
Old Macdonald Golf Course
A wild, rugged links masterpiece inspired by golf's golden age, offering dramatic coastal views and a challenging, memorable round.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds

Old Macdonald Golf Course
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A wild, rugged links masterpiece inspired by golf's golden age, offering dramatic coastal views and a challenging, memorable round.
"Fantastic golf course with massive sand dunes! The scenery is also spectacular!"

Book Tee Times Early
Tee times at Old Macdonald fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book months in advance! :calendar:
Embrace the Walk
This is a walking-only course. Consider a caddie to enhance your experience and navigate the terrain. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Wild, Rugged Layout
Entire Course
Experience a truly unique links-style course with massive dunes and challenging, memorable holes.

Blind Tee Shots
Hole 3
Navigate a thrilling blind tee shot that adds an element of surprise and strategy to your round.

Spectacular Scenery
Throughout the Course
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Oregon coast and the surrounding natural landscape.

Punchbowl Putting Course
Near the Lodge
Finish your day with a fun, casual putting challenge on this unique, multi-tiered putting green.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tee Times Early
Tee times at Old Macdonald fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book months in advance! :calendar:
Embrace the Walk
This is a walking-only course. Consider a caddie to enhance your experience and navigate the terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Prepare for Wind
The course can be calm or a 'wind turbine.' Be ready for changing conditions! :windblowingface:
Don't Miss the Punchbowl
A fun, casual putting course perfect for unwinding after your round. :golf:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tee Times Early
Tee times at Old Macdonald fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book months in advance! :calendar:
Embrace the Walk
This is a walking-only course. Consider a caddie to enhance your experience and navigate the terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Prepare for Wind
The course can be calm or a 'wind turbine.' Be ready for changing conditions! :windblowingface:
Don't Miss the Punchbowl
A fun, casual putting course perfect for unwinding after your round. :golf:
Caddie Recommendation
Many golfers rave about their caddies, calling them essential for enjoying the course. :man_golfing:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Old Macdonald is lauded for its spectacular, rugged links-style design and breathtaking coastal scenery, offering a truly unique and memorable golf experience. While the price is high, many find the challenging layout, excellent service, and overall atmosphere well worth the investment. Some guests have encountered communication issues with staff, but the quality of the golf and dining generally overshadows these concerns.
"Very expensive but worth the price both In golf and restaurant. Steak cooked to perfection and the huge baked potato was phenomenal! The staff is outstanding servers and the staff u don't see make for a great dining experience!!"
David Chavez
"I've been told about this place for years and finely golfed here! It did not disappoint! Thanks to our caddy Shane, we had a blast!"
Don Easter
"The course is a nice links course, probably one of the better courses but not worth upwards of 400.
The main problem was the extremely poor communication made by staff multiple times and an unwillingness to apologize or make it right until the head pro Jessica got involved and she actually apologized.
An intern (I was told) gave me poor info, but the assistant pro reiterated the same info the next morning. He tried to blame the intern and shirk all responsibility. At least Jessica knows how to have a reasonable conversation."
Mark Woodard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Macdonald is part of the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, located on the southern Oregon coast. The nearest major airport is Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (CXI) in North Bend, about an hour's drive away. Many visitors fly into Portland (PDX) or Eugene (EUG) and drive the scenic route, which takes longer but offers beautiful views. The resort offers shuttle services from local airports.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort for all its courses, including Old Macdonald. The resort is designed for easy access to all facilities.
If you are not staying at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the course. Ride-sharing services may be limited in this area, so a rental car or taxi service is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees at Old Macdonald are considered premium, reflecting its world-class status. Prices can vary significantly based on the season and whether you are a resort guest. It's best to check the official Bandon Dunes Golf Resort website for the most current pricing and package deals. Expect fees to be upwards of $300-$400 during peak times.
Absolutely. Tee times at Old Macdonald are highly sought after and often book up months in advance, especially for peak season play. It is strongly advised to book your tee time as soon as possible after confirming your travel dates.
The course typically opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, with the exact times varying seasonally. It's best to check the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort's official website for the most up-to-date operating hours for Old Macdonald and other resort facilities.
While Bandon Dunes is known for its relaxed atmosphere, a golf-appropriate dress code is generally expected. This typically includes collared shirts and golf shorts or slacks. Denim and athletic wear are usually not permitted. Check with the resort for specific guidelines.
Yes, club rentals are available at Old Macdonald. It's advisable to reserve rental clubs in advance when booking your tee time to ensure availability, especially if you are traveling from out of town.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Yes, Old Macdonald is a walking-only course. Carts are not permitted, which is typical for many of the acclaimed links courses at Bandon Dunes. This encourages players to fully experience the natural terrain and enjoy the walk.
