Bandon's Newest Resort Experiences

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Since the opening of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s highly touted Sheep Ranch in June 2020, our team has been working hard to create new lodging and dining experiences and refine existing experiences at Bandon Dunes. Guests visiting for the first time in over a year will notice a number of updates around the property that we are very excited to share with you. Read below to learn all about what's new at Bandon Dunes!

ROUND LAKE LODGES

Round Lake

We’re happy to announce the newest addition to the resort, 24 Round Lake Lodge rooms. Located just south of the Lily Pond Cottages, the Round Lake rooms are located in a serene setting, tucked between the coastal forest that Bandon Trails plays through and Round Lake itself. Round Lake includes 16 spacious double queen rooms and 8 single king bedrooms, our largest king rooms on property. Each room includes local Oregon crafted furniture and woodwork, a large fireplace, refrigerator, plenty of closet space, and locally inspired artwork. Rooms include spacious bathrooms with a large double vanity and private changing rooms, and a spacious shower with double-head showers. With a modern twist on our minimalist vibe, each room is designed to make you feel right at home with the Bandon experience. All guest rooms have incredible views of the serene setting – Round Lake, the surrounding forest, and Bandon Trails’ 6th and 7th holes.

THE FORGE STEAKHOUSE

Formerly the Gallery and located just off the lobby in The Lodge, The Forge is our newest evening dining experience complemented by an amazing view of the original Bandon Dunes course. Why The Forge? Simply put, you can expect a quality modern steakhouse experience while forging memories that are meant to last. The menu focuses on Pacific Northwest beef, pork, and lamb, accompanied by seafood from around the globe and enhanced with locally sourced produce. Should you want some fresh air, the Adirondacks and outdoor seating on the patio are a wonderful spot for reflection of a trip worth reliving. Our award-winning wine list showcases a variety of Oregon’s regions along with well-known California vineyards and many Old-World wines.

LILY POND ROOMS

The Main Lodge showcased the first rooms built back in 1999. As Pacific Dunes began to take shape prior to its opening in 2001, the Lily Pond rooms prepared the resort for a new wave of eager links golfers. Their convenient location, a short walk to Bandon Dunes as well as Bandon Trails, has always made them a fan favorite, but with the recent renovations completed in the summer of 2020 they're more popular than ever!

SHEEP RANCH CLUBHOUSE

During the construction phase, Coore surveyed the site for the clubhouse and told co-founder Phil Friedmann that the location warranted an incredible venue showcasing its impressive panoramic view. Fast forward to opening day and Coore gave his stamp of approval. Locally sourced Port Orford cedar woodwork defines the space, large windows throughout the building provide an abundance of natural light, and an outdoor patio with a circular fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs creates the perfect scene for enjoying a casual bite while you watch others brave the course.

SHEEP RANCH DRIVING RANGE

With over three miles of oceanfront property, getting from one side of the resort to the other takes time. How would guests want to warm up for an early morning round at the Sheep Ranch when it is so far removed from the rest of the property? Exploring this quiet honey hole can be one of the more spiritual searches you take while also looking for your swing.

SAUNA/SPA/FITNESS ROOM

In addition to the newly renovated Sauna and Hot Tub Spa, there is all new equipment within the Fitness Center on the lower level of The Lodge. New free weights, universal weight machines, cardio machines, and mats for stretching are available for those looking to burn a couple of extra calories between rounds. Adjacent to the workout area is the new and improved Hot Tub Spa and Sauna, perfect for warming up in the morning or relaxing after a round.

Fitness Center

Curious to learn more about upcoming news or help shape the future Bandon? Stay in touch by subscribing to Bandon's Newsletter. Click HERE.

The Nature of Bandon Dunes

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From the moment Mike Keiser, founder and land steward of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, first stepped on the property he was struck by the beauty of the Southern Oregon Coast. He and Howard McKee made it their mission to preserve the natural glory and ruggedness of the land, creating an undeniable connection between nature and those who have walked the resort’s grounds.

Over twenty years later, we continue to build on that same vision. The nature of Bandon shines in multiple environmental initiatives that often go unnoticed, meant to blend into the natural surrounds and resort experience as a whole. Various wildlife habitat programs, energy-focused building improvements, as well as responsible water usage measures that led to environmental certifications and awards, are outlined below. Each goal provides a new stepping stone in furthering our commitment toward protecting the environment. To learn more about the resort's latest goal to reduce plastic waste click here

Environment & Habitat

Audubon International Sanctuary Status
Five of the six courses at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort have achieved their designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through Audubon International. The Sheep Ranch has taken steps to achieve certification within 24-months of opening. As part of our certification, the Agronomy department has installed an estimated 65 bird boxes throughout the resort and cataloged over 120 confirmed bird species sightings.

Wildlife Habitat
The 2,525-acre resort has a minimal building footprint and an estimated 1,500 acres of unmanaged land. The vast majority of vegetation on the resort is native plant material growing in a natural state. A little-known fact is the resort has a conservation area called the H.L. McKee Preserve. The 250-acre conservation area has 13 different natural resource communities, one of which is Silvery Phacelia (Phacelia Argentea) designated as a threatened plant species by the State of Oregon and species of concern federally. 

Silvery Phacelia
Unless you're a botanist, Silvery Phacelia probably sounds more familiar from your time playing the Bandon Preserve, where it is celebrated as the course logo. Over the years, our team has fostered more Silvery Phacelia habitats and increased the plant number on property from 6,115 in 2014 to 32,570 in 2020. 

Bat Population
Bats play a very important role in controlling insect populations on the southern coast of Oregon. In order to help increase bat populations in our area, 10 bat houses have been installed throughout Bandon Dunes' property. 

