There are some resorts where simply hearing the name sparks a sense of wanting to visit there immediately, and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is one of those places. We constantly hear from golfers asking about information on this resort, and rightfully so as this golfer’s paradise has been one of the “must visit” destinations for visitors since it first opened, and it only continues to get better with the most recent addition of the Sheep Ranch and the development of a sixth 18-hole course that hit the rumor mill in the middle of 2021.
It’s one of the game’s special places in the world, and often when a group reaches out to us about Bandon Dunes it is because they want to understand how to maximize their experience during their trip. The one thing that can be difficult about a visit here is that it is located on the southern coast of Oregon, and it does tend to require some time and effort to get here.
Frankly, we think that adds to the allure of the resort and if you really take the time to think about it, the only way to create a destination as special as this is to go off the beaten path and find a remote location where developers haven’t already taken over in previous years.
Trust us, one look over the cliffs with the ocean in the background here on these links-style treasures and you’ll know the journey was worth it.
(top) Pacific Dunes and (above) Sheep Ranch
Bandon Dunes: Building your trip itinerary
The golf at Bandon Dunes is exceptional, and with five 18-hole golf courses, a 13-hole short course, a putting course, and a practice facility with a nine-hole par-3 practice course, there is no shortage of bucket-list golf available to you during your stay.
The first thing we suggest for anybody planning their first visit is to take the appropriate time to play all 18-hole courses (Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Sheep Ranch, and Old Macdonald) and the 13-hole short course (Bandon Preserve).
Now that you’ve laid that out, the next part of the trip becomes when do you go. This obviously all comes down to the schedules for your crew, but one thing that certainly surprised us during previous visits is that the course can be quite playable even in December and January, and you’d be shocked at how much value is available during your visit in these cooler months. It is a bit of a roll of the dice as it can be quite cool then, but then again, you’ll be able to play the same courses for $110 for Resort Guests in January or December 2023 that other golfers are paying $350 to play in the peak season of July-September of 2023. One very important note here though: $350 in peak season is more than totally worth it, and if you tack on a replay round and play 36 holes that day at $175 your average rate gets even lower and the level of value is absolutely through the roof!
Speaking of replay rounds and 36-hole days, another important feature of the summer golf itinerary versus the wintertime is that you are likely to max out at 18 holes per day. Your group will definitely have to prioritize these benefits when picking your dates.
When it comes to lodging at Bandon Dunes, you really can’t go wrong with any of the accommodations. There are lots of different offerings of rooms here, but everything is reasonably priced especially considering you are at one of the best golf experiences in the United States. Once again, this all boils down to your group preferences but there are ample pricing options near the $200 per person/per night price point even in peak season and if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to spend every waking moment possible here on the course, not in your room.
The last suggestion we’d make is to go ahead and book some dining reservations when you lock in your trip. Bandon Dunes is extremely busy, and bookings are getting further and further in advance here, and the last thing you’ll want after a day of 20,000+ steps and walking two courses is to not have a place to eat that evening.
Old MacDonald
Packing appropriately for Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon Dunes is in southern Oregon along the coast and the resort sees anything from an average low temperature of 39 degrees (January and December) to an average high of 68 degrees in peak season according to usclimatedata.com. That may sound a little cold in peak season, but we’ve always found it to be quite comfortable during that time of the year.
Packing appropriately and making sure you have clothes that are both comfortable to swing in and warm is of the utmost importance, and the team at FootJoy has created the ThermoSeries line to help you layer up accordingly so that you can adjust to the playing conditions of the day throughout your round. For example, at Bandon Dunes you’ll find yourself playing a series of holes along the ocean on most of the courses onsite. As you can imagine, those breezes tend to stiffen up a bit the closer you get to the Pacific. FootJoy has you covered as you can easily slide on or off a layer to adjust accordingly.
FootJoy has created the following lineup for you to pick and choose from for your optimal look and feel to make every day playable during your visit to Bandon Dunes (click on any hyperlink or image for full specs on each item):
ThermoSeries Base Layer: This form-fitting base layer can serve as your first line of defense against the elements, and the raglan sleeve design allows for your swing to remain free while giving you a solid base to protect your arms underneath your polo shirt.
ThermoSeries Mid-Layer: The half-zip construction on the ThermoSeries Mid-Layer makes it easy to slide on or off during your round, and one of our favorite features of this line are the engineered cuffs that maintain a fit performance so that the structure of the product continues to perform even after continual use.
ThermoSeries Vest: The perfect complement to your layered up look, this vest will focus on keeping your midsection warm and protected as the conditions get cooler. A favorite of many golfers so that they can keep their arms free for their swing, this vest also features a stretch panel on the back for improved mobility and side seam pockets to keep your hands warm in between shots.
ThermoSeries Hybrid Jacket: Much like the ThermoSeries Vest, the ThermoSeries Hybrid Jacket utilizes a woven shell materials that offers a 4-way stretch to increase the ease of movement for golfers. The additional sleeve layer gives you the ultimate protection from the cold.
ThermoSeries Pants: We’ve talked all about the top of the body, but let’s not forget the other half needs some love too. The ThermoSeries Pants keep your legs warm all in a lightweight, 4-way stretch fabric that features a stretch waistband (perfect for those who partake in the famous Grandma’s meatloaf from McKee’s Pub) and a durable water repellent finish in case the weather turns a little wet during one of your rounds along the coastline.
This layered approach to your wardrobe will pay dividends for you during your visit to Bandon Dunes, and you’ll be glad you threw in that last layer of defense should the temperature decide to drop a few degrees mid-round on you which is known to happen along the Oregon coastline.
Recommendation
It goes without saying that if you and your group are considering a trip to Bandon Dunes, you are in store for a trip that you won’t soon forget. We find that many of our groups end up going back to the resort every so often especially since they continue to invest in new and exciting courses over the years, and one of our favorite things to do is eavesdrop on groups at the end of a trip and listen to the debates of which course was their favorite. It’s usually a spirited debate, and the most important lesson from that is that you know it’s a special resort when every player has a different take on their favorite rotation of courses.
No matter when you plan to go, be sure to pack accordingly as staying warm and comfortable during your round will certainly enhance the overall experience for you and the team at FootJoy has you covered with their latest offerings from the ThermoSeries lineup.
Enjoy your visit, and we hope you’re able to experience all the great golf that Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has to offer.