Destination Golf: The Bandon and Barnbougle Effect

In 1999 Bandon Dunes opened on a remote stretch of the Oregon coast and proved golfers would fly far and walk carrying bags to play true links. Barnbougle Dunes repeated the trick in Tasmania in 2004, and Cabot Links in Canada in 2012.

These walking only resorts reconnected golf with its roots and pushed course rankings panels to value atmosphere over conditioning shine. The model keeps spreading, from New Zealand to Namibia..