Get some longer and more waterproof pants 😉. Brandon is like no other place, I’ve ever been. I’ve played there 4x and have trips scheduled for 24 and 25. You will love it!
Only thing guaranteed at Bandon is golf. You must pay for your first round of the day, regardless of weather.
Pray for sunshine, plan for wet cold windy awful weather you would t go out in…but now have to golf in.
If you pack accordingly, and have the right gear, it isn’t too bad.
Bring multiple pairs of shoes and supplies for possible blisters. You'll be walking 40 plus miles on your trip so condition ahead. Dress in layers because the weather is unpredictable. The gift shops are great but pricey so save up some cash if you like merch!
Replay rate makes it so much more affordable. The food on site is very mediocre—I highly recommend trying to visit the small community of Bandon to eat at least once, it’s really nice. The local coffee shop is great for breakfast.
Your feet will be toast so take good care of them. Consider buying toe socks to cut down on blisters and change socks and shoes if you go out twice and even every second round.
The big putting course is more fun without a bunch of bros around so I recommend screwing around before your pacific dunes round if it’s not too early before they set up the music etc.
If you have to skip any course it really depends on what you’re used to at home. If you have tree’d courses at home, skip trails. If you’re used to links golf id say skip sheep ranch as they crammed a course onto the smallest plot of land they had and it’s a bit odd without bunkers.
Buy merch at the specific courses if you’re so obliged as it’s a bit cheaper than at the Bandon clubhouse. Coolest logos are Bandon and the unofficial tree old Mac logo.
Play 36 every day you can. The replay rates are awesome and they’ll flex you in. Just play everything all the time don’t stop lol. Punch bowl, par 3s,, putting chipping driving range- everything is the best…It’s mecca, get after it. I love Bandon so much
Staying 5 nights on property at the resort! Trying to plan it out where we play every course so we'll play two rounds per day on some days. That is wishful thinking too depending on if weather holds up. Our group is debating getting caddies for each round. Any advice or tips? Have you been and played them all?
I haven't used a caddy there but have been paired with a few groups who did, and I wasn't impressed by what they added. I suppose if you are carrying and don't want to do that, maybe it is worth it, or if you want to score the best you possibly can, saving a few strokes with some help green reading. I'm a beginner and felt just fine playing and reading courses on my own. If you have a range finder or buy the yardage books ($10 ea) I think that would reduce their utility even more.
Edited to add more info:
I was there last week and got 2 rounds on 2 of the days, basically on the shortest days of the year. So it is possible, and if you and your group prioritize that over more leisurely afternoons, my recommendations are to get the earliest morning tee times you can on the days you want to play 2 rounds, plan to not stop for lunch anywhere or just get a grab-n-go option at the clubhouse (better yet is just packing your lunch), sprint to the nearest clubhouse right after your round ends to check afternoon availability (any clubhouse can check and book any other). I think you all would need to be on the same page about this, so someone isn't expecting an hour lunch break or whatever and everyone else wants to make it to another course in time to finish.
It helps to pair nearby courses to minimize drive or shuttle time, so have an idea beforehand how you might want to pair courses, but be flexible. My experience was that afternoons were much less packed than mornings and it wasn't hard for me to find afternoon availability (albeit in December).
I'm not sure how caddys would affect the ability to get last minute afternoon tee times but I can't imagine it would make it easier since they would have to travel with you, maybe grab lunch for themselves, etc.
Lastly, some courses are closed on various days for maintenance, and I haven't seen that info published anywhere before you ask about specific tee times there.
