Bandon Dunes Planning

[lurkinghobbit]

I was typing this up for a co-worker and once I finished I thought others may benefit from this as well.  I'm sure others have been there more than me, or even work there, and can offer more information - but I believe this to be a good starting point for planning a trip there.  Please add to this.

 

The last trip I planned there was a group of 12, but some comments are specific to a group of 8 as that is what my co-worker is planning for.  Link to the Doc is below, but lets see how Google Docs paste into this forum as well...

 

Google Doc:  Bandon Dunes Arrangement Experiences

 

 

 

 

Bandon Dunes Arrangement Experiences

10/06/2022

I’ve been there 5 times so I have a good working knowledge of the ins and outs of the resort, but leverage other resources as well for more info and opinions.  Additionally, some of the comments below are in regards to a party of eight (8) as that was who it was originally written for.

 

Step 1 – Tee Times and Rooms

UPDATE:  They have changed this model recently, best to go to the website and signup for notifications as soon as you know when you want to go.  Still need to do it more than a year in advance.  For instance in October of 2022 they opened up reservations for May of 2024.

 

Booking the golf and rooms needs to be done far in advance. For instance, 2023 is already completely booked unless you want to go the last few weeks of December. Some people claim they will open up 2024 in December of this year rather than January – keep an eye on the website. I booked towards the end of January 2021 for August of 2022 and it worked out, but if you know what you want to do – do it as soon as they allow.

 

The deposit will be the first night and the first tee time for each person. I believe you have up to 30 days before your trip to cancel.

 

1.1 - Course Arrangements

All of the courses are fantastic, try to play them all. A few people believe you should not play Old Macdonald last; as it is slightly less ‘picturesque’ than the other courses and you want people to walk away with a wow factor. But it's like being second in a beauty contest, you’re still gorgeous.

Bandon Trails is a great visual contrast to the other courses – great for a mid-trip change in scenery.

 

Walking – Caddy consensus is Bandon Trails is the hardest walk, followed by Pacific Dunes. I once push-carted Pacific in the morning and took a caddy at Trails in the afternoon – I was feeling it at the end of the day. May not want to do those two on the same day.

If people are not accustomed to all that walking, you may want to give a mid-trip break with only 18 holes. You can always go to the Punchbowl later in the day for some great putting laughs.

 

Wind – Sheep Ranch is the course most impacted by wind. Wind is generally harsher in the afternoons. Draw your own conclusions.

 

Bandon Preserve (the par 3) - everyone thought it was really fun, but a few thought it not worth $100 given we could have replayed another course for $150 (2022 rates). Just depends upon how much energy you have. They will let you on there as an 8 though, so that is fun. It's relaxed and has some great views as well.

 

Favorite Course – impossible for some to pick. This latest trip most were split between Pacific and Trails as their favorite, with Bandon ranging from first to third. If you can only play one course twice, I would go Pacific myself.

 

36 hole timing – The pace of play for most of the courses is generally 4:20. Take that into consideration when giving yourself time for lunch. If you’re diehards – the third round is free and some people like to make ‘short loops’ at the end of the day to play 4-12 holes of a course.

 

1.2 - Rooms

Own Bed vs Own Bedroom (suites) – this just comes down to how much you want to spend. If you go with four-bedroom suites, you may want to look at Grove rather than the Lodge. The Lodge can be a little busy/noisy - but if you like that kind of thing, go for it.

I’ve stayed in the Inn, Lilly Pond, and Chrome Lake – all doubles. There is not a large difference in the rooms, but the Inn are the smallest (no fireplace and patio/deck space, closer to a typical hotel room). The two and four room suites will be larger with a gathering space.

There are shuttles to take you everywhere, but if you want walking distance to the main Lodge (Bandon Dunes) and Brandon Trails/Preserve, then the Inn and Lily Pond are your best bets.

 

Step 2 – Arranging Transportation

One year out (unless Southwest is still only 9 months out) for flights. As for ground transportation, there are options – but book many months in advance, especially during prime season.

First – it’s a day of travel each way. You’re not going to be able to travel to Bandon and play much golf the same day. Or fly home the same day as golf. Just isn’t feasible from this time zone (Central).

2.1 - Flights

Be careful with turn-around times on connecting flights if changing planes – a delay in one can set you up for failure.

Portland – has the most flight options... and the looongest drive.

Eugene – fewer flight options, but half the drive time. This is where we have flown into the past few trips and would do again.

