Golf aficionados will want to do their research before setting off for a course on the South Coast. There are so many that visitors might want to make a monthlong excursion of it.

Most of the region's courses are picturesque. They can be very challenging and demanding, yet offer unique styles.

Kentuck Golf Course in North Bend is located off East Bay Drive, near the Kentuck Inlet. The 18-hole course is especially popular with beginning golfers because of its wide-open fairways and a number of par-3 holes that don't require Tiger Woods-like skill. For information on the course, those interested can call 756-4464.

Another popular place to play in the Bay Area is Sunset Bay Golf Course, near the Charleston state parks, on Cape Arago Highway. There are camping and yurts nearby for an overnight stay with reservations. Sunset begins with an open par-5 on the first hole, then follows with a scenic par-3, featuring an elevated tee and water to the right of the green that sucks up its share of errant shots. The remainder of the course is narrower, with trees, water and plenty of brush coming into play. For information, call 888-9301.

Coos Country Club caters to its members, but also allows play by the public. The 18-hole course is scenic, with several wetlands on the back nine, and requires a variety of shot-making skills. The club also has a putting green and driving range open to the public. For more information, call 267-7257.

One of the best-kept secrets is Forest Hills Country Club in Reedsport. The nine-hole, public course is scenic, located not far from downtown Reedsport. The course also has a driving range for players to work on their game. For information, call (541) 271-2626.

The Scottish-links style Bandon Face Rock Golf Course nine-hole course (par-32) can prove a daunting challenge. The wind frequently comes into play and a creek that meanders through the course is a magnet for balls. For information, call 347-3818.

There might be just nine greens at the Cedar Bend Golf Course, just north of Gold Beach, but the greens each have two pins providing an 18-hole feel. The course also has a driving range. For more information, call (541) 247-6911.

Further south is one of the coast's newest courses, Salmon Run Golf and Wilderness Preserve, located three miles east of Brookings. The scenic 18-hole layout demands accurate shot-making more than length. For more information, call (541) 469-4888.

The Florence area features two nice courses, including 18-hole Ocean Dunes Golf Links. A step above many of the public courses on the Oregon coast, Ocean Dunes has a challenging layout that includes several narrow holes in the dunes where the wind comes into play and a couple of spectacular par-3s. For more information, call (541) 997-3232.

Florence also features the famous Sandpines Golf on the Oregon Dunes. The course has some holes along the dunes and a couple of ponds that make for challenging and interesting shots on holes. For more information, call (800) 917-4653.

Three courses that are quickly gaining the most national attention are Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes and Bandon Trails, resort courses located two miles north of Bandon. Bandon Dunes, the original course, includes 18 holes with views of the ocean. Several holes run along the bluff above the water. Pacific Dunes is another challenging 18-hole layout with narrower fairways and a more rugged feel. Bandon Trails is not close to the ocean, but offers holes in the dunes, a meadow and the forest. The resort also features a world-class practice facility that is open to the public. For information, call 347-4380.