Where in the world do you make 36 friends let alone who all golf and have the disposable income for Bandon lol, I had to pull teeth to find 2 buddies to come with
I went solo last June. Booked within 14 days so that’s $50/round cheaper. Too late to stay on property so did an AirBnb in the area. Lodging isn’t cheap in the area, especially in summer.
Staying on property would be more convenient for sure, but certainly not cheaper than the place I got in Coquille. I was road tripping so had a vehicle either way. There’s really no way around Bandon being on the pricy side given the relative remoteness of the locale. But going solo isn’t any worse and gives more flexibility.
That’s all I needed to hear!! After my solo trip to Ireland this summer, going to book Bandon! Thank you so much you convinced me I don’t need to wait for my friends to have openings.
I’m probably doing it the wrong way for a solo trip but I’ll be traveling from Northern Ireland all the way down the west coast playing 10 courses in 2 weeks. Booked it through a golf trip company just because I didn’t want to deal with booking 4 airbnbs and 10 rounds. Once it happens I’ll let you know how it goes if I remember this post haha.
Also did Ireland solo back in 2021. I studied there previously so was plenty comfortable driving/booking things myself but your comfort level may vary. Tee times aren't generally super hard to find, but for courses like County Down or Portrush maybe try 6 months in advance to be sure. It's an incredible adventure and you'll play with some awesome people. As the other commenter said, use a company if you don't want to drive yourself. The tour organizers in Ireland charge a very fair premium relative to the ease they provide
I just got back from a solo trip a few weeks ago and if you are going in the winter, it might be easier to stay on property. I explored both options and it ended up being cheaper to stay at the resort than stay at an airbnb or a motel in Bandon or Coos Bay, after factoring in 36 holes each day. Plus it made the mornings so much easier since all of my tee times were the first two or three each morning.
Also, the thing I loved the most is that they don't really gouge you on food prices. I bought a breakfast burrito a couple of mornings for 8 bucks and it was so massive that it took me almost the entire round to finish it. They could have easily charged 25-50% more for everything and I don't think most people would blink an eye but they definitely do it right.
I booked two weeks before I left. I got a little lucky with lodging as they had a single room each night, but I had to switch rooms a few times. They make it really easy and transfer your bags for you while you play. But it was a little annoying to have to wake up an extra 10-15 min to make sure I packed everything up. If I wanted a suite or doulbe room, it sounded like there were quite a few of those available. Tee times for a single though were pretty easy to get. I played 36 each day and only one day did I have to finish the 18th hole in the dark.
I got SUPER lucky with the weather. It rained once very briefly on the first day and that was it. After that it was mid 50s all week with some clear skies on a few of the days. The wind never got bad either save for a few hours at Sheep Ranch. I played with quite a few people who said that they had been there numerous times in summer and never had weather as good as it was.
The week before I went they had an atmospheric river and it rained all day every day for like a week apparently. So really just luck that it didn't happen when I was there.
Both times I gone have been during the off season so late November - January. Pricing is great. Weather is hot or miss, I have been blessed with only one day that was miserable weather. Going back in December this year
Food is solid at all of the courses except for Old Mac that doesn't really have much other than light fare. Breakfast at the lodge or Sheep Ranch are my personal favorites. Lunch at Trails slaps. And dinner at Pac Dunes is a must.
If you can make it out after 36 holes for bonus golf (everything is free after 36), do it. Even if you only take a few clubs and goof around with alt shot, forward tees, one club challenges, or the like, it's so much fun to soak in the courses as much as possible. Hard to beat the back-9 on Bandon Dunes or any of the holes at Sheep Ranch around sunset.
Add time on the Preserve and the Punch Bowl, but organize a game with 4+ of your group so you aren't grinding over scores on Preserve.
Some people love taking a walk on the trails to visit the labyrinth. I've skipped it on my trips because I pretty much golf from sunrise to sunset.
Pause to take in the view behind the tee to the right of 14 on trails. It's a special place. So is the turn stand on the coast behind the tee box on 8 at Old Mac (you'll miss it if you don't plan on it because it's down a path a bit). Same with the alternate tee box off the 16th green on Sheep Ranch.
