It happened. I finally planned a golf trip to Bandon Dunes golf resort! As I write this, the trip is 11 months away, but I am already excited. In this golf perspective blog, I will talk through the planning of a Bandon Dunes golf trip.
About Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
The golf courses at Bandon Dunes are well-known throughout golf architecture enthusiast circles. Yet, Bandon Dunes notoriety can be disputed. The golf resort has not yet hit the radar of weekend warrior or casual golfers.
Bandon Dunes is part of Dream Golf Resorts. There are two sister resorts; Sand Valley in Wisconsin and Cabot Links in Nova Scotia. All the resorts feature on-site lodging, restaurants and top-notch golf courses.
The Bandon Dunes golf resort is home to six different golf courses. This feature makes Bandon Dunes a top “buddies trip” destination. The demand for Bandon Dunes golf trips is only increasing so expect to plan a year in advance.
The golf courses are the main attraction all ranking in the top 20 of public courses in the nation. There are five 18-hole regulation course and one 13-hole short course. The golf courses, year opened, architects and current ranking are as follows:
- Bandon Dunes (1999), Architect – David McLay Kidd (Ranked #7)
- Pacific Dunes (2001), Architect – Tom Doak (Ranked #2)
- Bandon Trails (2005), Architects – Coore & Crenshaw (Ranked #14)
- Old Macdonald (2010), Architect – Tom Doak & Jim Urbina (Ranked #12)
- Bandon Preserve Short Course (2012), Architects – Coore & Crenshaw
- Sheep Ranch (2019), Architects – Coore & Crenshaw (Not YET ranked)
- Punchbowl (Honorable Mention) putting course – Architects – Tom Doak & Jim Urbina
Finding Your Golf Group
A golf trip to Bandon Dunes is an investment in a golfing experience. Visiting golfers are treated to an immersive golf environment. The result are lifelong memories. I recommend finding a collection of like-minded golfers for the Bandon Dunes golf trip.
Golfers with an appreciation for course architecture, hole routing and width & angles should top the attendee list. The three golf course architects at Bandon Dunes subjectively top the list in all those categories.
In the end, bring friends and people you enjoy spending time with. Since many golfers play 36 holes a day, invite friends who enjoy the game of golf. Golfers who visit Bandon Dunes will walk away with a one-of-a-kind immersive golf experience.
Planning Your Golf Trip
Now that you have made the decision to go to Bandon Dunes, found friends to join you, it is time to plan your golf trip. Below are considerations for the golf trip details.
1) How many days will you need?
It would be criminal to travel to Bandon Dunes and not play all the golf courses. Plan to play each course at a minimum. Playing 36 holes a day is very popular option due to the reduced replay rate offered at Dream Golf Resort courses; Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley and Cabot Links.
Plan for three (3) full days on-site at Bandon Dunes. Book 36 holes per day to fit in all the golf courses. Use the middle day to couple a full-length course with the short course, Bandon Preserve. This itinerary decision provides a deserved breather. Golfers will require five (5) days with this schedule allowing for a travel day and getaway day.
2) What courses should you play?
All of them. Next.
3) Should the courses be played in a particular order?
By this time, you have visited the Bandon Dunes website. Or you have conducted research on the courses most highly regarded. There are on-going debates regarding the best course at Bandon Dunes. The true ranking is highly subjective.
Recommendation: Bookend your trip with your most sought after golf course(s). Do this by staying an additional day. Bonus tip: Schedule the second tee times on the opposite time of day for different playing conditions.
4) Who do I call for reservations?
The reservation staff at Bandon Dunes are some of the best in the business. Come prepared with a few date range options – your first pick may not be available. This can be the case even several months out. Bandon Dunes is becoming that popular. Draft a morning/afternoon schedule prior to calling. Expect a wait time before reaching a reservation specialist. Once reached, enjoy the experience of booking 36-hole golf days for a multi-day trip. No better phone call exists. Period.
5) Should we stay on-site?
The short answer is yes. Several lodging options exist on the Bandon Dunes property. Take advantage of this and fully immerse yourself.
6) When can I make dinner reservations?
For larger groups, dinner reservations are recommended. These can be scheduled 30 days prior to the trip.
7) Should I get a caddie?
I am a firm believer in getting a caddie. Yes, it will cost you extra money but think about the golf investment. Spend the money to fully enjoy the Bandon Dunes golf courses. As an added incentive, the Bandon Dunes caddies will be assigned to you during the entire visit. They will know your game and help shepherd you around the golf courses in less strokes!
Bandon Dune Resources
In researching and planning my own Bandon Dunes golf trip, I came across several blogs to help with the planning. Below is a shortened list:
- Bandon Dunes Golf Blog by Bandon Dunes
- An Argument for Each Bandon Course as the Best by Plugged in Golf
- Bandon Dunes Overview Guide by Shane Bacon
- 18 Tips for a Trip to Bandon Dunes by Golf Digest
- A Caddie’s Guide to Bandon Dunes by Caddie Network
What is Next?
This blog covered the first stage of planning a Bandon Dunes golf trip. For many, there will be a handful of months from the time a Bandon Dunes trip is booked to the first tee time. As for me, my golf trip is scheduled for August 2021. Over the next several months, I will write additional blogs talking about the process. These will include topics leading up to the final preparations. Here are some draft blog titles in the works:
- Prepare Your Game for Links Golf
- Packing for a Bandon Dunes Golf Trip
- Mindset for a Week Long Golf Trip
*All photos in the blog were taken from Bandon Dunes Golf website. I will update all of them after my trip in August 2021!
