Just returned from three rounds at Oregon's Bandon Dunes. A more detailed write-up (with pictures) will be featured in October on this site, so I will just give a few random comments here:1. The place (not just the course) is outstanding. You do have that rare feeling that you are somewhere special. 2. As good as the course is, the next one built there (by Tom Doak) should be better. Aside from the quality of the architect, the course will be over a superior piece of land (left of the 7th hole) with real sand dunes.3. Don't get too caught up in the whole "this is a piece of Scotland" scam. There are a number of similarities (the 3rd and 11th could be transplanted) but this is an American operation. Standing on the 3rd tee, however, I did feel as though I could be in East Lothian. Just enjoy the course for what it is.4. There are "only" four holes along the cliffs where you could kncock it into the lateral water hazard known as the pacific Ocean. Contrary to their promotional material, there are not ocean views on every hole. The cliffs are intimidating. If they were going to film another movie on D-Day, they could do it here as the cliffs could easily pass for Normandy.5. The course was wisely built with strong winds in mind. The fairways are usually 50 + yards in width and the greens probably average 40 yards in depth. In calm conditions like we had, this scale seems slightly inappropriate, but I'm sure it doesn't in a 30 mph breeze. Hitting the green is hardly a guarantee of par (I bet Lisa and I each averaged over 35 putts a round). They are more interesting and better than I expected. 6. As is the case at a number of top courses, there are a handful of key shots which, if played properly, almost ensure a good round (e.g., the tee shots on 4,6, 15 and 16 and the approach to 5). A bad swing on any those will invariably result in a double bogey or worse.7. The par fives are the weakest part of the course. I like the 3rd very much, and the 13th grew on me each round, but the 9th and 18th just don't do it.8. As Ted wondered about the 18th at Whistling Straits, it looks as though Mike Stranz was asked to design the 1st, 17th and 18th holes (I like 1 and 17, though). The 18th is quite a disappointment -- the least interesting hole on the course.9. The frugality of the bunkering is impressive. For example, the short 12th features only one bunker, but that smallish bunker dictates play on the hole. I can't help but wonder how neat it would be if, similar to Hoylake and others, every bunker had a stacked turf face.10. The course is for walkers only, a terrific move. Your soft spikes strike asphalt only when crossing the sole maintenance road through the course. the frustrating aspect, though, is how spread out the course is when it was intended for walking only. There are a number of decent walks between holes (e.g., 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7, 8 and 9, 12 and 13, 14 and 15). Since selling real estate was not an issue, why isn't the course more compact? Taking five hours to play leaves a bad taste in your mouth.11. Overall, high marks. You won't be disappointed. When Doak's course opens, I imagine a trip to Bandon will become a regular occurrence (perhaps every other year).