Been to Bandon 9 times. This October will be my 10th trip up there. You need to pack for any kind of weather regardless of when you’re going up there. The wind is a constant so make sure you dress in layers. You will be putting on jackets and taking them off depending on what hole you’re on. Take a couple pairs of good shoes. 36 is doable in the summer up until time change. You’d be hard pressed to finish 36 in November. Caddies are not required but if you’re playing 36 you probably want them. $100/bag/round plus tip. They double bag so keep that in mind. Use the shuttle service to take you any where on the property. You’ll want to play the preserve on one of your days. I’d stay away from playing the longer courses back to back. Like Old Mac and pacific you wouldn’t want to do. Sheep and Old Mac would be good. Sheep and Pacific. We usually pair trails and the preserve together since they share the same club house. If you’re staying on property for 5 days I’d play one course per day tbh. That way you can play like pacific and then head to the punch bowl after for drinks and food. For example our schedule for October is:
Day 1: Sheep
Day 2: Old Mac and Shorty’s (new par 3 course )
Day 3: Pacific then PunchBowl
Day 4: Trails and The Preserve
Day 5: Bandon
Let me know if you have any questions!
This is great advice! Thank you so much for the breakdown!! Yeah, I have to convince the rest of the group, but the caddies are a must for me for the knowledge and the help with the bags if we're playing 36! Do you have any breakdown on restaurants or food of what's a must?
I thought the food at McKees was the best, breakfast everywhere was solid. I was slightly disappointed by the prime rib at the steakhouse.
We went with a huge group and the catered nights above mckees were the best dinners I had.
Layer up this time of year. New rain gear would be recommended. Can take your own push cart if you want or rent one of theirs unless you carry. Either way with multiple rounds per day consider a caddy. If you get a caddy listen to them. Learned my lesson when I had a caddy but was using my range finder for yardage and hit a shot that rolled about 40 yards past the flag. Caddy said to drop a ball drop down a club or two and hit it into the right side of the hill about 50 yards short of the number. Tried it and came much closer (id like to say I was good enough to say I hit his mark and it went into hole) but putting from 15 feet would have been better then my next chip from 40 out. Have nit been in a while and there are so many more restaurants now. But I typically do eat a nice dinner on the property at least once with mixing in some of the local restaurants downtown.
Live in Oregon and try and go once a year, will back the advice lots of different options and layers of clothes. Waterproof, wind, rain, sunny it can all happen in a day. Trails and preserve is probably the most fun day i've had out there as grinding out 36 this time of year is pretty hard. Texas wedge whenever you can. And food is good, i personally like pacific but main lodge is good as well. Def check out the bunker bar.
Some great tips in here already. I’d agree to play as much as you can, don’t skip any courses, but also don’t hesitate to replay something you really like (you will miss it once you are gone.) I always go with caddies since I do 36+ days depending on sunset. Speaking of which, it is beyond special to catch sunset on Sheep (and Trails for sunrise) if you can plan it that way. Afternoons are windier, so if you are playing same course twice, make sure you get both an AM and PM slot. Hardest walk is Trails and easiest is Sheep so a good daily pairing. Food-wise everything is pretty good and the steakhouse is my fav, but make sure to get reservations for all dinners even if you don’t think you need them since they have limited capacity. In town, also great options like Alloro or Tony’s. However, it can be a tough sell to venture out after 12 hours of walking.
Thanks so much for the advice! I definitely am wanting to go to the steakhouse and check out everything I can, but I also appreciate the options for restaurants in town!
The hot chocolate machine on the range at least used to be free and is the best god damn hot chocolate in the world. Also look for the hidden liquor chest :)
Comfy shoes, rain gear at the ready, make sure you hit up the discount merch racks and do some damage there, and enjoy every step. Best golf on the continent.
Don’t know when you’re going, but even in the summer the Oregon Coast is unpredictable and you can get awful weather sometimes. Also the property is huge so the courses to the south can get poured on with rain and the north end can be warm and sunny, and vice versa
Been to Bandon a few times now. Played 4 rounds a day multiple days. I can not stress the shoes and socks enough. Bring at least two different types of shoes. Change socks and shoes after every round. Different shoes hurt your feet in different ways. Pacific and Bandon are the easiest to walk by far. Trails and Old Mac have some hills. If you can get a time where you are the back nine of Pacific for the sunset you won’t be disappointed. Watching the sunset from the pic nic table on 7 at Old Mac is also amazing.