North Bend – very limited flight schedule, but very close to Bandon. Have never used it though, as the flight schedule just didn’t match ours.

Medford – I found it to be a strange little city and see no advantage to flying in there. I only did it once because guys driving from Salt Lake City were picking me up.

 

2.2 - Ground Transportation

My recommendation is to use a shuttle service rather than drive yourselves. You do not need a vehicle once there; Bandon shuttles take you everywhere on the property. With a service you can all hang out together during the trip stress free. And I just don’t like driving, but that is my personal preference.

With a service, Bandon works with them and we had a labeled space to stack our luggage upon exit with Guest Services there to assist. The service van backs in and loads it for you (although we helped, out of chivalry).

 

We used Aviation Transportation and were very happy - would use again. Bandon Loop Transportation (Civilized Golf Travel) is the larger operation and will take you in style (bar, TV, etc.)... at a cost. There are others on the website, but I have not dealt with them. Feel free to shop.

Rental vehicle(s) - How much baggage is with you plays a large role here (see Shipsticks below), but assuming you have clubs with you you will need a 12 passenger van or two large SUVs (Tahoe sized). With the van in the past we just get creative with the packing, usually lining the golf bags upright in the back with a few bags, and the remaining suitcases taking up the back row of seats. A Tahoe was easier to pack in and out, you just need two.

 

Step 3 – Dinner Reservations

45 Days in advance, but double check that it hasn’t changed. And this may only be needed for larger groups. If it is just four folks you can do walk-ins at most places.

McKee’s is our goto, Pacific Grill is nice as well (the guys raved about the Steelhead), and The Forge is for that special night when you want to indulge (worth doing once while there).

 

Step 4 – Caddy Requests

No specific time constraint on this but give them several weeks' notice – or more if you know what you want.

By default, they are two-bag caddies – so reset expectations set by watching the PGA Tour. They will assist with distance, wind, elevation, where to hit it or not hit it, reading putts, etc. – but once you have the club you want, they are off to the other person or towards the green/next tee. Just bring your club to them once you reconnect.

I enjoy the caddy experience. Not only does it make the walk easier, but the round moves along a lot better/faster as well because you’re not fussing with your clubs, bag, etc. I also paired up people and caddies so we had at least one pair in each tee time – so everyone could benefit from green-to-next-tee guidance and where the driving line is.

 

Step 5 – Shipsticks or not

This is recommended by Bandon Dunes, but by no means required. Some of us used it for the way there but carried them on the plane on the way home. Almost all flights into the area have stops, with many changing planes. Plane changes are always a baggage risk and Bandon has rented clubs to many-a-traveler that didn’t get their clubs upon arrival. But that often means you’re still missing shoes, balls, gloves, etc.

The more time you give Shipsticks, the less expensive it is. The convenience is likely value for money if you do not need 1 or 2 day service.

Bandon Guest Services works closely with Shipsticks as well. They will have your bag out and ready as long as you put your arrival date on the ship ticket or bag. They will also accept your bag for pickup by Shipsticks when it is time to leave. Guest Services are open very early (like 6AM) but do close at 10pm.

 

Packing Suggestions

 

Wind Shirt / Jacket / Layers

For obvious reasons – it gets windy. It can also be chilly in the mornings and evenings.  

A few things that worked out best in August/September:  1) a long sleeve under armor type shirt with a golf shirt over it, or a long sleeve golf shirt with a lightweight under shirt.  Sometimes just a short sleeve golf shirt is all you need.  And 2) a wind shirt or light weight jacket for the first several holes in the morning (and to wear in the evenings).

You don’t need anything heavy, but do want lightweight layers that you can adjust during the round.

Long pants, one pair anyway

In August temperatures will be mostly in the 60s with some wind. If you watch videos of people playing there, there is a decent amount of long pants. I wear shorts most of the time but do recommend bringing at least one pair of long pants just in case.

If you're not a shorts person, just bring all long pants.

Shoes / Socks

Bring two pair of golf shoes if you can.  If one pair does get wet one day, you’ll have a dry pair for the next day/round.

And lots of socks, so you can change them midday when playing 36, always have a dry pair, etc.

Rain Gear

The courses at Bandon do not close due to rain or issue rain checks, so you may as well play. It is unlikely in August but bring rain gear just in case. It is a rite of passage to play at Bandon in the rain.

