Non-golfers may have never heard of Bandon, Oregon, but you can be assured that dyed in the wool golfers know this small seaside town as the home to one of the greatest golf resorts in the world. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort opened the Bandon Dunes Golf Course in 1999 which was quickly joined by Pacific Dunes in 2001, Bandon Trails in 2005 and then Old Macdonald in 2010. In 2012 a nifty little 13 hole par 3 course called Bandon Preserve opened for play which completes the current course lineup at the resort.
There are many things that make Bandon Dunes special and the golf courses are the first and foremost. Now, keep in mind that these aren’t just ordinary golf courses . . . these are links golf courses. Not only are these courses some of the very few AUTHENTIC links courses found in North America, but they have also been rated as some of the top golf courses in the U.S. and the world by several golf publications. The 2011 Golf Digest America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses lists three of the four courses (Pacific Dunes #15, Bandon Dunes #28, and Bandon Trails #63), and Old Macdonald will likely join the list in the near future. Golf Digest also rated Bandon Dunes Golf Resort at #1 on the 2011 Top 75 Golf Resorts in North America. In 2012 Golf Magazine ranked all four courses in the Top 15 on the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list. This is certainly high praise from the golf media.
With the availability of these top rated golf courses Bandon Dunes should be on the very short list of destinations for any serious golf traveler. Here at TheItinerantGolfer.com, readers will find answers to all the frequently asked questions about planning the trip of a lifetime to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Just click the questions highlighted in blue below for all the information needed to plan your Bandon Dunes golf vacation.
When do I need to start planning and making reservations for my Bandon Dunes golf vacation?
When is the best time to visit Bandon Dunes?
Where is the best place to stay when visiting Bandon Dunes?
How many holes should I play each day?
Are there practice facilities at Bandon Dunes?
Which course (or courses) should I play?
What order should I play the courses?
What exactly should I pack for a trip to Bandon Dunes?
Is there anything to do besides golf?
Do I have to walk at Bandon Dunes?
What’s the story with caddies?
What’s the story with the Bandon Dunes bird logo?
What should I expect from the whole Bandon Dunes experience?
i just recently finished ‘Dream Golf’ (great book, a Xmas gift from 2 years ago..)about the creation of that spectacular layout. what a project! it is high on my list to play but i hear it is just so dang expensive and hard to get to that other destinations just seem more desirable. is it truly worth it?
I found it to be absolutely worth it. In my opinion its the best golf resort destination in the U.S.
If you truly love golf, it is worth it without a second thought or hesitation.
Great job on the tips Steve. Hands down Bandon is the best golf resort in the US and well worth the extra effort, time, and cost to get there… as they say, that’s part of your Bandon story. I can’t wait to get back!
For those on the east coast of the U.S. or looking for a warm weather venue..Streamsong Resort a new 36 home Doak/Coore-Crenshaw golf destination reachable from Tampa or Orlando looks awesome. Cabot Links/Highland Links in Nova Scotia are not to be missed either
I invite you to review my series of Postcards From Bandon for a bit of insight into this place as well as reviews of the courses.
http://moegolf.net/2012/08/19/postcard-from-bandon-dunes-day-1/
Moe Dweck
Hi,
I love this guide it has helped me SOOOOOOOOOO much for what to do at Bandon. I am going on the 26th-31st and I can’t stop thinking about it. I have head that they have an 18 hole pitch and putt course. Do you know if this is true?
Thanks,
JJ
Glad you’ve found this guide useful! There is the new 13 hole par 3 course called Bandon Preserve, but I don’t know of an 18 hole pitch and putt. At one point there was a pitch and putt course that was part of the practice facility, but I don’t know if it is still in existence. You can call the resort and ask to get more details on it. Have fun on your trip!!!!
Ok, thank you! Do you think that since I am probably not going to get 36 holes in (due to sunlight)would it be a waste of $40.00 to just play 9 holes? (Or however much I can)
Thank you so much for your help!!!
-Jacob
I’m of the opinion that you should maximize as much golf as you can while you are there. If that means 9 holes instead of 18 that is still better than twiddling your thumbs in the clubhouse . . . at least that is my opinion.
2 more days till Bandon!!!! The 14 hour drive awaits! Getting rain for 2 days and sun the rest. I can’t stop thinking about it!!!
Awesome!!! Have fun and be safe!!!!