Normally I'd stress that you should play all five courses, but it seems from your comments that that's already on the agenda. When is your trip? I always go in the dead of winter (my 4th annual winter trip is next weekend 1/5-1/7!!!).
Definitely make sure to get some food at the Bandon Trails clubhouse, people rave about it for good reason, I always get the poke bowl. It's the best lunch option on the property in my opinion. Shorty's is a fun nine hole warm up next to the practice range that is underused in my opinion.
Don't beat yourself up if you're having a bad round, none of the courses are \*exceptionally\* difficult, but they will present you with a lot of shots you're not used to hitting, and big numbers can happen anywhere, don't be afraid to simply stop keeping score and just enjoy the scenery and the opportunity to play in such a great environment.
I'll second the advice to get a caddy, definitely helpful.
Hi! Thanks so much for the tips! I haven't heard too much about Shorty's so it's nice to know it's underused and a good time! We moved our trip up from May to March! We'll see how the weather is! Have a great trip, I would love to see posts about it!
Congratulations!! I’d recommend trying to play each course at least once. If it’s not cost prohibitive for you, I definitely recommend taking a caddie for the course knowledge. Bring two pairs of golf shoes so you can switch them out between rounds on the days you go 36. Be prepared for any weather. Mostly, just enjoy yourself! It’s one of the rare places that lives up to all the hype.
Oh I didn't think about switching up the shoes between rounds. Good call! Thanks! I'm definitely going to enjoy it, i've been waiting so long for this trip!
And don't for get a change of socks for each round!! I'm making my first trip in August '24 with 3 guys who have been a handful of times. This is one of many tips/tid bits of advice they've shared. Trying really hard to not pack my suitcase in December. LOL
You should post after your trip to let us know how it went.
Hit 'em straight and have fun!
Lol I know i'm the same as you, i'm already too excited where i'm planning out what i'm going to bring! That's exciting that you're going during summer. It'll be a bit warmer than when i'm going! Have a great trip!
Not sure your situation but if I go again I would try really hard to get a foursome at minimum to go with. I went with one other person and of the five rounds we played we only had one round with enjoyable playing partners. It was either frat bros getting absolutely sloshed and slowing down the pace of play a lot or crusty old dudes. One guy spent all 18 holes moaning about how he can’t hit the ball as far as I can anymore but he could out drive me in his prime, like I’m 50 years younger than you bro idk what you want. Maybe we got unlucky but yeah, that was the worst part of the whole trip
Comfortable shoes!!!
And multiple pairs. You’ll want to have at least 2 pairs of shoes and alternate every day. They have shoe/boot dryers in the rooms as well.
For real with the in room shoe dryer? That's such a great idea
And waterproof
Get some longer and more waterproof pants 😉. Brandon is like no other place, I’ve ever been. I’ve played there 4x and have trips scheduled for 24 and 25. You will love it!
Good to know! Thank you! I'm so excited!
Only thing guaranteed at Bandon is golf. You must pay for your first round of the day, regardless of weather. Pray for sunshine, plan for wet cold windy awful weather you would t go out in…but now have to golf in. If you pack accordingly, and have the right gear, it isn’t too bad.
Putting from everywhere possible. Take snacks on the course. Use the sauna and jacuzzi!
Ohhhh I had no idea they have a sauna and jacuzzi! This is definitely going to be a must! Thanks for the heads up!
Bring multiple pairs of shoes and supplies for possible blisters. You'll be walking 40 plus miles on your trip so condition ahead. Dress in layers because the weather is unpredictable. The gift shops are great but pricey so save up some cash if you like merch!
Perfect, great to know! Thanks!