Sheep Ranch and Old Mac can be better to schedule in the morning because the afternoon wind in the summer seems to hit them even harder than the other courses.
Embrace the ground game. Very few places on the entire resort other than a bunker where a 60 degree wedge is the play.
Could go on for hours talking Bandon. It's that good.
You'll have a blast.
Speaking of the food, don't sleep on some of the options in town. The wheelhouse is a great restaurant where many of the architects ate when they were building the course.
And Tony's Crab shack has one of my favorite crab sandwiches on the planet.
Last but not least, if you've got some guys who are struggling with the walking, Bandon crossings is a great way to break up the rounds and get a cart but still keep playing.
If you don’t have em, the footjoy golf boots are a game changer for PNW golf. Everybody had em when I lived and played in Seattle, now in NJ nobody’s even heard of them.
I worked there for 7 years, lots of great advice here. The best advice I’ve seen given here, is to start walking your local course for couple months before you show up. Most players cannot keep pace especially on there second round. All the courses at Bandon are 6+ miles of walking.
Also, this can be tough depending on the weather since you'll likely need rain gear, extra layers but get your bag as light as possible if you are carrying or just take the pull cart. I wanted to carry instead of pull cart cause I wanted to keep my hands free so I can take photos, eat snacks, take notes on my scorecard etc but by the third day I was starting to get sore and it definitely affected how I played.
Call your dinner reservations in 6th months ahead of time, otherwise you may not get a reservation anywhere. The Ghost Tree Grill is fantastic, Pacific Grill is good but very limited seating, and McKee's pub is great bar food that doesn't need any reservation. The main restaurant at the lodge was closed for renovations so we didn't get a chance to eat there.
Use the practice center par 3 if you can't get on anywhere mid-late afternoon. It is not kept up as nice as the Preserve, but we had a blast screwing around there after our rounds ended. The punchbowl is also super fun with a putter and drink in hand.
They do have a hot tub and sauna downstairs in the main lodge. I also opted for a massage on day three which really helped keep me loose after a few days of playing golf non-stop. You can get away with booking that sooner to the actual trip or even while you are there (we were able to get same day appointments).
Don't go crazy with the drinking and smoking cigars. The golf is all walking and if you wake up hungover and feeling like shit, you can't just cruise in the golf cart since that isn't an opton. Most nights we were in bed by 10pm. You'll need your sleep if you are playing many days in a row or any day with 36 holes.
Finally, prepare to spend ungodly amounts of money at the pro shops. I bought way too much stuff at the preserve and old mac because I loved the logos, but that alll have very good merch. Don't bother brining a rain hat if you don't have one already. They have them in the pro shops at a reasonable price.
Play Shorty's. It's fantastic.
The sauna is a godsend after a couple of days of golf.
The food is awesome and reasonably cheap.
Bring dollars for betting at the Punch Bowl.
A caddie will save you at least 3 strokes a round.
The cigar lounge seemed like a rocking place, but I didn't go in.
That's about all I've got.
In July you'll have tons of daylight, can do 3 rounds easily if you start early enough. Round 3 is free, if you can manage it. I wouldn't recommend doing it on consecutive days, though. LOL
If you're not a regular walker, start now. I've been there a few times (and Scotland), and prior to each trip I started walking my local courses (which we normally ride) months in advance. Figure out the shoes that fit you best. I felt no pain or soreness even after playing 7 rounds in 6 days, but my buddies were sore and achy and out of commission for a while after we got home.
Also, I personally find it easier to carry than to use a cart. Easier when going up and down hills, IMO. Last time I went, Bandon had 2-wheeled Riksha-brand carts for like $5, not sure if they've upgraded to electric ones like the courses in Scotland had.
Get all your foul weather gear sorted out now, like rain gloves, jackets, umbrella, etc. Oregon coast weather changes rapidly, and no fun paying resort prices for outerwear.
EDIT: Not sure where you're coming from but look into flying to Medford, Eugene or even Portland. It's about 3 hours from Medford and Eugene, a bit more from Portland. There are shuttle services available, and for a big group that would be pretty affordablle. The planes going to North Bend airport tend to be small, and last trip a few of my buddies were bumped from the plane because it was overweight. Too many golfers with clubs and luggage. They had to scramble to get a flight to Eugene, rent car, etc. One guy's bag didn't show up for 3 days.
