The Ultimate Bandon Dunes Resort Guide: Top 5 Tips for Your Trip
- Andrew Fazekas
- Jun 2
- 6 min read
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a golfer's dream destination. Perched dramatically along Oregon's rugged coastline, this world-renowned links-style resort offers an authentic Scottish golf experience unlike anywhere else in America. The resort's remote location on the southern Oregon coast means it's not exactly easy to get to – and that's part of what makes it so special.
Living in Oregon, I've had the privilege of being only about a four hour drive away from this golfing paradise, which has allowed me to make numerous trips to Bandon over the years. Through these experiences, I've learned valuable lessons about how to optimize every aspect of a Bandon Dunes visit. My goal is to share the most important tips with you to help ensure your trip is as incredible and stress-free as it should be.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer planning your first pilgrimage to Bandon or a return visitor looking to enhance your experience, these five essential tips will help you make the most of your time at one of America's premier golf destinations.
1
Getting Lodging: Navigating the New Lottery System
Let's start with the hardest part – getting lodging reservations on the resort. Overwhelming demand has led the resort to implement a lottery system for 2026 reservations. The lottery operates in three registration windows: January-April bookings close in December, May-September bookings close in January, and October-December bookings close in April. This new system was designed to give all golfers a fair chance at booking their dream trip, as the resort was previously selling out years in advance within days of opening reservations. The lottery system randomly selects winners who can then book their preferred dates in the order they were drawn.
Given how challenging it can be to secure lodging, people often ask if it's okay to stay off the property. While you will likely have a memorable golf experience at Bandon regardless of where you stay, staying on the property makes it far more convenient and also adds to the experience. Lodging at Bandon is rustic chic – nothing fancy, but highly functional and always set in a quiet, natural environment – and the on-demand shuttle service provides those who are staying at Bandon with easy access anywhere on the resort. The closest accommodations off the resort are 15 minutes away, and they lack the character and ambience of the resort properties.
If you're fortunate enough to have options when it comes to lodging on-property, the Chrome Lake Lofts are an excellent choice for groups. These accommodations provide spacious common areas that serve as perfect hangout spots after long days on the course, allowing your group to relax, share stories from the day's rounds, and plan tomorrow's strategy over a drink or two.
2
Choosing Tee Times: Maximizing Your Golf Experience
Once you've secured lodging, the next crucial step is working with Bandon's customer service representatives to discuss available tee times. Call and have a conversation about your options, as availability may be more limited than it appears and the staff can provide valuable insights about course conditions and timing.
If this is your first visit to Bandon, prioritize playing at least the flagship Bandon Dunes course and Pacific Dunes. These two courses represent the heart and soul of the resort and showcase the best of what links golf has to offer on the Oregon coast.
You'll generally have three options for structuring your golf days:
Play one 18-hole course and spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the resort's amenities. Keep in mind there's not much to do at Bandon Dunes Resort outside of golfing, eating, and drinking, but keeping it to one full 18 course will make for a relaxing day.
Play one 18-hole course paired with one of the shorter courses (The Preserve or Shorty's). This is a good middle-ground for those who want a fuller golf day, but don't want to play 36 holes.
Play two full 18-hole courses in a day. This is only possible with proper planning to ensure you have enough daylight and can secure both tee times in the limited possible windows. The resort offers attractive discounts for multiple rounds, making it economical to play as much golf as your energy allows.
Wind conditions play a crucial role in your tee time strategy. The coastal winds typically strengthen as the day progresses, making afternoon rounds significantly more challenging. If you're planning to play Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, or Sheep Ranch in the afternoon, prepare for serious wind that will test every aspect of your game. On the other hand, Bandon Trails is located inland and offers protection from the coastal winds, making it an excellent choice for afternoon play when the ocean courses become particularly demanding. Old MacDonald is mostly inland but has some holes with ocean views.
3
Preparing for Your Trip: Weather and Course Knowledge
Oregon's coastal weather is notoriously unpredictable, and Bandon Dunes is no exception. Winter visits can surprise you with unseasonably warm days, but you're much more likely to encounter rain during these months. Summer tends to bring stronger winds and isn't always as warm as you might expect, though the chances of rain are generally lower.
Regardless of when you visit, always dress for both wind and rain. Layer your clothing so you can adjust throughout the day, and invest in quality rain gear that won't leave you miserable if the weather turns. Wind-resistant clothing is just as important as waterproof gear – there's nothing worse than fighting your jacket on every swing because it's flapping in the coastal breeze.
Before you arrive, take advantage of the course flyovers available on the Bandon Dunes website. These aerial views provide invaluable insights into course layout, hazard placement, and strategic considerations for each hole. Studying these flyovers beforehand will help you make better decisions on the course and appreciate the brilliant architecture that makes each course unique.
4
To Caddy or Not to Caddy?
This is one of the questions I get the most from first-time Bandon goers.
The caddy experience at Bandon Dunes is truly unique and something every golfer should try at least once. At the time of this writing, the caddy fee is $100 per bag, per round plus gratuity, and while this represents a significant additional expense, the value they provide goes far beyond just carrying your clubs.
Caddies are especially valuable when you're unfamiliar with the courses. They understand the nuances of each hole, know how the wind affects different shots, and can provide crucial advice about club selection and course management. The experience level of caddies at Bandon varies widely – you'll find everyone from local college students earning summer money to seasoned loopers with decades of experience. Many are skilled golfers themselves, and their insights can genuinely improve your play.
Beyond the golf instruction, caddies serve as local guides who can recommend the best restaurants, share stories about the area, and add a social element to your round that enhances the overall experience. Given that Bandon is a walking-only resort, having someone to carry your bag and provide course knowledge can be the difference between an exhausting day and an energizing one.
To guarantee caddy service, book well in advance through the resort. Popular times fill up quickly, and you don't want to arrive hoping for a caddy only to discover none are available.
5
Merchandise: Shopping Smart at Bandon
Bandon Dunes offers an impressive selection of logo merchandise, much of which can be found online before or after your trip. However, there's something special about shopping for Bandon gear while you're actually at the resort, surrounded by the courses and atmosphere that make the place magical.
The largest and most comprehensive pro shop is located at the main Bandon Dunes clubhouse near the lodge. This flagship store carries the widest selection of apparel, accessories, and gifts, making it your best bet for finding exactly what you're looking for.
Each individual course also has its own smaller pro shop with merchandise specific to that course. These shops often carry unique items that you won't find at the main clubhouse, making them worth a visit if you've fallen in love with a particular course. For example, the Pacific Dunes shop might have items celebrating that course's specific holes or design elements that aren't available elsewhere.
Conclusion
Bandon Dunes represents golf at its purest form, where the elements, the terrain, and the game itself combine to create an unforgettable experience. By following these five essential tips – navigating the lodging lottery, strategically choosing tee times, preparing for unpredictable weather, considering the caddy experience, and making the most of merchandise opportunities – you'll be well-equipped to maximize every moment of your visit.
The key to a successful Bandon trip lies in preparation and realistic expectations. Embrace the challenge of the wind, appreciate the raw beauty of the coastline, and remember that this is golf as it was meant to be played. With proper planning and the right mindset, your trip to Bandon Dunes will create memories that last a lifetime and leave you already planning your return visit before you've even left the Oregon coast.