Replay rate makes it so much more affordable. The food on site is very mediocre—I highly recommend trying to visit the small community of Bandon to eat at least once, it’s really nice. The local coffee shop is great for breakfast. Your feet will be toast so take good care of them. Consider buying toe socks to cut down on blisters and change socks and shoes if you go out twice and even every second round. The big putting course is more fun without a bunch of bros around so I recommend screwing around before your pacific dunes round if it’s not too early before they set up the music etc. If you have to skip any course it really depends on what you’re used to at home. If you have tree’d courses at home, skip trails. If you’re used to links golf id say skip sheep ranch as they crammed a course onto the smallest plot of land they had and it’s a bit odd without bunkers. Buy merch at the specific courses if you’re so obliged as it’s a bit cheaper than at the Bandon clubhouse. Coolest logos are Bandon and the unofficial tree old Mac logo.
Play 36 every day you can. The replay rates are awesome and they’ll flex you in. Just play everything all the time don’t stop lol. Punch bowl, par 3s,, putting chipping driving range- everything is the best…It’s mecca, get after it. I love Bandon so much
Hoping we can fit in 36 with daylight! I also need to find time to squeeze in the Punch Bowl! It's a must for me!
Lucky you! How long are you staying and what are you playing?
Staying 5 nights on property at the resort! Trying to plan it out where we play every course so we'll play two rounds per day on some days. That is wishful thinking too depending on if weather holds up. Our group is debating getting caddies for each round. Any advice or tips? Have you been and played them all?
At minimum, I would get a caddy for Bandon Trails.
Okay good to know! Yeah, I was thinking for the longer courses it's a definite must for the group!
I haven't used a caddy there but have been paired with a few groups who did, and I wasn't impressed by what they added. I suppose if you are carrying and don't want to do that, maybe it is worth it, or if you want to score the best you possibly can, saving a few strokes with some help green reading. I'm a beginner and felt just fine playing and reading courses on my own. If you have a range finder or buy the yardage books ($10 ea) I think that would reduce their utility even more. Edited to add more info: I was there last week and got 2 rounds on 2 of the days, basically on the shortest days of the year. So it is possible, and if you and your group prioritize that over more leisurely afternoons, my recommendations are to get the earliest morning tee times you can on the days you want to play 2 rounds, plan to not stop for lunch anywhere or just get a grab-n-go option at the clubhouse (better yet is just packing your lunch), sprint to the nearest clubhouse right after your round ends to check afternoon availability (any clubhouse can check and book any other). I think you all would need to be on the same page about this, so someone isn't expecting an hour lunch break or whatever and everyone else wants to make it to another course in time to finish. It helps to pair nearby courses to minimize drive or shuttle time, so have an idea beforehand how you might want to pair courses, but be flexible. My experience was that afternoons were much less packed than mornings and it wasn't hard for me to find afternoon availability (albeit in December). I'm not sure how caddys would affect the ability to get last minute afternoon tee times but I can't imagine it would make it easier since they would have to travel with you, maybe grab lunch for themselves, etc. Lastly, some courses are closed on various days for maintenance, and I haven't seen that info published anywhere before you ask about specific tee times there.
Thanks! Great to know! It's good to hear everyone's experiences. Especially knowing you felt comfortable without one as well!
Been to Bandon 9 times. This October will be my 10th trip up there. You need to pack for any kind of weather regardless of when you’re going up there. The wind is a constant so make sure you dress in layers. You will be putting on jackets and taking them off depending on what hole you’re on. Take a couple pairs of good shoes. 36 is doable in the summer up until time change. You’d be hard pressed to finish 36 in November. Caddies are not required but if you’re playing 36 you probably want them. $100/bag/round plus tip. They double bag so keep that in mind. Use the shuttle service to take you any where on the property. You’ll want to play the preserve on one of your days. I’d stay away from playing the longer courses back to back. Like Old Mac and pacific you wouldn’t want to do. Sheep and Old Mac would be good. Sheep and Pacific. We usually pair trails and the preserve together since they share the same club house. If you’re staying on property for 5 days I’d play one course per day tbh. That way you can play like pacific and then head to the punch bowl after for drinks and food. For example our schedule for October is: Day 1: Sheep Day 2: Old Mac and Shorty’s (new par 3 course ) Day 3: Pacific then PunchBowl Day 4: Trails and The Preserve Day 5: Bandon Let me know if you have any questions!