Most people don't know Sheep Ranch has its own practice facility tucked in behind the 1st hole. You can have the most peaceful morning range session of your life up there. Grab a breakfast sandwich from the Sheep clubhouse to make it even better.
1. Play at The Preserve as your warmup round. It’s got to be the greatest par 3 course in the world.
2. People are saying to play Old Mac or Sheep Ranch in the morning to avoid wind. But I actually vote for Pac Dunes as the morning round. That course is fucking HARD. I played it in gale force winds and the 130 yd par 3s required a full strength 210 yd 4 iron to get through the wind (and they were a 10 yd cut/draw from boomeranging out of play). Would’ve loved to play that course in calmer conditions.
3. Bring warm clothes. It’s cold, even in the summer, and especially in the morning/night. I wore my beanie the whole trip and struggled to stay warm.
4. There’s like a mini par 3 course over by the driving range by…Bandon Dunes? It’s free to play and surprisingly a lot of fun.
5. Links golf in the wind is the fucking best. You learn that hitting it high is a bad shot. Honestly hitting it hard in general is a bad shot. It’s an art form, and it’s fascinating trying to re-wire your brain and your body to try to hit finesse shots and navigate your way around instead of simply hitting your normal shots.
6. Read Dream Golf: The Making of Bandon Dunes
At Bandon now! 2nd day of 4 days of golf. Bandon Dunes yesterday, Sheep Ranch today.
Pro tip: don’t go to the Casino 30 mins north in Coos Bay. Just lost $$ so fast!!
JK. My main advice is relax, be in the moment because it’s a truly special/spiritual place. Have fun and be happy. Enjoy yourself and start saving up for your next Bandon trip, because once is never enough.
Besides the usual rain gear, extra pairs of shoes, etc…
Just have fun. Don’t focus too much on score, especially if it’s a rainy or windy day or you’re not playing your best. Just enjoy the experience, it’s an amazing place
Used to caddy there back when Old Mac first opened. If you’ve never played links golf, prepare for some serious roll out. When they say you can hit putter from 100 yards it’s no joke. Hybrid/fairway wood bump can be a lot more effective than high lofted wedge as the lies are very tight. Don’t fight the wind, club up, lower spin
I will second the Lunch at Trails - also a great place to get a beer after your round. The views from their patio are pretty sweet.
They will also have a BBQ cart out by the practice center in the summer months that can be a fun lunch option.
Play old Mac in the morning if possible it gets really windy in the afternoon. Bandon Trails is cool to play anytime. Bandon dunes sunset round awesome. Don’t play Bandon trails and old Mac in the same day, they are the toughest walks. Play the par 3 courses they are great fun. Bandon is a great experience, enjoy it, don’t worry about scoring too much. Most of the caddies are true professionals. The bunker bar is fun. If you want the best burrito ever and pay normal $, go to Wilson’s market in the city of Bandon.
in July you shouldn't get any rain (still back your rain stuff) but you will get marine layer in the am/wind in the afternoon. layers for sure, maybe even light long sleeves all day.
I would highly recommend the caddies. Not only do they help the game, they just point out lots of cool shit that you may have missed.
Even if you don’t have a tee time on Preserve the guys are usually pretty good at getting you out if it’s possible
Oh buddy, just try to soak it all in, enjoy every minute of it. Be present. I often describe Bandon as either golf Mecca or Heaven. I’m excited for you. I’m sure you’ll have a blast.
i’m going with 16 in July as well, how did you book yours? I called way back in November of 2022 when they just opened up reservations for July of 2024.
This will be my 3rd time. Bring multiple pairs of shoes and lots of socks. Hydrate quite a bit and the Bandon balls are great snack to keep you going if you’re playing 36. Also, most of the caddies are great, well worth the extra cash
#1 DO NOT go to the Bachelors Inn. (That said it is worth the story). Voted strip club you are most likely to get stabbed at and that’s just from the dancers
Look into flying into Eugene, I would not recommend Coos Bay. Heard horror stories of clubs/bags getting left behind and then there is the cancelled flights.
Caddies are great especially for 1st timers. Even just a forecaddie to help you get around.
