what course to play at bandon dunes

by Kamryn Marquardt 6 min read

What to do at Bandon Dunes golf course?

Schedule a late-afternoon round at Bandon Dunes. Playing the par-4 16th hole as the sun sets is one of the most memorable things you’ll ever do on any golf course. Play Preserve before anything else. The 13-hole par-3 course is a great primer for links golf, and each hole offers a view of the Pacific Ocean.

When should I play the Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes?

Both Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes are fantastic and you can really play them any time on your trip. They can make great morning rounds as well as spectacular sunset rounds. So I don’t feel as strongly about when in your trip you should play these as I do with some of the other courses.

Where does Bandon Dunes rank on the PGA Tour?

Bandon Dunes is No. 80 on GOLF's most recent ranking. At a place where no one speaks of “signature” holes, the par-4 16th on the resort’s first (and namesake) course stands out as vividly as any. Its dramatic green site was originally considered as a location for the clubhouse.

How much does a caddie cost at Bandon Dunes?

The caddie rate at Bandon is $100, plus gratuity. So $120 is a reasonable amount to expect to spend per bag. If budget is a concern, consider getting a group caddie. It’s basically a caddie who will walk with your group, give you lines, strategy, read putts and so on – but you’ll carry your own bag.

Which Bandon course is the easiest?

The Sheep Ranch is arguably the easiest course at the resort and it has the most dramatic views. It also has some of the most memorable shots like the tee shots on 6, 16, and 17. If you've been to Bandon but have yet to be back to play the Sheep Ranch, then it's a must-play on your next trip.

Which Bandon course is hardest?

Bandon TrailsBandon Trails is also the hardest course at Bandon Dunes. There is not a lot of room for error, and it will challenge all of your shot making abilities.

Is Bandon Dunes a hard course?

Bandon Dunes is the least difficult course of the four on the property, but its palpable devotion to links style—with its rippled fairways, massive greens and challenging coastal holes—fuse together a vivid golf experience.

What is the best time of year to play Bandon Dunes?

With the summer solstice coming in late June the longest days of the year are going to be around that time and the shortest days will start in late November and continue through early March. That said, with the proper planning and tee times it is possible to play 36 holes even on the shortest days of the year.

Is Bandon Dunes walking only?

Bandon Dunes is walking-only, however, riding golf carts are available to all guests with a permanent disability that prevents them from walking their round.

How long does it take to play Bandon Trails?

Since getting to Bandon is such a pilgrimage, people tend to play all four courses on their visits. Spending four hours walking through the woods not only gives you a chance to play an excellent golf course, it also just reinforces how spectacular the other three happen to be.

How much do you tip Bandon Dunes caddies?

With a $25 gratuity per round, caddies can pull in $500 a day for a “dub-dub.” One of our caddies, a 25-year veteran who has looped in major championships, splits his time equally between Bandon and a premier, old money country club in the south. He happily earns two-thirds of his six-figure income in Oregon.

How long is the walk at Bandon Dunes?

Walking 36 holes at Bandon Dunes, a journey that can stretch to around 12 miles requires endurance and preparation. In the end, you don't want to be the player who fades down the stretch or worse yet, quits before the day's journey is complete. Take if from us, your buddies will never let you hear the end of it.

How much does a Bandon trip cost?

Peak season (July-September) rates are $295 for your first round of the day (second round of the day is half the price of your first round, and your third round, if you can hack it, is free), whereas late November through January rates get all the way down to $100 for your first round.

How many miles do you walk on 18 holes?

The World Golf Foundation estimates that golfers who walk an 18-hole course clock about 5 miles and burn up to 2,000 calories. But here's the rub: About two-thirds of golf in the U.S. is played in motorized carts.

Is it always windy at Bandon Dunes?

The most consistent element at Bandon is the wind, which is present all year round. Calm periods are quite rare and apparently tend to occur around late September to early October. Normally, however, expect to play with winds in the 10 mph to 30+ mph range.