Fertilizer Usage
Due to the low fertility requirements of our fescue turfgrass, we apply fertilizer on an as-needed basis.  The majority of our fertilizer applications are applied as a foliar and at very small rates using the spoon-feed approach.  In doing so we eliminate potential for run-off or leaching.  If needed, we use organic sources as part of our fertility program which is slow release by nature as well as mini-prilled ammoniacal fertilizers applied at low rates to reduce the potential for runoff and avoiding excessive growth.  

Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Reducing our Carbon Footprint
Through the efforts of our energy provider, Coos/Curry Electric Coop, the resort's energy supply is on average more than 85% renewable and 95.2% carbon-free.  The addition of solar panels across the property has gotten us even closer to being fully carbon neutral!   

Solar Panels
The resort has embarked on a program to continue adding solar panels to our energy grid. So far, there have been five arrays installed throughout the property composed of 188 panels. The amount of power produced through the solar arrays equates to an average of 9,525 kWh per month. The U.S. Energy Information Administration states that in 2019 the monthly electricity consumption for a U.S. residential utility customer was an average of 877 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month. Thus the power produced from the solar arrays on property offsets over 10 residential utility consumers. 

LED Lighting
In addition to producing energy, we are also exploring other avenues to increase energy efficiency at the resort. The U.S. Department of Energy states that the “widespread use of LED lighting has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the United States.” With this in mind, we have taken on the task of converting all lighting at the resort to energy-efficient LED lights. As of March 2021, approximately 50% of all lights on property have been replaced with LEDs. Our goal is to have a total conversion to LED lighting.

On-Demand Water Heaters
Another energy transition initiative currently in progress is converting from conventional storage water heaters to on-demand water heaters. On-demand water heaters only initiate when the faucet or shower is being utilized. The transition is estimated to decrease the percentage of fuel needed to run each unit by 30-40% and a 10-15% decrease in electrical usage. In addition to using less fuel and electricity to operate, on-demand water heaters have a 98% efficiency rate compared to the 60-70% efficiency rate of the traditional systems. Currently, all 16 Grove Cottages have transitioned from conventional water heaters to on-demand water heaters as well as all four Agronomy centers. The 26 Chrome Lake conventional units are next on the list! 

Electric Equipment Transition
Our Agronomy department is currently utilizing electric chainsaws, blowers, and string trimmers and is focused on transitioning from 2-stroke handheld powered equipment to electric battery-powered units as equipment wears out. The end goal is to replace all 2-stroke handheld power equipment with battery-powered units.  

Tubular Daylighting Devices
Tubular Daylighting Devices and skylights that promote the use of natural light have also been taken into consideration and installed at the resort. The Wild Rivers Center building and 68 restrooms across the property have devices to utilize the maximum amount of natural light to deter energy use. Our goal is to have these systems be standard in all future building projects. 

Water Quality & Usage

Water Use for Irrigation
As mentioned above, a large percentage of the resort landscape is native plant material that requires no additional irrigation beyond the South Coast's natural resources. The property is approximately 2,525 acres with only around 600 acres irrigated. With our love for fescue turfgrass on all of our courses, we benefit from a grass type that has a lower water requirement than other cool-season grass varieties. In addition, the irrigation decisions and schedules are determined by portable moisture readings and weather readings in conjunction with irrigation software to maximize efficiency. 

Water Recycling
Having our own wastewater recycling system allows the resort to process and treat its own wastewater which is utilized in our irrigation system. With an average of 40,000-50,000 gallons of water being recycled daily during our peak season, this helps to reduce the amount of well water used for irrigation.

Water Quality
The resort achieved our Groundwater Guardian Green Site designation for the first time in 2016. In the Green Site evaluation, the resort scored 94.9%, well above the minimum 70% grade required for the designation.

Water-less Urinals
Bandon Dunes is also currently implementing more waterless urinals. Urinal output is normally around 2.5 gallons per flush. So far eight waterless urinals have been installed at Bandon Dunes and have reduced the annual water use for the Resort by an estimated 128,000 gallons. The goal is to have these systems be standard in all future buildings. 

What else has been happening on the environmental front?

Bandon Preserve, our course with a mission, has a noteworthy background. When checking in for your Preserve round, you may have heard that the net proceeds from green fees go directly to Wild Rivers Coast Alliance. WRCA is the grant-making department of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort supporting community, conservation, and economy on the South Coast of Oregon. To learn more about everything the WRCA has been able to accomplish since its creation in 2012, check out their website here!  

Environmental Certifications & Awards

  • 2011-Present | Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, Audubon International
  • 2012 | Green Star Award Winner, Golf Digest
  • 2015 | Michael Hindal Environmental Award, OGCSA 
  • 2016 | National Resort Winner, GCSAA Environmental Leaders in Golf
  • 2016 | Best Green Workplaces in Oregon, Oregon Business Magazine
  • 2016 | Groundwater Guardian Green Site, The Groundwater Foundation
  • 2016-Present | EPA WasterWise Partner, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • 2017 | Awarded Highest Green To A Tee Level IV Status, KemperSports

Stay tuned for more environmentally friendly initiatives in the coming months and years!

How to Squeeze in a Few Extra Holes at Bandon Dunes

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How many holes one can fit in on a trip to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is more than just a question. It can be a guiding principle for most anyone charged with planning a trip here to the Southern Oregon Coast.

The answer depends on the group of golfers, of course — even Bandonistas have their limits. And so much depends on variables, like whether a guest is visiting from near enough to drive or is flying into the airports that typically help serve Bandon, including Southwest Oregon Regional Airport, Eugene, and Portland International.

