Bandon Dunes is often called the best links-style golf destination in the U.S., and while it does a great job replicating the feel of true links golf, that’s just it—it’s a replica. If you want the real thing, you have to go to where the game was born: Ireland and Scotland.
There’s simply no substitute for playing golf in the land where it all started, where the courses weren’t designed to mimic nature but were discovered within it. If you’re looking for the truest links experience, the richest golf culture, and the most memorable journey, there’s only one choice—and it’s not in Oregon
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Bandon’s courses were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s to recreate links golf. In contrast, courses like St. Andrews, Royal Dornoch, Lahinch, and Ballybunion have been shaped by nature for centuries. Every undulation, every bunker, every gust of wind is part of a history that goes back hundreds of years. Walking these fairways isn’t just about playing golf—it’s about stepping into the past.
Bandon Dunes does an admirable job replicating links conditions, but Ireland and Scotland define them. The ground is firmer, the bounces more unpredictable, and the weather more dynamic. One moment, you’re hitting a low stinger under a fierce wind; the next, the rain has softened the turf, forcing a different approach. It’s this constant change that makes every round a new adventure.
At Bandon, you have six fantastic courses to choose from—all within one resort. But in Ireland and Scotland, you have hundreds of world-class links courses, each with its own unique character. From the towering dunes of Enniscrone to the rolling terrain of Carnoustie, from the cliffside majesty of Old Head to the raw beauty of Royal County Down, no two rounds are ever the same.
Bandon offers a great golf culture, but it can’t compare to the deep-rooted traditions of Ireland and Scotland. In these countries, golf isn’t just a resort experience—it’s a way of life. After your round, you’re not retreating to a lodge—you’re heading to a historic pub where the locals want to hear about your day. The storytelling, the hospitality, the camaraderie—it’s an atmosphere you simply can’t recreate in the U.S.
At Bandon, you can hire a caddie, but in Ireland and Scotland, caddies are part of the soul of the game. These aren’t just bag carriers; they’re walking historians, comedians, strategists, and storytellers all rolled into one. They know every bump and ridge of the course, and they’ll remind you—often with a smile—that you’re not nearly as good as you think you are.
A trip to Bandon is a golf trip. A trip to Ireland and Scotland is an adventure. You’re not just playing 18 holes and heading back to a resort—you’re driving along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping at castles, taking ferries, discovering hidden gems, and experiencing the rich history of golf’s birthplace. It’s a complete experience, not just a destination.
One of the biggest arguments for Bandon Dunes is its ease of access. But getting to Ireland is just as simple. Direct flights from major U.S. cities land in Dublin or Shannon, and from there, everything is within reach. And let’s be honest—if you’re already traveling across the U.S. for golf, why not go all the way and experience the real deal?
Bandon Dunes is a fantastic golf destination, but at the end of the day, it’s an imitation of something greater. If you’re looking for the truest links golf, the most memorable experiences, and the deepest connection to the game’s roots, there’s only one choice: pack your bags and head to Ireland or Scotland.
There’s a reason why golfers who make the trip across the Atlantic always return home saying the same thing: nothing else compares.