Can you use a push cart at Bandon Dunes?

yes, they are available for $5 at each course. They are high end with large wheels and easy to pull/ push. over a year ago. 4 Answers My son and I will be there for a 4 day trip in August.

What rank is Bandon Dunes?

Bandon Dunes is No. 80 on GOLF's most recent ranking. At a place where no one speaks of “signature” holes, the par-4 16th on the resort's first (and namesake) course stands out as vividly as any.

How much walking is Bandon Dunes?

(It's also a pretty great way to save a bit with our replay rates.) Of course, no easy journey is ever as gratifying. Walking 36 holes at Bandon Dunes, a journey that can stretch to around 12 miles requires endurance and preparation.

How many courses does Bandon have?

Our Courses Six distinct links courses have been conceived in harmony with the natural environment. They combine with all the essential elements to reveal a new golf experience every time you play. The soul of the game resides here.

How many caddies does Bandon Dunes have?

The 240 or so full-time caddies at Bandon are terrific at their jobs, and many also can play the game well.

How many holes are there in Bandon Dunes Golf Resort?

Since you’ve all been there, done that, let’s get your ranking of Bandon’s five 18-hole courses. (If you haven’t played the newly opened Sheep Ranch, you can simply rank the other four.)

Which is better, Pacific Dunes or Bandon Trails?

Bando n Dunes is the most fun and may be the best of those I played. Bandon Trails was the most difficult of those three and had some awkward holes/shots that didn’t seem to really fit. Pacific Dunes was the most beautiful, but had a very indifferent strategic design for better players. Travel.

Who designed the 11th hole at Pacific Dunes?

The par-3 11th hole at Pacific Dunes, which was designed by Tom Doak.

How many times can you play the same golf course in one day?

Some people opt to play the same course two times in one day and some like to mix it up and play a course for the second time on a different day. I personally like to play two different courses each day and would try to avoid scheduling two rounds on the same course in one day. Also make sure you leave time between rounds to get something to eat.

Is Bandon Preserve a long round?

Also worth keeping in mind is that Bandon Preserve is not a long round of golf and it may be able to be fit into the schedule on a day where you have already played 36 holes. One last thing to consider when planning a schedule is that the replay rate is good on any course. If you play Pacific Dunes in the morning you are not bound ...

Is Bandon Trails wind protected?

Another thing to keep in mind is that Bandon Trails is more protected from the wind than the other courses. If you think you might like a break from the wind one day you can check with the reservationist to find out if the mornings or afternoons are more windy at the time you will be visiting and plan to play Bandon Trails at the windiest time of day rather than one of the seaside courses. Also worth keeping in mind is that Bandon Preserve is not a long round of golf and it may be able to be fit into the schedule on a day where you have already played 36 holes.

Where is Bandon Dunes Golf Resort?

For two decades, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, tucked tight along the Oregon coast, has delivered (and then some) on its alluring and enduring promise: “Golf as it was meant to be.”. Bandon Dunes is No. 80 on GOLF's most recent ranking. Evan Schiller.

What is the Bandon experience?

The Bandon experience is an accumulation of distinctive moments that adds up to something greater than the sum of its parts. It includes feeling the land beneath your feet, bunking down in rustic-chic lodging, shuttling from course to course, and bantering with the likes of greeter Bob “Shoe” Gaspar, a local who has been with the resort since opening day. No visit is complete, of course, without grill-room debate over which layout ranks as the best on property. Though it’s the only 18-hole course not on the ocean, Bandon Trails, a 2005 Bill Coore-Ben Crenshaw design, often gets the nod.

What is the name of the old Macdonald golf course?