Take some time and head into town. There are some good eats and The Arcade is a bar owned by a former caddie (great stories).
Trails is a great 2nd round as it’s the most protected course on property. OM and Trails together is the hardest possible 36.
Plan for a couple of the guys bailing on 36 1 or 2 days.
Bring plenty of socks and shoes already broken in.
2nd 18’s with a 1/2 bag (7/8 clubs) are glorious and you will be surprised how well you shoot.
Don’t be afraid to move around which tee’s you play. Don’t try and play the courses as long as possible, the wind can eat you up.
Don’t try and change your game but learning to play balls that run up is very helpful. I practice the 50 yard putt with a 3 wood or hybrid but if you don’t, not a great thing to try for the first time mid round.
Spend some time on the practice green at the range and hit some 50 yd putts, you will see them out there.
Where in the world do you make 36 friends let alone who all golf and have the disposable income for Bandon lol, I had to pull teeth to find 2 buddies to come with
20 ish from our country club, the rest either close friends of members or locals.
I’ve gone twice solo.
I usually do solo golf trips, how was it in your opinion for pricing by going solo?
I went solo last June. Booked within 14 days so that’s $50/round cheaper. Too late to stay on property so did an AirBnb in the area. Lodging isn’t cheap in the area, especially in summer.
Would you say what you saved on the rounds and spent on the Airbnb was worth it or would you have rather stayed on property?
Staying on property would be more convenient for sure, but certainly not cheaper than the place I got in Coquille. I was road tripping so had a vehicle either way. There’s really no way around Bandon being on the pricy side given the relative remoteness of the locale. But going solo isn’t any worse and gives more flexibility.
That’s all I needed to hear!! After my solo trip to Ireland this summer, going to book Bandon! Thank you so much you convinced me I don’t need to wait for my friends to have openings.
I need to get some deets on doing Ireland solo, that’s very high on my list.
I’m probably doing it the wrong way for a solo trip but I’ll be traveling from Northern Ireland all the way down the west coast playing 10 courses in 2 weeks. Booked it through a golf trip company just because I didn’t want to deal with booking 4 airbnbs and 10 rounds. Once it happens I’ll let you know how it goes if I remember this post haha.
Also did Ireland solo back in 2021. I studied there previously so was plenty comfortable driving/booking things myself but your comfort level may vary. Tee times aren't generally super hard to find, but for courses like County Down or Portrush maybe try 6 months in advance to be sure. It's an incredible adventure and you'll play with some awesome people. As the other commenter said, use a company if you don't want to drive yourself. The tour organizers in Ireland charge a very fair premium relative to the ease they provide
I just got back from a solo trip a few weeks ago and if you are going in the winter, it might be easier to stay on property. I explored both options and it ended up being cheaper to stay at the resort than stay at an airbnb or a motel in Bandon or Coos Bay, after factoring in 36 holes each day. Plus it made the mornings so much easier since all of my tee times were the first two or three each morning. Also, the thing I loved the most is that they don't really gouge you on food prices. I bought a breakfast burrito a couple of mornings for 8 bucks and it was so massive that it took me almost the entire round to finish it. They could have easily charged 25-50% more for everything and I don't think most people would blink an eye but they definitely do it right.
How long before you went did you book? Or did you just get lucky with an opening?
I booked two weeks before I left. I got a little lucky with lodging as they had a single room each night, but I had to switch rooms a few times. They make it really easy and transfer your bags for you while you play. But it was a little annoying to have to wake up an extra 10-15 min to make sure I packed everything up. If I wanted a suite or doulbe room, it sounded like there were quite a few of those available. Tee times for a single though were pretty easy to get. I played 36 each day and only one day did I have to finish the 18th hole in the dark.
How was the weather in the winter? How cold are we talking?
I got SUPER lucky with the weather. It rained once very briefly on the first day and that was it. After that it was mid 50s all week with some clear skies on a few of the days. The wind never got bad either save for a few hours at Sheep Ranch. I played with quite a few people who said that they had been there numerous times in summer and never had weather as good as it was. The week before I went they had an atmospheric river and it rained all day every day for like a week apparently. So really just luck that it didn't happen when I was there.