But no umbrella – get a bucket hat

This is the destination that made me ditch a golf umbrella permanently. An umbrella is unwieldy in the best of circumstances, and downright menacing in the wind. Do yourself a favor, get a bucket hat and be done with it.

 

 

 

8/25/2022 - added more information about dress, shoes/socks, etc.

10/6/2022 - updated booking timing, as the model as changed.

 

Edited October 6, 2022 by lurkinghobbit

[jml4]

Heading out for first time in 2023 and while I have the on-property stuff booked, this is an awesome guide with helpful info for those other little details. Thanks!

Edited August 24, 2022 by jml4

[jvincent]

@lurkinghobbit Good summary. One important thing you missed is shoes/socks. Bring two pairs of shoes and alternate them during your stay. Also change socks between rounds on 36 hole days.

[lurkinghobbit]

48 minutes ago, jvincent said:

@lurkinghobbit Good summary. One important thing you missed is shoes/socks. Bring two pairs of shoes and alternate them during your stay. Also change socks between rounds on 36 hole days.

 

Yes, I'll add more detail about dress, especially the socks thing.  Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Phreddy]

I've been to Bandon 3 times now and you hit every nail on the head.  Thank you for taking the time.

[sniper]

On 8/24/2022 at 6:28 PM, jml4 said:

Heading out for first time in 2023 and while I have the on-property stuff booked, this is an awesome guide with helpful info for those other little details. Thanks!

Agree…i’m booked as a solo for 2023 and this is good info!

[buzlin]

Great recommendations and info.

 

I would clarify that they should buy the bucket hats offered at each clubhouse.  They work awesome and each course has it's own logo on the hats (choose your favorite!).

[soregongolfer]

What made Medford so strange?

[lurkinghobbit]

On 9/5/2022 at 12:09 PM, soregongolfer said:

What made Medford so strange?

 

It was probably just the hotel I stayed at - very strange vibe.  Went to the restaurant/lounge and just wanted to eat my food and leave.  Cannot recall which one it was.  I should probably scale back my comment given it was from very limited exposure.

 

[spud3]

No, you're correct.

 

There's a reason that those of us who grew up in that area left at the first opportunity...

[RickRock]

Thanks for all the information, good stuff. 

 

I am planning a trip (in 2024...) and I curious if you had thoughts on which courses are the most beneficial to have a caddie for.  I have played Bandons Dunes, Pacific Dunes and Brandon Trails before but it has been years.  I have not played Sheep Ranch or Old Macdonald.

 

Thanks for any input from anyone.

Rick

[doc52]

15 hours ago, RickRock said:

Thanks for all the information, good stuff. 

 

I am planning a trip (in 2024...) and I curious if you had thoughts on which courses are the most beneficial to have a caddie for.  I have played Bandons Dunes, Pacific Dunes and Brandon Trails before but it has been years.  I have not played Sheep Ranch or Old Macdonald.

 

Thanks for any input from anyone.

Rick

 

I think a caddie for all courses at Bandon is beneficial, but would want one for my first round at Sheep Ranch since it's easy to get confused with the layout (even though it's an easier walk) and Trails.

[eboettne]

16 hours ago, RickRock said:

Thanks for all the information, good stuff. 

 

I am planning a trip (in 2024...) and I curious if you had thoughts on which courses are the most beneficial to have a caddie for.  I have played Bandons Dunes, Pacific Dunes and Brandon Trails before but it has been years.  I have not played Sheep Ranch or Old Macdonald.

 

Thanks for any input from anyone.

Rick

 

Trails for the walk and Old Mac for the strategy IMO but I haven't played Sheep Ranch

[VNutz]

I'd say Sheep Ranch for sure. There's some routing in there that is difficult to follow if you've never played it before. Old Mac can play the same way in a couple spots. Pacific, BD, Trails are all your call but I found once I played them the first time that everything was pretty straightforward.

[snakano]

I too would suggest a caddie on Sheep. It still needs time to develop and have the rough help frame more of the fairways so there are a few spots where the course looks like a driving range, lots of green in front of you and a few flags dotting the landscape or the inverse where you have a blind second shot.

 

It's absolutely a special course and one I play every time I get down to Bandon.