Bandon’s fourth course, Old Macdonald, takes its name from the famed American architect C.B. Macdonald, but credit for the 2010 design goes to Jim Urbina and Tom Doak. A layout that looks relatively flat from afar reveals itself up close to be a wonderland of intriguing folds and hollows, with wild, expansive greens that grow all the more befuddling when the wind picks up. In a nod to its throwback inspiration, the course is also notable for a string of template features, including a Redan hole, a Biarritz hole and a par 4 patterned on the Road Hole at St. Andrews.

Who designed the Pacific Dunes putting course?

Designed by Urbina and Doak, this 18-hole, 100,000-squarefoot putting course (2014) bucks and rolls in a pine-fringed hollow alongside the first tee of Pacific Dunes. It’s a sweet place to practice or play friendly money games. Even if you have to pay off your buddies, you don’t have to pay the resort. The Punchbowl is available to all for free.

Is Pacific Dunes a two course golf course?

“One course is a curiosity,” Bandon developer Mike Keiser likes to say. “Two is a destination.” With the 2001 opening of Pacific Dunes, a Tom Doak design that critics immediately rated even higher than Bandon Dunes, Keiser began transforming his remote resort into a 36-hole mecca, with both layouts catapulting onto GOLF ’s list of the Top 100 Courses in the World.

What Order to Play Bandon Dunes Courses?

After half a dozen Bandon trips and playing all of the courses at least 4 times, I have very strong opinions about the order in which you should play the courses.

What Does it Cost to Play Bandon Dunes?

This is one of the things that sets Bandon apart. Unlike a place like Pebble Beach where you’re paying over $500 regardless of what time of year you visit, Bandon can get downright affordable at different times of the season.

Why Should You Visit Bandon Dunes?

If you’re sitting there on the fence about whether or not a trip to Bandon is worth it, let me just stop you right there: it is.

How many words are there in Bandon Dunes?

There’s so much to cover about Bandon Dunes, that even at going on 6,000 words – I’m only scratching the surface. That said, I wanted to answer some of the most common questions I’ve heard about visiting Bandon Dunes and give my insight where applicable.

What was the first hole built at Bandon Dunes?

The 12th at Bandon Dunes was the very first hole built at the resort.

What is the best golf course in the world?

Pacific Dunes Golf Course: The Best of the Best. It may be short, but the 11th at Pacific is also one of the most scenic par 3s in golf! Pacific Dunes was designed by Tom Doak, and was the 2nd course to open at the resort in 2001. Pacific feels very different from its older brother Bandon Dunes.

When is Bandon Dunes Golf Resort opening in 2021?

on April 9, 2021 at 10:20 am. There are a lot of special places in the world of golf, perhaps none more so than Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Yeah, bold statement. Sure it doesn’t have the history of the Old Course, the luxury cache of Pebble Beach, or the PGA pedigree of TPC Sawgrass – but even without all of that, ...

What to do at Bandon Dunes?

Bandon Dunes: 18 things you must know before planning your trip. Schedule a late-afternoon round at Bandon Dunes. Playing the par-4 16th hole as the sun sets is one of the most memorable things you’ll ever do on any golf course. Play Preserve before anything else.

Which golf course has the most views of the Pacific Ocean?

Sheep Ranch will be a candidate for the next set of rankings. Out of the first four 18-hole courses, Pacific Dunes and Bandon Dunes offer the most stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Old Macdonald is, by far, the most wide open.

What to bring to a golf game?

Show up prepared for all the elements, since you'll be playing lots of golf and since weather forecasts can change in an instant. Bring at least two pairs of golf shoes, stuff for chafing, a rain suit, chapstick, sunblock, cream, etc.

Can you play as an eightsome at preserve?

Also, you can play as an eightsome at Preserve, which guarantees a ton of laughs. Request caddies. You’ll have the same caddie during the entire length of your stay, and you can use your credit card in the pro shop to withdraw cash.

Is Bandon a labyrinth?

BandonDunes.com. There’s a labyrinth on property, but nobody will ever tell you where it is, since it’s fun to try to find it.

Does Bandon have a replay rate?