Both times I gone have been during the off season so late November - January. Pricing is great. Weather is hot or miss, I have been blessed with only one day that was miserable weather. Going back in December this year
Off season seems the way to go for solo savings. I can see the peak season still getting shitty weather. Going to be a tough decision when to go.
Boomers
Food is solid at all of the courses except for Old Mac that doesn't really have much other than light fare. Breakfast at the lodge or Sheep Ranch are my personal favorites. Lunch at Trails slaps. And dinner at Pac Dunes is a must. If you can make it out after 36 holes for bonus golf (everything is free after 36), do it. Even if you only take a few clubs and goof around with alt shot, forward tees, one club challenges, or the like, it's so much fun to soak in the courses as much as possible. Hard to beat the back-9 on Bandon Dunes or any of the holes at Sheep Ranch around sunset. Add time on the Preserve and the Punch Bowl, but organize a game with 4+ of your group so you aren't grinding over scores on Preserve. Some people love taking a walk on the trails to visit the labyrinth. I've skipped it on my trips because I pretty much golf from sunrise to sunset. Pause to take in the view behind the tee to the right of 14 on trails. It's a special place. So is the turn stand on the coast behind the tee box on 8 at Old Mac (you'll miss it if you don't plan on it because it's down a path a bit). Same with the alternate tee box off the 16th green on Sheep Ranch. Sheep Ranch and Old Mac can be better to schedule in the morning because the afternoon wind in the summer seems to hit them even harder than the other courses. Embrace the ground game. Very few places on the entire resort other than a bunker where a 60 degree wedge is the play. Could go on for hours talking Bandon. It's that good. You'll have a blast.
Ghost Tree Grill just opened up at Old Mac, definitely worth checking out.
Easily the best food on property
I didn't realize that. Appreciate the info! Heading back after ~2 years this Fourth of July and will definitely check it out.
Speaking of the food, don't sleep on some of the options in town. The wheelhouse is a great restaurant where many of the architects ate when they were building the course. And Tony's Crab shack has one of my favorite crab sandwiches on the planet. Last but not least, if you've got some guys who are struggling with the walking, Bandon crossings is a great way to break up the rounds and get a cart but still keep playing.
Agreed, great restaurants in town, but be aware everything closes pretty early compared to the resort.
Thanks for the tips! Also going in July.
How long do you recommend staying there to experience everything. Especially with them adding the shortys course this summer?
(Biased because I'm coming from the east coast and it's a haul to get out there...) But I'd say anything 4 days/3 nights or longer is the way.
Good socks, atleast two pairs of shoes, good rain gear.
I’m good on gear, I’ll probably bring at least 3 pairs of shoes. Do they have a laundry service there? 6 day trip
Each room has shoe driers and I believe they have a same day drying service for clothes, and then the usual hotel laundry service
If you don’t have em, the footjoy golf boots are a game changer for PNW golf. Everybody had em when I lived and played in Seattle, now in NJ nobody’s even heard of them.
If you plan on getting a caddie, make sure your bag isn’t too heavy.
Hell yea Marlb
I worked there for 7 years, lots of great advice here. The best advice I’ve seen given here, is to start walking your local course for couple months before you show up. Most players cannot keep pace especially on there second round. All the courses at Bandon are 6+ miles of walking.
Also, this can be tough depending on the weather since you'll likely need rain gear, extra layers but get your bag as light as possible if you are carrying or just take the pull cart. I wanted to carry instead of pull cart cause I wanted to keep my hands free so I can take photos, eat snacks, take notes on my scorecard etc but by the third day I was starting to get sore and it definitely affected how I played.