On the day of arrival, it can be hard to know just how early one should schedule a tee time, and it can be even more challenging to know just how many holes you can squeeze in and still not miss the flight home.

One thing is certain: From the property’s shuttle service to the placement of restaurants at every golf course, everything about Bandon Dunes Golf Resort was designed to keep Bandonistas on course as much as they please. And Bandon Dunes’ Guest Services Department staff can help, offering valuable services that even veteran Bandonistas might not know about.

“Our main objective is to get golfers off their shuttle or out of the car and onto the golf course as quickly as possible,” says Mark Bergmann, our longtime director of Guest Services.

Here are many of the ways that Bandon Dunes can you help you save time and squeeze in a few extra holes on the day you arrive and/or the day you leave:

Guest services are everywhere for a reason
It is not at all uncommon for a Bandonista to cut it so close that they arrive just minutes before their tee time. For this reason, and others, a Guest Services agent is always on hand at the clubhouses at all four championship courses, including the main station just off the parking lot at The Lodge. (That’s where you’ll likely meet Shoe, who is about as helpful to golfers as a fluffy lie.)

If you’re arriving via shuttle with all your luggage in tow, simply offload it to the Guest Services agent at the course and your bags will be waiting for you after your round at the main Guest Services station.

Guest services can help you save some weight
If you’re the type of golfer who carries everything in your golf bag, no need to lug all of it during your first round. Guest services will help you lighten the load by storing your excess equipment securely until your round is complete.

Fear not, caddies are here to help, too
A caddie supervisor is stationed on the first tee of all four golf courses, and your caddie will be waiting for you at the first tee 20 minutes before your tee time. If you need to offload some equipment, your caddie or the caddie supervisor can help, too.

A quick bite is never hard to find
Debating whether there is enough time for a meal before or after a round is unnecessary at Bandon Dunes. There are plenty of restaurants, quick bites as well as turnstands on each course to keep you fueled up.

Hurry up and check in … or out … or not at all
While The Lodge’s front desk is the most common place to check in or out, it’s not the only place. The Grove and The Inn also have check-in desks to help speed up the process. Even if it’s not time yet to check in, Bandon Dunes’ Manager Joe Lowry suggests pre-registering.

Pre-registering allows you to begin charging any on-property expenses to your room, including golf. And once your room is available, Guest Services will place your bags into the room so they’re ready when you complete your round.

Golfers can also keep their accounts open after check-out time while they finish their final round. Make a quick stop at one of the hotel desks on your way out, or if you’re out of time, head straight to the airport. With a valid email address on file, Bandon Dunes will send you a final statement.

Yes, Bandon Dunes has locker rooms
The Lodge, Grove, and Inn all have locker rooms for any guest to use, making quick changes easy even if it’s before your check-in time or if you have already checked out. Each locker room has a shower, too, which the other passengers on your flight home will no doubt appreciate.

If you know you will be cutting it close, ship your clubs
Services such as Ship Sticks provide door-to-door service that is both reliable and cost-effective. It saves time and money at the airport, and your clubs will be waiting for you at Guest Services upon your arrival. When you’re heading home, take your clubs right back to where you picked them up, and Bandon’s staff will box them up and send them home.

Guest services will pick up your bags, too
On the day of departure, simply give Guest Services a call, leave your luggage behind, and they will come and pick it up and have it waiting for you by the end of your round. Or you can leave your bags at any of the front desks, where your luggage will be stored safely.

It’s not all or nothing around here
If your tee time isn’t until 10 a.m. and your shuttle is leaving at 1:30 p.m., Bandon will keep an eye out to make sure you don’t miss your ride to the airport. Notify the clubhouse staff of the situation before teeing off, and the on-course rangers will keep track of your progress. The rangers will then pull you off course in time to make sure you don’t miss your ride, even if you can’t quite make it through 18.

“We want to make it as easy as possible and just make sure that everyone has a lasting and great impression of their trip here and take home good memories,” Lowry says.

More questions?
Don’t hesitate to call our reservations team at (866)311.3636!

Mary Ann's Massage Center Tips for Better Golf Performance

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Mary Ann Hawkins knows well the effort required to walk 36 holes or more of links golf in a single day. In fact, as a former Bandon Dunes caddie, a profession she enjoyed for five years, few in this world are more familiar.

Hawkins has another focus these days. As one of the Licensed Massage Therapists at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort Massage Center, Hawkins helps Bandonistas stay upright and swinging freely, helping weary golfers get back on their feet for the next day’s adventures.

The job is not one she takes lightly.

“I am a much better therapist than I ever was a caddie,” Hawkins says with a laugh.

“Guests have a tendency to overdo it a bit out here,” Hawkins continued. “They come in here and they’re exhausted after a double (36 holes in one day). But we can offer quite a bit of relief and have them ready to play another 36 the next day.”

In many ways, Hawkins and the rest of the Licensed Massage Therapists at Bandon Dunes are part of a growing trend in golf, providing customized massage and bodywork for the individual golfer.

Visit a PGA Tour event on any given weekend, and you will see players shuffling in and out of therapy trailers. Among the health professionals stationed, an army of massage therapists are at the ready to rub those aches and pains into submission.

The explosion in popularity of therapeutic massages on Tour — intense therapy rather than relaxing Swedish-style — is no accident. The benefits are undeniable.

“Greater range of motion, better focus, and enhanced performance,” Hawkins says. “It can really make a difference.”

A golfer for more than 35 years, a Licensed Massage Therapist for more than 18, and a Titleist Performance Institute-certified sports performance movement expert, Hawkins explains the benefits:

  • Massage helps improve a golfer’s range of motion, increasing flexibility throughout the body especially in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and ankles. Adding a stretching regimen in conjunction with massage can drastically improve range of motion and ultimately help advance a golfer’s game.
  • Improving circulation is one of the hallmarks of massage. It can contribute to tissues receiving more oxygenation. It can also provide an outlet for inflamed tissues to release the toxins that sometimes build up in the system.
  • Massage can help improve mental focus, which can really affect a golfer’s round. Massage stimulates the nervous system, especially the body’s natural “relaxation response.” And relaxation can support a golfer’s capacity to be focused, toned without tension for both physical and mental aspects, and help them breathe easier.

In addition, Hawkins’ TPI certification gives her the ability to offer golf-specific assessments that can help identify flexibility trouble areas for players.

A trip to Bandon Dunes brings its own set of special circumstances, too. One of the true joyful experiences here is playing and walking 36 spellbinding holes in a single day. Some Bandonistas string multiple 36-hole days together.

While unquestionably fun, it is also a lot of exertion for even the fittest golfers, adding to the necessity of proper care during the trip.

“We get Bandonistas who come here for four days, and play 36 holes each day,” Hawkins says. “For those golfers, it is really helpful to come in before, during, and after the course of their trip. Most people aren’t used to walking that many holes. They have to take care of themselves while they’re here to ensure that they are avoiding fatigue, possible injury, and continue to swing loosely.”

Fatigue is often ignored by golfers to the detriment of their own games. Golfers sometimes view a sudden decline in their games down the stretch as an aberration. But often that decline is not mechanical, but due to fatigue.

Fatigue from dehydration and overuse of muscles negatively impacts focus, so golfers should pay particular mind to what their body is trying to tell them.

And who wants to be fading just when you get to the inspiring 16th tee box of Bandon Dunes?

Visit the Bandon Dunes Massage Center during your trip, and surge late to win your match. 

From ShipSticks to Packing: The Right Preparation Goes A Long Way at Bandon Dunes

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From using Ship Sticks to packing an extra pair of shoes, the right preparation goes a long way at Bandon Dunes.

Perched on the rugged Southern Oregon Coast, traveling to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort can feel like a spiritual adventure in itself. While it is true that Bandon Dunes is increasingly easy to travel to, the journey still fills Bandonistas with a sense of pilgrimage, which is unquestionably part of the uniqueness and allure of the Bandon Dunes experience.

With that in mind, there a few ways for a golfer to prepare before heading to Bandon that will make your trip seamless. Here are some of our best tips for those ready to venture to Bandon Dunes:

Plenty of options to get to Bandon Dunes

Oregonians are a lucky group. Not only do they get to live in a state with jaw-dropping beauty at nearly every turn, but the vast majority of us also live less than a five-hour drive from Bandon Dunes. For those who don’t live on the West Coast, traveling to Bandon can be a bit more involved but definitely not as challenging as it was in the earliest days of the resort.

From June 11 through Oct. 4, United Airlines will offer twice-a-week nonstop service between Denver and the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH), just 30 minutes north of Bandon Dunes in North Bend. In addition, United Express provides daily service from San Francisco in the summer months. That puts Bandon Dunes just one layover and a short shuttle ride away from the vast majority of North American cities and beyond.

Oregon also offers some nice alternatives a bit farther away: Eugene Airport (EUG) is a 2.5-hour drive, Medford Airport (MFR) is a three-hour trip, and Oregon’s largest airport, Portland International (PDX), is a tap-in at just over four hours away.

The most convenient way to get your clubs to Bandon Dunes

Dragging a set of golf clubs through the airport can be … well … a drag. And every golfer worries that their prized tools for Bandon Dunes might be a casualty of the trip, which is precisely why Ship Sticks has become the method of choice for travel-savvy Bandonistas.

Ship Sticks provides door-to-door service that is both reliable and cost-effective. It saves time and money at the airport, and your clubs will be waiting for you at Bandon Dunes’ Guest Services Department upon your arrival. When you’re heading home, take your clubs right back to where you picked them up, and our staff will help finalize their safe trip home.

Think of ShipSticks as a caddie for the transportation of your clubs.

Prepare your golf bag for links golf

Playing the fescues of Bandon Dunes for the first time is an altogether unfamiliar experience for many American golfers. Prepare your golf bag accordingly.

Consider leaving the high-bounce wedges, which can be difficult to hit on Bandon Dunes’ tight lies, at home. Instead, prepare for the ground game with clubs you feel most comfortable hitting bump-and-run shots. Drivers with lower lofts can also help you hit shots that slice through the wind and roll out on the firm, fast fairways.

Pack the right clothes

The old saying goes that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. A trip to Bandon Dunes requires you to be prepared for the ever-shifting coastal weather, a crucial element that creates a truly authentic links golf experience.

Pack layers, including a base and mid-layer, as well as long pants (but don’t be afraid to throw your golf shorts in, too). Prepare for rain with waterproof golf pants, rain golf gloves, and a rain jacket. Also, keep a windproof shell at your disposal just in case the wind kicks up. You might not need any of it on your trip, but as any Boy Scout will tell you, it’s always best to be prepared.

What about the shoes?

As you no doubt know, all four championship courses and the Bandon Preserve are walking only. Pack golf shoes designed for the rigors of walking, even if it comes at the sake of high fashion.

Also, it is a good idea to pack at least two pairs of golf shoes and a few extra pairs of socks. Each room at Bandon Dunes has shoe dryers, but it is easiest to alternate shoes between rounds. For those full days where 36 or more holes is a must, you’ll often hear us locals suggest changing your socks. Trust us; it is a must.

Don’t forget the little things

Put some lip balm and sunblock in your bag before you leave home. Such items are easy to forget but come in handy at Bandon Dunes.

Fear not, though. Bandon Dunes’ various retail outlets can help replace anything you may have forgotten, ensuring that you will be fully outfitted for the golf trip of a lifetime.

More questions about preparing?

Don’t hesitate to call our reservations team at 866.311.3636!

Explore the Hiking Trails at Bandon Dunes

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blog_TrailSystem_map

We've updated our Hiking Trails! Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has more than six miles of hiking trails available for guests to explore. The trails interweave and connect the property in some unexpected and interesting ways. Here is a guide to help you discover and explore some hidden gems of the resort.

Download the Hiking Trail map (PDF)

Jamie McEwan Trail (Red) to Resort Overlook

From The Lodge, the first place someone interested in the trails should go is the Resort Overlook located on the Jamie McEwan Trail. At the green clock between The Lodge and the Bandon Golf Shop at the starter house, turn your back on the first tee at Bandon Dunes and look east. Walk past the shuttle and bag drop to the far side of the parking lot. There you will find a trailhead sign leading you to the path and climbing up the side of the dune. The path is quite steep and covered with wood chips.

After a gradual turn to the left, you’ll reach the top and a patio. From the patio, you have a crow's eye view of The Lodge, as well as the first, ninth, tenth, and eighteenth holes at Bandon Dunes. On a crisp day, you’ll have a clear view of the Pacific Ocean as well as part of the Preserve.

If you're feeling adventurous and would like to walk to Pacific Dunes, turn left from the Resort Overlook patio.

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Resort Overlook to Pacific Dunes

Instead of returning down the hill to The Lodge, turn left after stepping off the Resort Overlook patio and walk along the top of the dunes to the north. An easy way to remember the compass points: if the ocean is on your left, you're going north. The path cuts through beach grass and gorse until it reaches the alternate tees for number two at Bandon Dunes. Don't worry if you feel like you are walking on the course. These tees are maintained, but rarely – if ever – used. As long as you follow the hiking trail signage you will be on the right path.

Follow the path around the tees keeping the gorse on your immediate right. If you see a group of golfers coming up to the first green, use proper golf etiquette and let them finish out before moving on. You're out of the way and it is very likely that you will not even be seen. Continue along the path keeping the gorse on your right. The path leads to the second green at Bandon Dunes and provides an unobstructed view of the entire hole.

From behind the second green, the path leads up the hill to the back tee for number three. One of highest points and one of the best views along the Jamie McEwan Trail is here behind the "tips." Follow the path down the northwest slope of the dune. The path lets out in the parking lot of Pacific Dunes golf course. The trail continues up the dune ridge to the right (north) across the parking lot.  

 

Pacific Dunes to Practice Center

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At the east end of Pacific Dunes parking lot, at the base of the dune where the trail becomes asphalt, turn right and walk along the edge of the parking lot until you come to the main entrance road for Pacific Dunes. Across the street, you should see some concrete steps.

From the top of the steps follow the wood-chip path up the edge of the dune to the top of the ridge. There is a great view of the eighteenth green, the clubhouse and patio at Pacific Dunes and the Punchbowl. The trail gets a little wild at this point.

The trail winds around, up and down cutting through gorse along the ridge top as it leads north paralleling the eighteenth fairway of Pacific Dunes. At the north end, the trail runs off the dune ridge through soft sand. Deer often use this path and it is likely you will see them.

This section of the trail is seldom used, so it is also likely you will see evidence of the diverse wildlife that lives in and amongst the dune environments. Animals such as fox, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, beaver, ground squirrel, etc. leave footprints in the sand.

At the base of the dune is Madrone Lake. The trail leads around the southern edge of the lake. This is the northernmost reach of the trail system. From here all trails lead south.

Follow the path along the edge of the pond until you reach the main service road for the resort. Cross the road to a small parking lot. At the far end of the parking lot, there is a gravel path that leads up a gradual incline to the Practice Center building. The gravel path yields to paver bricks at this point.

The paver path leads you around to the North Tee Deck to a breezeway that connects to the bag drop and shuttle service. There are public restrooms and an enclosed observation/ sitting room, offering free coffee, tea, water, and is a good place to have a rest. This is also a good place to catch the shuttle back to The Lodge or any one of the other housing facilities at the resort.

At this point, if you don't want to take the shuttle back to your lodging and want to walk back to The Lodge, continue south along the paver path past the practice putting green called the "Big Putt" and the parking lot.  

 

Practice Center to Woodland Trail (Green) 

Leading away from the Practice Center the paver path returns to gravel past the first tee at Shorty's, the nine-hole, par three practice course. The path parallels the first and second holes at Shorty's. Turn left at the trail post and follow the gravel path until you come to another trail post, turn left on the Woodland Trail and follow the wood-chip path behind the second green. The path marks the southern border of the Practice Center and runs parallel to a gravel service road.

Where the trail crosses the service road, follow the hiking trail signs. This path travels under old Rhododendrons and is a gateway to the forest portion of the trail system. Follow the Woodland Trail to a low bridge for service vehicles. Cross the bridge, turn left and walk up the wooden steps. Continue up the path through the forest. A short distance up the trail, on the right is an observation platform with a wooden bench. This is a good place to sit and listen to bird song.

Again, this part of the trail is seldom used, and you might sit there all day and not see anyone else, aside from the odd service vehicle that might drive by a short distance away.

From the observation platform continue up the path to where the forest opens into a clearing. At this point, the path widens and flattens out. Down the path a bit, you will see a sign directing you to the Labyrinth. There you will find a smaller wood-chipped path leading off the main one to the Labyrinth.

The Labyrinth is intended for walking meditation. It is a replica of the Labyrinth on the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France and a memorial to Howard McKee, one of the founders of Bandon Dunes and friend of Mike Keiser.  

 

Labyrinth to The Lodge blog_ldgfrmbrdg

From the Labyrinth continue down the Woodland Trail to a footbridge crossing Chrome Lake. Continue across the partial dam toward Chrome Lake lodging until you reach the base of the hill beneath the cottages themselves. Do not continue up the hill if you want to return to The Lodge. Instead, turn right at the large evergreen and follow the path under the branches to a short boardwalk. Chrome Lake will be on your right. Follow the wood-chip path until you reach an asphalt footpath. You should be able to see The Lodge.

Cross the resort road keeping Chrome Lake on your right. Look for the fish ladder to your left. The lake flows out into Cut Creek, so named for the sea-run Cutthroat Trout that occasionally find themselves in the creek. Cut Creek flows due west down a ravine separating The Preserve from Bandon Dunes until it flows out across the beach and into the Pacific Ocean.

Follow the asphalt path up a slight hill to a set of stairs leading up several flights to the upper part of the same path. Follow the path up the rest of the hill. Cross the parking lot to  The Lodge walkway under the eaves. Walk through the double doors and into the lobby giving a wink and a nod to the front desk clerks on your right. Cross the lobby into the bar, belly up and order a double. You deserve it.

That concludes the northern circuit of the trail system. The southern circuit is a little tougher and a little wilder, slightly longer and more remote, but the extra effort is worth it from a hiking perspective.    

 

The Lodge to Dune Trail (Orange)

From The Lodge follow the asphalt path down the hill away from the parking lot toward Cut Creek and Chrome Lake. At the base of the stairs, turn left as if returning to the Labyrinth. Keeping Chrome Lake on your left, cross the main resort road and take an immediate right. Walk a short distance to another crosswalk and cross the road. Stay on the asphalt path following it into the Grove Cottage circle.

Through the Grove at the southern end of the circle, there is a small, multi-car parking lot. There is a gap between two of the Grove Cottages; this is the start of the Dune Trail. Follow the wood chipped path between cottage number 709 on the left and cottage number 710 on the right. A little way up the trail there is an outflow for the pond on the left. Stay on the wood chip path keeping to the left until you come to a gravel maintenance road for Bandon Trails.

The maintenance road T’s to the left at this point, and the trail continues straight. Continue across the road keeping to the right of the maintenance road. As you travel up the path, you will see number six green for Bandon Trails on the right. The trail intersects the walking path between holes six and seven here. Continue up the wooded trail leading south along the ridge. This is more of a traditional hiking trail so be prepared for rougher conditions as you climb the trail.

The Dune Trail shares a summit of sorts with the fourteenth tee at Bandon Trails. Just behind the back tee, there is an overlook spot with a plaque dedicated to where Mike Keiser first stood and laid out his vision for what would later become Bandon Dunes.

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From here the trail travels down the southern end of the ridge. It enters small groves of Manzanita, Rhododendron, Huckleberry and a myriad of other plant life. In the spring and fall, this portion of the trail is a good place to hunt mushrooms. Again, this trail sees minimal use and it is likely you will see wildlife.

The trail winds its way down to the base of the ridge. Near the base, there is a boardwalk, which traverses an intermittent wetland and marks the southernmost point of the Dune Trail. From here the trail flattens out and begins running back north, cutting a path through a clearing heavily covered in Salal and Sword Fern. Eventually, the trail leads back to the main entrance road.

At the main entrance road, cross and enter on the other side. This is the beginning of the sand dune section of the trail.  

 

Dune Trail (Orange) to Beach Trail (Yellow)

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The Dune Trail enters a wooded glen just off the main entrance road. It winds its way a short distance until reaches a boardwalk, which crosses over a wetland at the base of the dunes. These dunes run the entire coastline from the mouth of the Coquille River in the south to Cape Arago in the north.

After the boardwalk, the trail climbs the east side of the dune. At the top, there is a bench similar to those on the Woodland Trail at the Labyrinth with a view looking north along the coast and the entire Bandon Dunes Golf Resort property. Follow the hiking trail posts through the dunes. The sand is quite soft and the walking can be quite strenuous. This sandy section is roughly three-quarters of a mile, but it might feel longer. Come prepared and bring water.

The Dune Trail meets the Beach Trail at a junction just below the first green at Bandon Trails. From here the trail leads back to The Lodge. 

 

Beach Trail (Yellow) to The Lodge

After reaching the Beach Trail from the Dune Trail, instead of following the sandy section down to the beach turn right and continue back up through a cut in the beach grass. There are a few small shore pines that mark and link where the two trails meet. Cross the Preserve service road and follow the hiking trail signs. From this point, the Beach Trail enters a basin at the base of a sandy ridge that leads up to the first green at Bandon Trails golf course.

In the basin, you may find Silvery Phacelia and wild strawberry growing along and in the trail. Watch your step. The Silvery Phacelia is endangered, and these dunes are one of only a handful of places in the world where the plant still grows wild.

After a couple of switchbacks, the trail crosses between the back of one green and the tips of the tees for hole two. Be aware of the golfers if you see them on the green. Chances are good you will see them before they see you. This section of the trail is crossed by maintenance roads and may get a little confusing. 

Once you cross between the first green and the second tee box, cross the short service road and enter the trail leading down through the beach grass. Look for the hiking trail posts. The trail follows through the beach grass here for only a short distance before entering another maintenance road. The maintenance road leads up and to the left. Stay on the road following it up a small hill to the next hiking trail post. The trail enters the beach grass again at this point and leads down between the 18th and first hole at Bandon Trails. From here there is a good view of the first tee box, the eighteenth green, and the clubhouse.

After heading down the slope of the dune, the trail once again crosses a service road. Cross and climb the short distance up to the next section through the beach grass. The trail from here leads right along the 18th fairway so be mindful of play. Lag behind if there is a group on the green.

There is one more maintenance road crossing before the trail leads back to the first tees at Bandon Trails. Turn right once you reach the first tee and follow the trail back to the clubhouse via the patio, or up the hill to the left where the shuttles are. Here, you can either get on a shuttle, or you can walk back to The Lodge.

Walking back to The Lodge is easy and even easier if you’re staying at The Inn. From the green clock near the bag drop, follow the paver path down the hill on the left side of the road and follow the Creekside Path (Blue) signs towards The Lodge. Turn left as if walking to the first tee at the Preserve. Continue past the starter house and down the hill toward The Inn. The pavers give way to a concrete sidewalk.

Follow the sidewalk past the front of The Inn until you find the asphalt path leading back down to the left toward Cut Creek. Just past the bridge, you will find a series of stairs. Follow the stairs up to the practice green at Bandon Dunes and around the golf course side of The Lodge.

Top 8 Caddie Questions

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The caddie experience at Bandon Dunes is extremely important to us and we are constantly looking for ways to improve our program. We've listened to your thoughts and sat down with our caddie master to shine some light on frequently asked "caddie" questions from our guests.

Check out our top 8 questions below!

Golfer: “Do you think I can get to the green with a 5 iron?”
Caddy: “Eventually.”

1. Hey wait a second, I didn't get the caddie I requested?

There are a couple reasons why you may not get the caddie you requested. The caddie could be out of town or has decided to schedule themselves off during the dates of your trip. Caddies are independent contractors and determine the days they want to work. It is also possible they were scheduled on a job that overlaps with your arrival day. If your requested caddie is on another job, we will not pull them off a loop in order to fill a request. It is also possible that the caddie had multiple requests. When that happens the caddie has to choose which job to accept. Typically, they take the job that fits their schedule the best.  The good news is we have many great caddies here at Bandon Dunes and this is your opportunity to try another.

2. I had a great caddie that understood my game yesterday. How do I go about securing them for tomorrow?

Your caddie is scheduled with your group for the entire trip unless you request a new one. When you're a part of a big group it's a little different as it takes some serious logistics to make sure each group has the right caddies. As soon as you have your pairings assigned please notify us at 541.347.5875 so we can plan for the following day and communicate with the caddies.

3. I'd love to secure single bag caddies for our trip. Do I have to call earlier to make sure that is possible?

We have found over the years that a double bag caddie enriches your experience with your buddies. While you are more than welcome to request single bag caddies we cannot guarantee it, even though you requested it well in advance. Our caddies are very experienced carrying double bags and our main goal is to make sure we schedule every request we have on property before granting special requests for single bags.

Golfer: "I'd move heaven and earth to break 100 on this course."
Caddie: "Try heaven. You've already moved most of the earth."

4. You know my caddie is a Ducks fan and I went to Oregon State. Can I request a different caddie?

This is hypothetical but you get the point. Sometimes personalities clash and you want to know the best way to switch out your caddie. Check in with the golf shop or caddie supervisor on site for each course and we will do our best to find a proper replacement for you. In order to make sure we are improving our customer service please explain your reasoning so we can address the issue. We hope it's not only because they are a Ducks fan.

5. Bummer, I left my wallet in the room and am not sure what to pay them? Can you help?

Yes, we can! Stop in the golf shop and ask for caddie cash. We can charge a requested amount to your room and give you the cash to give your caddie. All caddie fees are to be paid by the guest directly to the caddie. The caddie fee is $100 per bag, per round plus gratuity. If you feel that your caddie experience did not meet your expectations, please notify a caddie supervisor or one of our golf shop professionals.

6. My home course is not designed with the walking golfer in mind, hence the large cart bag. Will the caddie still carry my bag?

If you have a large cart bag, hard case, or a bag that doesn't have a strap we are going to suggest using a change out bag. Carrying golf bags is a way of life for our caddies. A tweaked back from an oversized golf bag can sideline a caddie for weeks. Check in with the caddie supervisor and they will help move anything you need over to the carry bag so our caddies can keep up. All of your extra equipment is left secured at the facility you changed it out at. Also, guest services will be there to help assist you once you have finished your round.

Golfer: “Please stop checking your watch all the time. It’s too much of a distraction.”
Caddy: “It’s not a watch – it’s a compass.”

7. I am not sure I want a caddie but if I change my mind on the arrival day can I still get one?

It is possible but we can't make any promises. It is best to reserve a caddie as soon as you know you would like one. We recommend you decide at least a week or so before your trip. If you decide to wait we will do our best to field the request but it is dependent upon the number of free agents in the caddie yard that particular day.

8. I've never taken a caddie and not sure where I need to meet them?

If you requested a caddie in advance, one of our caddie supervisors will be at the first round course to answer any of your questions and introduce the assigned caddies. This typically happens 15-20 minutes prior to your tee time. If you have any follow up questions you can find a caddie supervisor at the course you are playing by calling the caddie shack.

We hope these helped dispel some questions about our caddie program but we are here to help if you have more. Feel free to leave us a note in the comments below, visit our caddie services page or give our caddie request line a call! Don't forget to #EnjoyTheWalk!

Request a Caddie

541.347.5909

Bandon caddies help win championships. Want proof? Bandon caddie, Gerard Percy, helped lead Liu and Mitsunaga to the USGA Inaugural Women's Four-Ball Championship May of 2015.

Five things every golfer should know about the Bandon Dunes Practice Center

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(article by Nick Martin)

The Practice Center is the heart of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. For many guests, it is the first and last place they go during their stay. For others, it’s an afterthought, probably because they don’t realize all it has to offer. The Bandon Dunes Practice Center is not your typical driving range; it’s a vast expanse of game improvement, the likes of which you may not have expected. Here are five things every golfer should know about it:

1. Ease of access – The Practice Center is minutes away from practically anywhere on property. And the efficiency of the resort’s shuttle system makes getting there as easy as an uphill 2-footer. 

2. “Big Putt” – After knocking a few balls into the ether from the practice tee, turn now to the 1-acre putting green to work on the 100-foot-putt that is sure to come in handy. Unlike The Punchbowl putting course, the Big Putt is intended for practice and mimics the putting situations you will undoubtedly experience out on the course.

3. Shorty’s 9-hole par-3 course – Shorty’s is the perfect warm-up – or cool-down for those fanatics who just can’t get enough golf and want to play into the darkness after a full day of golf. For a full description of the course, click here.

4. Visitor Center building – One of the jewels of the Practice Center is the Visitor Center building and bag drop. Complete with a cedar inlay ceiling and a 270-degree glass enclosure that offers a view of the entire facility, every detail is top-notch. Copies of the Wall Street Journal are laid out on tables. Coffee and tea are complimentary. Take a break from practice and enjoy this popular facility.

5. Links instruction with Grant Rogers – No world-class practice facility would be complete without golf instruction. Grant Rogers, director of instruction at Bandon Dunes, offers personalized links-oriented lessons that help golfers of all abilities enhance their golf experience. Having trouble with those links-style approach shots? Having trouble adapting to the wind? Bunker issues? A personal lesson is a perfect way to hone those skills and feed the obsession that brought you to Bandon Dunes in the first place. To schedule a links lesson, contact the front desk or inquire at any of the golf shops. For an even better understanding of what this Grant Rogers guy is all about, check out this article published in the September 2013 issue of Golf Digest. Study it, there will be a test.

Interview with Tom Doak on Punchbowl, Opening May 2014

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Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with golf course architect Tom Doak about his latest project at Bandon Dunes, an 18-hole putting course at Pacific Dunes called The Punchbowl. Situated next to the first tee at Pacific Dunes, behind the newly renovated patio at Pacific Grill, The Punchbowl travels north and south in a crescent, hugging the base of a hill and fans out to the west. From the patio, there is a clear view not just of the putting course, but of the Pacific Ocean.The grand opening for The Punchbowl is May 2014 (UPDATE: opening day video below). 

Did you have any direction from Mike Keiser (owner and founder of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort) about what he wanted for the putting course?
He just said, “Make it really fun for people.”
 
Aside from Mr. Keiser’s direction, what was your vision for the putting course?
Our goal was to build a stand-alone facility that would be just as fun to play as any of the big courses but on a smaller time scale.
 
Starting from the redesigned patio at Pacific Grill, walk us through the layout.
There are several different sectors of the green -- a big plateau at the top (north) end with several moguls in it, a shelf along the west side, and a deep bowl on the south end at the bottom of The Punchbowl. From top to bottom I think there is 15-20 feet of elevation change.In anticipation of heavy play, we had to design the green to be played in different configurations each day to spread out the wear, the same way you have to move the flag on a regular green. So, one day the first hole might be played up toward the practice green for Pacific Dunes, to the far right, and the next day you might have a 100-foot downhill roller-coaster putt toward the bowl in the bottom. I’m hoping we can convince David Kidd and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (architects of Bandon Trails) to draw up their own 18-hole routings for it.
 
What is your favorite design element of The Punchbowl?
There is a pretty large tree growing on a dune down in the lower section of the green, with the putting surface going all the way around it. It will be a bit of a nuisance for the maintenance guys, but we really wanted to leave the tree.
 
Do you see the putting course being used for practice, or for fun -- like a round of golf?
It's meant to be as much fun as a round of golf and probably not great for practice because it might undermine your confidence. On an average day you'll face several situations where it's difficult to get down in two putts.You will find every kind of putt you can imagine out there, and probably a few you've never dreamed of. Don't be surprised if there is a dogleg or two, where you want to play a bank shot around the corner.It will be great for playing matches at the end of the day, but also just fun to get out on by oneself and watch the ball take some crazy breaks off the big slopes.
 

 
Are design features of The Punchbowl similar to other greens around the world, for instance, the Himalayas at St. Andrews? If so, have you taken those features to another level?
I suppose you could find them if you were looking for them, but generally, The Punchbowl is more severe than any single green on any course. We did mimic some features of the Himalayas green at St. Andrews, particularly a couple of little “volcano” features where there is room for a hole location in a little hollow on top of a smallish dune. I used to putt around the Himalayas a lot when I lived in St. Andrews for two months right after college, and it is certainly the inspiration for The Punchbowl. The Punchbowl is similar in size to the putting course at St. Andrews, so you are likely to face a lot of fairly long putts in playing 18 holes. The main difference is that the Himalayas is pretty level from one end to the other, with a lot of internal dunes, whereas The Punchbowl takes up 20 feet of elevation change from end to end. I don't know that I would say we've taken it to a new level -- the original is really wild, and nobody has ever built a green in the U.S. that was anywhere near as wild as that. Before now, anyway.
 

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