Edited October 5, 2022 by snakano

[RickRock]

2 hours ago, VNutz said:

I'd say Sheep Ranch for sure. There's some routing in there that is difficult to follow if you've never played it before. Old Mac can play the same way in a couple spots. Pacific, BD, Trails are all your call but I found once I played them the first time that everything was pretty straightforward.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[RickRock]

1 hour ago, snakano said:

I too would suggest a caddie on Sheep. It still needs time to develop and have the rough help frame more of the fairways so there are a few spots where the course looks like a driving range, lots of green in front of you and a few flags dotting the landscape or the inverse where you have a blind second shot.

 

It's absolutely a special course and one I play every time I get down to Bandon.

Thank you for responding.  I appreciate it.

[RickRock]

4 hours ago, doc52 said:

 

I think a caddie for all courses at Bandon is beneficial, but would want one for my first round at Sheep Ranch since it's easy to get confused with the layout (even though it's an easier walk) and Trails.

Great.  Thanks for your input.

[RickRock]

3 hours ago, eboettne said:

 

Trails for the walk and Old Mac for the strategy IMO but I haven't played Sheep Ranch

Thanks for your thoughts.

[cradd10]

What is the most optimal time of year for Bandon 

[ND2005]

1 hour ago, cradd10 said:

What is the most optimal time of year for Bandon 

 

Weather is always variable no matter the time of year, but the "best" months in terms of average rainfall and temperatures are late june through mid september

[jvincent]

1 hour ago, cradd10 said:

What is the most optimal time of year for Bandon 

 

You have to define optimal.

 

IMHO, the best combination of weather/sunlight/pricing is April.

[eboettne]

1 hour ago, cradd10 said:

What is the most optimal time of year for Bandon 

Yes

[TreeHugger73]

On 12/28/2022 at 12:22 PM, eboettne said:

Yes

 

This is the only correct answer to the very open ended and nonspecific question that was asked. There is no bad time to go. 

[sniper]

I’m heading out in late mid/late April for my first trip. I’ve requested a caddie for all rounds, should I even bring my rangefinder?

[wtoomey]

9 hours ago, sniper said:

I’m heading out in late mid/late April for my first trip. I’ve requested a caddie for all rounds, should I even bring my rangefinder?

If you know you are only going to be playing rounds with a caddie, I wouldn’t. It’s extra weight they are not going to want to carry, and you chance it being damaged. However, if you think you might play the Preserve, Shortys, or an extra round on your own, then bring it. Leave it in the room when you have the caddie. 

[ND2005]

3 hours ago, wtoomey said:

If you know you are only going to be playing rounds with a caddie, I wouldn’t. It’s extra weight they are not going to want to carry, and you chance it being damaged. However, if you think you might play the Preserve, Shortys, or an extra round on your own, then bring it. Leave it in the room when you have the caddie. 

 

They don't exactly weigh a ton. 

 

I've still found it to come in handy sometimes especially if the caddie is doubling. If I'm way off from my playing partner's ball I'll grab a couple clubs and the rangefinder rather than make the caddie truck over there. 

 

I've also had trips where the caddie's rangefinder died. 

[jvincent]

18 hours ago, sniper said:

I’m heading out in late mid/late April for my first trip. I’ve requested a caddie for all rounds, should I even bring my rangefinder?

 

I don't generally use a caddie at Bandon  but on other courses where I have a caddie I still carry my Garmin GPS since you can get a good look at the hole and front/back distances. If you typically carry a phone with you there are plenty of golf GPS apps that you can use for this.

[richakn]

Any thoughts on staying off property? I'm trying to book for 2024 and am told they have limited accommodations for the time we want to go - I noticed some nice Air bnbs nearby. Anyone have experience staying offsite and have any feedback? 

 

I understand you can still book tee times pretty easily if you stay off property? 

 

Thanks

 

[Seamus_MacDuff]

30 minutes ago, richakn said:

Any thoughts on staying off property? I'm trying to book for 2024 and am told they have limited accommodations for the time we want to go - I noticed some nice Air bnbs nearby. Anyone have experience staying offsite and have any feedback? 

 

I understand you can still book tee times pretty easily if you stay off property? 

 

Thanks

 

I'd advise checking carefully with the resort before you commit to off-site lodging, as if you do stay off-site you can't book tee times prior to 10am and you'll be paying a $50/round premium over the resort guest rate.  I have stayed off-site during the winter months, and there are some decent AirBNBs not too far from the resort.  I'd always advise staying at the resort if at all possible, as it's just so much more convenient.  

 

Edited January 17, 2023 by Seamus_MacDuff