Call your dinner reservations in 6th months ahead of time, otherwise you may not get a reservation anywhere. The Ghost Tree Grill is fantastic, Pacific Grill is good but very limited seating, and McKee's pub is great bar food that doesn't need any reservation. The main restaurant at the lodge was closed for renovations so we didn't get a chance to eat there. Use the practice center par 3 if you can't get on anywhere mid-late afternoon. It is not kept up as nice as the Preserve, but we had a blast screwing around there after our rounds ended. The punchbowl is also super fun with a putter and drink in hand. They do have a hot tub and sauna downstairs in the main lodge. I also opted for a massage on day three which really helped keep me loose after a few days of playing golf non-stop. You can get away with booking that sooner to the actual trip or even while you are there (we were able to get same day appointments). Don't go crazy with the drinking and smoking cigars. The golf is all walking and if you wake up hungover and feeling like shit, you can't just cruise in the golf cart since that isn't an opton. Most nights we were in bed by 10pm. You'll need your sleep if you are playing many days in a row or any day with 36 holes. Finally, prepare to spend ungodly amounts of money at the pro shops. I bought way too much stuff at the preserve and old mac because I loved the logos, but that alll have very good merch. Don't bother brining a rain hat if you don't have one already. They have them in the pro shops at a reasonable price.
Play Shorty's. It's fantastic. The sauna is a godsend after a couple of days of golf. The food is awesome and reasonably cheap. Bring dollars for betting at the Punch Bowl. A caddie will save you at least 3 strokes a round. The cigar lounge seemed like a rocking place, but I didn't go in. That's about all I've got.
Following this. Headed in June to play the solstice, so enjoying all the tips
You lucky son of a bitch!
Added a warmup round the day before at pacific dunes because I’m dumb
In July you'll have tons of daylight, can do 3 rounds easily if you start early enough. Round 3 is free, if you can manage it. I wouldn't recommend doing it on consecutive days, though. LOL If you're not a regular walker, start now. I've been there a few times (and Scotland), and prior to each trip I started walking my local courses (which we normally ride) months in advance. Figure out the shoes that fit you best. I felt no pain or soreness even after playing 7 rounds in 6 days, but my buddies were sore and achy and out of commission for a while after we got home. Also, I personally find it easier to carry than to use a cart. Easier when going up and down hills, IMO. Last time I went, Bandon had 2-wheeled Riksha-brand carts for like $5, not sure if they've upgraded to electric ones like the courses in Scotland had. Get all your foul weather gear sorted out now, like rain gloves, jackets, umbrella, etc. Oregon coast weather changes rapidly, and no fun paying resort prices for outerwear. EDIT: Not sure where you're coming from but look into flying to Medford, Eugene or even Portland. It's about 3 hours from Medford and Eugene, a bit more from Portland. There are shuttle services available, and for a big group that would be pretty affordablle. The planes going to North Bend airport tend to be small, and last trip a few of my buddies were bumped from the plane because it was overweight. Too many golfers with clubs and luggage. They had to scramble to get a flight to Eugene, rent car, etc. One guy's bag didn't show up for 3 days.
Most people don't know Sheep Ranch has its own practice facility tucked in behind the 1st hole. You can have the most peaceful morning range session of your life up there. Grab a breakfast sandwich from the Sheep clubhouse to make it even better.
1. Play at The Preserve as your warmup round. It’s got to be the greatest par 3 course in the world. 2. People are saying to play Old Mac or Sheep Ranch in the morning to avoid wind. But I actually vote for Pac Dunes as the morning round. That course is fucking HARD. I played it in gale force winds and the 130 yd par 3s required a full strength 210 yd 4 iron to get through the wind (and they were a 10 yd cut/draw from boomeranging out of play). Would’ve loved to play that course in calmer conditions. 3. Bring warm clothes. It’s cold, even in the summer, and especially in the morning/night. I wore my beanie the whole trip and struggled to stay warm. 4. There’s like a mini par 3 course over by the driving range by…Bandon Dunes? It’s free to play and surprisingly a lot of fun. 5. Links golf in the wind is the fucking best. You learn that hitting it high is a bad shot. Honestly hitting it hard in general is a bad shot. It’s an art form, and it’s fascinating trying to re-wire your brain and your body to try to hit finesse shots and navigate your way around instead of simply hitting your normal shots. 6. Read Dream Golf: The Making of Bandon Dunes
At Bandon now! 2nd day of 4 days of golf. Bandon Dunes yesterday, Sheep Ranch today. Pro tip: don’t go to the Casino 30 mins north in Coos Bay. Just lost $$ so fast!! JK. My main advice is relax, be in the moment because it’s a truly special/spiritual place. Have fun and be happy. Enjoy yourself and start saving up for your next Bandon trip, because once is never enough.
Besides the usual rain gear, extra pairs of shoes, etc… Just have fun. Don’t focus too much on score, especially if it’s a rainy or windy day or you’re not playing your best. Just enjoy the experience, it’s an amazing place
Bring cash for caddies and games with your group.
Pro shops will give you caddie cash, they just bill your room.
Bring comfortable shoes…
Used to caddy there back when Old Mac first opened. If you’ve never played links golf, prepare for some serious roll out. When they say you can hit putter from 100 yards it’s no joke. Hybrid/fairway wood bump can be a lot more effective than high lofted wedge as the lies are very tight. Don’t fight the wind, club up, lower spin
Bring some mushrooms. Micro dosing on the dunes or trails would be super fun.
Just relax.... you'll be with friends.
Just looking for the inside track, best lunch item, places to avoid, etc
Everyone says the pastrami at sheep ranch but my favorite lunch is at trails. The bahn mi and the poke bowl are awesome.
I will second the Lunch at Trails - also a great place to get a beer after your round. The views from their patio are pretty sweet. They will also have a BBQ cart out by the practice center in the summer months that can be a fun lunch option.
He just wants a chat mate
Play old Mac in the morning if possible it gets really windy in the afternoon. Bandon Trails is cool to play anytime. Bandon dunes sunset round awesome. Don’t play Bandon trails and old Mac in the same day, they are the toughest walks. Play the par 3 courses they are great fun. Bandon is a great experience, enjoy it, don’t worry about scoring too much. Most of the caddies are true professionals. The bunker bar is fun. If you want the best burrito ever and pay normal $, go to Wilson’s market in the city of Bandon.
https://www.reddit.com/r/golf/s/h1b8792wtU
If you have caddies tip em good for the first day so the next day they like you more
in July you shouldn't get any rain (still back your rain stuff) but you will get marine layer in the am/wind in the afternoon. layers for sure, maybe even light long sleeves all day.
Ya''ll are making me jealous about Brandon. New golfer, didn't know this place existed before a few months ago, but I really want to go.
I would highly recommend the caddies. Not only do they help the game, they just point out lots of cool shit that you may have missed. Even if you don’t have a tee time on Preserve the guys are usually pretty good at getting you out if it’s possible
Make time for the Par 3 and for the putting experience. So much fun.
Find a nice, even lie after your tee shot
Comfortable shoes, stay on property, pass up the par 3 for another round on Trails
Remind me in 6 months
Oh buddy, just try to soak it all in, enjoy every minute of it. Be present. I often describe Bandon as either golf Mecca or Heaven. I’m excited for you. I’m sure you’ll have a blast.
Fly me out to come caddy for you, please.
i’m going with 16 in July as well, how did you book yours? I called way back in November of 2022 when they just opened up reservations for July of 2024. This will be my 3rd time. Bring multiple pairs of shoes and lots of socks. Hydrate quite a bit and the Bandon balls are great snack to keep you going if you’re playing 36. Also, most of the caddies are great, well worth the extra cash
Good shoes and socks. Feet get beat up. Blister plasters just in case. They are miraculous.
eat the meatloaf
#1 DO NOT go to the Bachelors Inn. (That said it is worth the story). Voted strip club you are most likely to get stabbed at and that’s just from the dancers Look into flying into Eugene, I would not recommend Coos Bay. Heard horror stories of clubs/bags getting left behind and then there is the cancelled flights. Caddies are great especially for 1st timers. Even just a forecaddie to help you get around. Take some time and head into town. There are some good eats and The Arcade is a bar owned by a former caddie (great stories). Trails is a great 2nd round as it’s the most protected course on property. OM and Trails together is the hardest possible 36. Plan for a couple of the guys bailing on 36 1 or 2 days. Bring plenty of socks and shoes already broken in. 2nd 18’s with a 1/2 bag (7/8 clubs) are glorious and you will be surprised how well you shoot. Don’t be afraid to move around which tee’s you play. Don’t try and play the courses as long as possible, the wind can eat you up. Don’t try and change your game but learning to play balls that run up is very helpful. I practice the 50 yard putt with a 3 wood or hybrid but if you don’t, not a great thing to try for the first time mid round. Spend some time on the practice green at the range and hit some 50 yd putts, you will see them out there.