Bandon Dunes

David McLay Kidd was barely 30 when he routed Bandon Dunes, the first course at what has become the most complete links-golf destination in the United States. The course opened May 19, 1999 on a 100-foot bluff above the Pacific, with fescue fairways that run firm year-round, blind shots, natural dunes, and the persistent coastal wind that defines everything at Bandon. Golf Digest has kept it on America's 100 Greatest list for over two decades, with a peak rank of 28th (2005-06 and 2011-12) and consistent appearances on America's 100 Greatest Public. Golf Digest also ranks it #2 in Oregon (Best in State). Golfweek has placed it as high as #6 on Best Resort Courses. All five Bandon courses now rank on Golf Digest's 200 Greatest, with four of them in the top 100, but this is the one that started the resort and put links golf on the American map.