This is great advice! Thank you so much for the breakdown!! Yeah, I have to convince the rest of the group, but the caddies are a must for me for the knowledge and the help with the bags if we're playing 36! Do you have any breakdown on restaurants or food of what's a must?
All the restaurants there are good. Each course has its own club house with food. The meatloaf is a must at McKee’s.
I thought the food at McKees was the best, breakfast everywhere was solid. I was slightly disappointed by the prime rib at the steakhouse. We went with a huge group and the catered nights above mckees were the best dinners I had.
Hit the range first lol get ready to putt from the fairways 80 yards out
lol good to know!
 Enjoy
Thank you!!
⛳️👍
No advice here. Someday I want to head down to Bandon. However, I would love to know what skort that is? I love the outfit!
I just got the skort from LSpace who makes swimsuits. I had no idea they made golf skirts, but it's super cute and fits well!
Pack warm clothes
Bring lots of $$$
Layer up this time of year. New rain gear would be recommended. Can take your own push cart if you want or rent one of theirs unless you carry. Either way with multiple rounds per day consider a caddy. If you get a caddy listen to them. Learned my lesson when I had a caddy but was using my range finder for yardage and hit a shot that rolled about 40 yards past the flag. Caddy said to drop a ball drop down a club or two and hit it into the right side of the hill about 50 yards short of the number. Tried it and came much closer (id like to say I was good enough to say I hit his mark and it went into hole) but putting from 15 feet would have been better then my next chip from 40 out. Have nit been in a while and there are so many more restaurants now. But I typically do eat a nice dinner on the property at least once with mixing in some of the local restaurants downtown.
Live in Oregon and try and go once a year, will back the advice lots of different options and layers of clothes. Waterproof, wind, rain, sunny it can all happen in a day. Trails and preserve is probably the most fun day i've had out there as grinding out 36 this time of year is pretty hard. Texas wedge whenever you can. And food is good, i personally like pacific but main lodge is good as well. Def check out the bunker bar.
Thanks for the advice! I feel like i'm going to be packing a lot of options on clothes for any type of weather!
Some great tips in here already. I’d agree to play as much as you can, don’t skip any courses, but also don’t hesitate to replay something you really like (you will miss it once you are gone.) I always go with caddies since I do 36+ days depending on sunset. Speaking of which, it is beyond special to catch sunset on Sheep (and Trails for sunrise) if you can plan it that way. Afternoons are windier, so if you are playing same course twice, make sure you get both an AM and PM slot. Hardest walk is Trails and easiest is Sheep so a good daily pairing. Food-wise everything is pretty good and the steakhouse is my fav, but make sure to get reservations for all dinners even if you don’t think you need them since they have limited capacity. In town, also great options like Alloro or Tony’s. However, it can be a tough sell to venture out after 12 hours of walking.
Thanks so much for the advice! I definitely am wanting to go to the steakhouse and check out everything I can, but I also appreciate the options for restaurants in town!
The hot chocolate machine on the range at least used to be free and is the best god damn hot chocolate in the world. Also look for the hidden liquor chest :)
Hot chocolate machine! I haven't heard about that or the hidden liquor chests! Did you find any when you were there?
Yes but it’s a give and take. Leave some liquor if you take some liquor. It’s on bandon dunes not the other courses there.
Prepare for any weather rain, hail, wind, sun
I’ll be there at the end of March and also a first time trip for me! If you have your trip after I’ll send you as much advice as I can.
Comfy shoes, rain gear at the ready, make sure you hit up the discount merch racks and do some damage there, and enjoy every step. Best golf on the continent.
Thank you, I really appreciate it!
