciate the intellectual rigor of template holes and a more traditional links feel, Old Macdonald is the superior experience. Both courses represent the pinnacle of the sport, ensuring that any visit to the Oregon coast is a lifelong memory for the passionate golfer.
More on JGolfs
For related local coverage, see Planning a Bandon Dunes Golf Trip – Complete Oregon Coast Guide and Odyssey Tri-Hot 5 K Putter Review.
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