Bandon offers a replay rate: your second round during any given day is half-price. If you play two rounds in a day, the third round will be free.

How much does a bandon dunes caddie cost?

Bandon Dunes isn’t the same without a caddie; it completes the experience. The cost of a caddie is $100 + gratuity, which typically starts at $20 and goes up from there. Insider tip, if you’re with a buddy, it’s worth it to all chip in and make sure there is at least one caddie in the group.

How much water do you drink at Bandon Dunes?

A couple of more tips, I always like to have water in my hotel room. At Bandon Dunes, two bottles per day are provided free of charge. If you just drink a bottle or two a day, you’ll be fine. If you want more water, I recommend stopping by a grocery store on the way into the resort and stock up. Insider tip, I recommend buying a 6-pack of Red Bull to help keep you going along with a few snacks. All the rooms at the resort have a fridge where you’ll be able to store plenty of water and drinks.

What is the new resort at Bandon Dunes?

The new crown jewel of the Bandon Dunes Resort is the Sheep Ranch . The Coore and Crenshaw design is worth playing, but it’s the newest course at the resort and the furthest from the Lodge. You’ll drive past Old Mac and keep going and going. Don’t worry, you’re not lost, and eventually, you come to a 4-way stop and see the Sheep Ranch signage. Another reason to take the shuttle, they never get lost. Make sure to allocate an extra 5-10 minutes when heading over to the Sheep Ranch for your tee time.

How long is the drive from North Bend to Band Dunes?

The drive from North Bend airport to Band Dunes Resort is only 45 minutes. Folks in Central Oregon, you can hop in the car and, without going thru TSA, be at the resort within a few hours.

How to dress for Bandon?

Please dress in layers; mornings at Bandon can start rather cold then by the afternoon; it warms up to the point you’re okay in short sleeves.

How long should you warm up for golf?

If you prefer to warm up, keep the bags with you and drop by Shorty’s practice area to start each day. You shouldn’t need more than 20 minutes, and you’ll be able to loosen up in the morning. We tried it both ways, and the warm-up proved to be worthwhile and led to better scores over just showing up on the first tee ice cold.

How many holes are there in the preserve?

Don’t forget about The Preserve; a 13-hole par-3 course that is out of this world. The Preserve is my special place at Bandon. Providing some of the best beach views on the property, make sure to add The Preserve to your schedule.

golfgolfgolf123

Heading to Bandon Dunes on Friday to play all courses. I am curious what tees everyone plays from and why. I am a 1, but the guys I am playing with are 4, 10, and 12. Driving distance ranges from 260-290 in the group.

golfgolfgolf123

One tee box up on all courses and you will have enough challenge and fun. The wind is the equalizer and will add plenty of challenge and distance; but people don't get tortured. I am a 4 and seldom play the tips...I just don't enjoy it.

golfgolfgolf123

What does y'alls schedule look like during the trip? Curious to see which courses you're playing in the afternoons.

puttnforthe8

This is super helpful. Is this true on all courses? I'm curious the distance you normally play? We tend to play around 6700-7000. Again I know it will be a challenge, but the thought of 6100-6200 feels so short. I don't particularly enjoy hitting driver, 56 into 50% of the par 4s and don't know if that's a true links experience vs having irons in.

hammergolf

Heading to Bandon Dunes on Friday to play all courses. I am curious what tees everyone plays from and why. I am a 1, but the guys I am playing with are 4, 10, and 12. Driving distance ranges from 260-290 in the group.

buzlin

As others have mentioned, let the weather decide which tees to play. Shoot, we've even played the gold tees (hdcps 6-15), in some conditions. In general the green tees will be the default, and you can go from there. Bandon Dunes would be the one course I'd say play the black.

mallrat

One more thing, not sure where you guys are from but this is coastal Oregon we are talking about. In general, assuming no wind, you will most likely never play another region where you will get less carry than the PNW. Very little humidity, sea level and not particularly warm or hot.

image