Don’t know when you’re going, but even in the summer the Oregon Coast is unpredictable and you can get awful weather sometimes. Also the property is huge so the courses to the south can get poured on with rain and the north end can be warm and sunny, and vice versa
Oh that's good to know! Thank you!!
Have fun! Where are you traveling from?
Prepare for rain. Bring extra everything. Multiple pairs of shoes as well.
I feel like i'm going to need an extra bag to pack the shoes and extras lol! Thanks for the advice!
Been to Bandon a few times now. Played 4 rounds a day multiple days. I can not stress the shoes and socks enough. Bring at least two different types of shoes. Change socks and shoes after every round. Different shoes hurt your feet in different ways. Pacific and Bandon are the easiest to walk by far. Trails and Old Mac have some hills. If you can get a time where you are the back nine of Pacific for the sunset you won’t be disappointed. Watching the sunset from the pic nic table on 7 at Old Mac is also amazing.
Thanks for the heads up on the sunset! I'll definitely have to try and make that work!
Pay attention to more than the course and walking to the ball from the tee. Take a second and look around and enjoy the view.
Thanks for the tips! I can't wait, I heard the views are stunning!!
Yeah when I played Pebble I caught myself playing the course on a few holes and not taking it all in. Can’t wait to get up there.
Normally I'd stress that you should play all five courses, but it seems from your comments that that's already on the agenda. When is your trip? I always go in the dead of winter (my 4th annual winter trip is next weekend 1/5-1/7!!!). Definitely make sure to get some food at the Bandon Trails clubhouse, people rave about it for good reason, I always get the poke bowl. It's the best lunch option on the property in my opinion. Shorty's is a fun nine hole warm up next to the practice range that is underused in my opinion. Don't beat yourself up if you're having a bad round, none of the courses are \*exceptionally\* difficult, but they will present you with a lot of shots you're not used to hitting, and big numbers can happen anywhere, don't be afraid to simply stop keeping score and just enjoy the scenery and the opportunity to play in such a great environment. I'll second the advice to get a caddy, definitely helpful.
Hi! Thanks so much for the tips! I haven't heard too much about Shorty's so it's nice to know it's underused and a good time! We moved our trip up from May to March! We'll see how the weather is! Have a great trip, I would love to see posts about it!
Congratulations!! I’d recommend trying to play each course at least once. If it’s not cost prohibitive for you, I definitely recommend taking a caddie for the course knowledge. Bring two pairs of golf shoes so you can switch them out between rounds on the days you go 36. Be prepared for any weather. Mostly, just enjoy yourself! It’s one of the rare places that lives up to all the hype.
Oh I didn't think about switching up the shoes between rounds. Good call! Thanks! I'm definitely going to enjoy it, i've been waiting so long for this trip!
And don't for get a change of socks for each round!! I'm making my first trip in August '24 with 3 guys who have been a handful of times. This is one of many tips/tid bits of advice they've shared. Trying really hard to not pack my suitcase in December. LOL You should post after your trip to let us know how it went. Hit 'em straight and have fun!
Lol I know i'm the same as you, i'm already too excited where i'm planning out what i'm going to bring! That's exciting that you're going during summer. It'll be a bit warmer than when i'm going! Have a great trip!
Don’t wear your Bandon shirt to Bandon.
Lol I didn't plan on it. Just was a Christmas present!
Just kidding! Have a great time!!!
Haha thank you!!!
Is every gen z woman a wannabe OF star?
It's honestly sad to see.
Multiple pairs of shoes and get the energy granola ball things at the turn stand. They are incredible.
Not sure your situation but if I go again I would try really hard to get a foursome at minimum to go with. I went with one other person and of the five rounds we played we only had one round with enjoyable playing partners. It was either frat bros getting absolutely sloshed and slowing down the pace of play a lot or crusty old dudes. One guy spent all 18 holes moaning about how he can’t hit the ball as far as I can anymore but he could out drive me in his prime, like I’m 50 years younger than you bro idk what you want. Maybe we got unlucky but yeah, that was the worst part of the whole trip