Caddies are available and highly recommended at Old Macdonald. They can significantly enhance your experience by providing course knowledge, assisting with club selection, and helping you navigate the challenging layout. Many visitors consider the caddie experience a highlight.
Old Macdonald is considered a challenging course, particularly for those not accustomed to links golf. It features dramatic elevation changes, deep bunkers, and firm, fast greens. Wind is often a significant factor. However, its wide fairways and strategic bunkering offer opportunities for all skill levels, especially with a good caddie.
Hole 3 is famous for its blind tee shot, offering a unique challenge. Many also praise the dramatic par-3s and the challenging finishing holes. The entire course is designed to be memorable and visually stunning.
Yes, there is a snack shack with a fantastic view, offering refreshments and light fare to keep you fueled during your round. It's often cited as having one of the best views in the world.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Old Macdonald itself has a snack shack, the main dining experiences are at the Bandon Dunes Lodge and other resort facilities. The resort offers several acclaimed restaurants, including the Steakhouse, which is highly praised for its quality.
Dining at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is generally considered expensive, aligning with the overall premium experience. However, many guests find the quality of the food, particularly at the main restaurants like the Steakhouse, to be well worth the price.
The Steakhouse at Bandon Dunes is renowned for its high-quality steaks, often cooked to perfection, and other fine dining options. Accompaniments like large baked potatoes are also frequently mentioned as highlights.
Beyond the main restaurants, the resort offers more casual options like the snack shack at Old Macdonald and other pubs or grills at different courses, providing a range of choices for different moods and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
Almost every hole offers a stunning backdrop. The elevated tees, dramatic coastline views, and unique bunker formations provide endless photographic opportunities. Don't forget to capture the iconic blind tee shot on the third hole.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos and videos. Many golfers share their experiences and stunning shots on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Just be mindful of pace of play and other golfers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing wildlife. However, a good smartphone camera is often sufficient for capturing the beauty of the course.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on personal photography. However, professional or commercial photography may require special permits. Always be respectful of other guests and the course staff.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. However, the dramatic skies and rugged beauty of Old Macdonald can be photogenic at any time of day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For non-golfing family members, the resort offers beautiful coastal scenery, walking trails, and excellent dining options. The scenic views from the clubhouse and various points on the course can be enjoyed by everyone. Ensure you check the resort's specific family-friendly policies and activities when planning your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for package deals offered by Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, which can sometimes bundle accommodation and rounds of golf at a reduced rate. Exploring alternative accommodations outside the immediate resort area, if available and feasible for transportation, might also offer savings. However, be aware that the unique experience of Bandon Dunes is a significant part of its appeal.
couples
Beyond the course, the Bandon Dunes resort offers fine dining options and opportunities for leisurely walks along the coast. Consider booking a tee time during the 'golden hour' for breathtaking sunset views, perfect for romantic photos. The overall atmosphere of Bandon Dunes is one of relaxed luxury, making it an ideal destination for a golf-centric getaway for two.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Design Philosophy of Old Macdonald
The design emphasizes firm and fast conditions, encouraging creative shot-making and a ground game that is essential for links golf. The massive scale of the greens, some of the largest in the world, presents a significant putting challenge, requiring players to think carefully about approach shots and recovery options. The course routing is also notable for its variety, offering a mix of holes that play with and against the prevailing winds, demanding adaptability from golfers.
Many reviewers and golfers highlight the rugged and untamed nature of Old Macdonald, noting that it's unlike any other course on the West Coast. The course is designed to be played with a caddie, who can provide invaluable insight into the strategic nuances and help players navigate the blind shots and challenging green complexes. The overall experience is one of immersion in classic golf and the stunning natural beauty of the Oregon coast.
Navigating the Bandon Dunes Experience
Planning your trip to Bandon Dunes is crucial. Tee times, especially for the most popular courses like Old Macdonald, can book up a year in advance. Many visitors opt for multi-day packages that include accommodations and rounds on multiple courses. The resort offers various lodging options, from the Lodge to charming cottages, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Beyond the golf, the resort provides a full-service experience. This includes acclaimed dining options, a lively bar scene, and the unique Punchbowl putting course, which is a perfect way to end a day of golf. The emphasis on walking and the camaraderie among golfers are central to the Bandon Dunes ethos, making it a pilgrimage for serious golf enthusiasts.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit