Not all Bandonistas are the same

April 17, 2017 by Bandon Dunes

From the first tee at Pacific Dunes, you’re awestruck. Playing into the breeze, you’re taken in by the faded green of the fescue fairways against a blue morning sky, the rolling bluffs, and the dramatic wildness of the landscape.

Traveling to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort for the first time, you already know this is the golf trip of a lifetime. But the excitement of finally arriving on property conjures up intense anticipation for what lies ahead.

One thing you do notice from the first tee at Pacific Dunes is that the Pacific Ocean is nowhere to be seen … at least not yet.

“Just wait until you come up to the third green,” your friend, a veteran Bandonista, assures you. “The ocean views are incredible. You’ve never seen or felt anything like it.”

Unbeknownst to a Bandon Dunes rookie, your playing partner is one of our favorite types of Bandonistas — The Tour Guide. You see, not all Bandonistas are the same. In fact, Bandon Dunes veterans usually fall into at least one, but typically a combination of four main personality categories.

Who are these distinct members of the Bandon Dunes family? Well, it helps to think of them like our four championship golf courses: Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, and Old Macdonald. Starting with the course and player where it all began, here’s a rundown of the four courses of Bandonistas:

Bandon Dunes, aka The Tour Guide

Hard to believe that Bandon Dunes was once just 18 holes and a vague idea to most, but not to The Tour Guide, who has made pilgrimages year after year to the Southern Oregon Coast. He read Dream Golf cover to cover before his first trip and will read it again just before his next. Simply put, The Tour Guide has seen it all over the years, and now wants to show others how to do Bandon Dunes right.

Want to know where The Labyrinth is? The Tour Guide will not only lead you there, he will explain exactly what and who inspired its creation. Ever notice that David McLay Kidd routed the par-4 fourth hole at Bandon Dunes in a way to reveal the ocean on the approach shot rather than tee box? The Tour Guide knows exactly why.

Pacific Dunes, aka The Flash

Like Pacific Dunes, The Flash gets showered with accolades. From the first tee, it becomes obvious that this Bandonista is the player in the group. They have all the shots, and look picture-perfect in form and fashion while making each one. The Flash doesn’t have a bad hole in him, but rest assured he will play a few holes that will make your jaw drop.

All along, The Flash somehow still manages to stay true to humble beginnings. He loves and respects the game, and to see The Flash play is to see a true artist at work.

Bandon Trails, aka The Independent

He has a different look about him than most, and The Independent does not mind that a bit. Opinionated and unafraid, The Independent relishes the chance to stand out from the crowd. The Independent is the fun one, even if not everybody quite gets him at first, but once they do, they can’t help but fall in love.

The Independent might show up to the first tee in knickers. He may smack a “Texas wedge” from 50 yards off the green, or use a three-quarters swing of a driver off the deck to skid a ball down the fairway. With little use for convention, The Independent is only limited by an almost unlimited imagination.

Old Macdonald, aka The Traditionalist

Reserved and humble, The Traditionalist feels an uncommon spiritual connection to the game. For this person, golf is a journey meant to be cherished. The Traditionalist has an unwavering passion for the game and its history. He might even have a persimmon wood driver in his bag, because The Traditionalist does not believe that contemporary is always better.

The Traditionalist is devoted to the Rules of Golf, but does not care much for the scorecard. In fact, to dwell on the score is to miss the point altogether. To The Traditionalist, golf is a historic game and that history should be honored.

When it comes to your course persona, are you more Bandon Dunes than Pacific Dunes? Or are you the Bandon Trails or Old Macdonald Bandonista? Maybe you have a bit of all of them in you.

A trip to Bandon Dunes is the only way to truly know for sure.

Our 16 Favorite #GuestPics of 2016

December 27, 2016 by Bandon Dunes

This time of year is all about appreciating the memories you made with family and friends throughout the past golf season. On the days we couldn't get out on the links ourselves we lived vicariously through the experiences you shared, and for that we are grateful. Below are our 16 favorite #GuestPics of 2016. The list of qualifiers was long and narrowing it down to our favorite 16 was tough. Congrats to all the photographers below!

Don't forget to share your pictures with us in 2017 and we'll share our favorites. Feel free to use the hashtag #GuestPic!

1. Practice looks perfect.
by jtmdc

2. Buddies golf should always include a classic "buddies pose."
by mands_on

3. #BandonDunes No. 17? Uhh... yes, please!
by adamadamadamdam

4. Don't over do it on #PacificDunes No. 11, but if you do...
by lanhamland

5. Our greatest ambassadors.
by focusinthedark

6. Victory round anyone?
by millertime0615

7. YUM!
by thekategatsby

8. That moment when you and your buddies have #BandonPreserve all to yourselves.
by chiefgolfofficial

9. Bird is the word. #Shortys No. 1
by WestByGod_Mike

10. Whether this was before or after the golf, remember to thank the pilot for the flyby...
by elizamcnulty

11. C.B. is smiling down on #OldMacdonald.
by gunga_galunga_golf

12. Should we kick back and have a drink or make some putts and have a drink? #ToughChoices #AfterGolf #ThePunchbowl
by trackside_mike

13. Friends quickly become family when the goal is 100+ holes.
by tracylanefoundation

14. Oh dear, look at that sky! #BandonPreserve No. 1
by dlfrenchy

15. Let me check with my trusted Links Golf Strategist (a.k.a. Caddie).
by Chillbot

16. Where it all began. R.I.P. Shorty. #BandonTrails No. 14 overlook
by BeardownSkylar

Keep submitting your Bandon Dunes photos and tagging us. Have a great 2017!

Download Bandon Dunes Images For Your Desktop Background | 2016 Edition

December 16, 2016 by Bandon Dunes

In year's past, we gave our followers a real holiday surprise. We collected a few of our high-resolution images from the year's photo sessions and made them available for download. Well, we've done it again this year! Below you will find 7 of our favorite images taken throughout the year that you are more than welcome to use at home. All we ask is that you do not attempt to professionally print or sell these images. Instead, feel free to share this post with your friends, family, and everyone on your buddies list!

For the highest resolution images, scroll to the bottom of this post or click this link to access our Flickr album!

To download images right + click on the image and select "Save Image As..." then select a place on your local computer (or press + hold then Save on mobile, crop to desired vertical layout):

To download 22 megapixels of pure links golf click here to access the Flickr album with the higher resolution images from above. Just click the download arrow on the bottom right of the image and select the size that best fits your needs.

ICYMI: Don't forget to download images from the last few years!

Desktop Background Images | 2014 Edition

Desktop Background Images | 2015 Edition

Evans Scholar, Makenna Crocker, shares her caddie experience!

October 3, 2016 by Makenna Crocker

I am proud to say that I've had the wonderful opportunity of growing up on the southern Oregon coast. The towering trees, rugged coastlines, and salty ocean winds have been calming familiarities to me throughout my childhood. For this, I consider myself lucky. Growing up in the small town of North Bend, I've kept busy with countless dance classes, recitals, band concerts and more. There was never a dull moment, and living in such an inviting community made it even better. The coast of Oregon is undoubtedly a gorgeous area, and many travelers make a special note to visit. I had always known that I lived in a beautiful place, but my real understanding and appreciation for Oregon amplified when I became a caddie at Bandon Dunes.

After hearing about the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship Program through my brother, (Matt Crocker, Evans Scholar 2007), I decided to give it a try the summer after my sophomore year in high school. Going into it, I had little knowledge of Bandon Dunes nor golf itself. However, each day I spent on the courses my awareness and appreciation for the sport grew tremendously.

The courses are beautiful, Bandon is beautiful, the ocean is beautiful; the privilege and experience to work out here is just that, BEAUTIFUL.

When you are trekking along the rolling dunes of these golf courses, all of life's worries seem to fade. Your sole focus is on the game of golf and the breathtaking beauty that is the Southern Oregon Coast. On sunny days, the vibrancy of the green hills in contrast with the blue water and colorful wind surfers is bound to steal your focus. Then, on those gray, blustery days, the crashing waves and sheer power of the wind is bound to keep you in awe. Working at Bandon Dunes has given me the opportunity to see these beautiful sights every day, enabling me to enjoy and fall further in love with where I’ve grown up.

Being a young female caddie, I have always been treated with kindness and respect; I can still say this after three years of working at Bandon Dunes. Golfers and other caddies are thoughtful, understanding and have made my experience all the better.

My favorite aspect about caddying has been the ability to meet people that travel from all over the world to play golf at Bandon Dunes and hear their stories. I have met all kinds of people and made great connections that I would never have had the opportunity to make, had I not been a caddie. It’s wonderful to see people from all different backgrounds, coming together through their shared love of true links golf and the outdoors.

I have had several memorable stories throughout my time in Bandon. Among the top was with a twosome I had worked with earlier this summer. We were on the 18th hole at Bandon Trails, and the other player I was not caddying for was about to attempt a 40-yard putt. His putting hadn’t been very strong that day, so he jokingly bet me that if I gave him a read and he made it, he would give me an excellent tip. I laughed and read his putt, not expecting anything. He used the advice I gave him, and as the ball rolled confidently towards the hole the pressure mounted... to everyone's marvel, it dropped in the hole! As the ball dropped so did his jaw, as he was not expecting to have even been close, let alone to have to pay up! It was a fun group, and I will always remember that round.

Being a caddie in the Evans program has helped give me a lot more confidence connecting with people. I am more outgoing and driven. In my early days, I was shy and lacked a lot of the golf knowledge our more experienced caddies possess. Since then, I have gratefully accumulated the knowledge it takes to help golfers through each round. I’ve learned how to interact with all kinds of people, and in turn, have made several great connections throughout the country. Moreover, the biggest opportunity this program has given me is the chance to go to college.

This fall, I will be attending the University of Oregon on the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship with full tuition and housing support. I am grateful beyond words for this opportunity. I will be entering Oregon’s pre-Journalism program, in hopes to lean towards advertising and media. I will also be keeping myself busy with a second major in dance to help keep up with a love I've had my entire childhood. I am very excited to start this next chapter in my life, but will always remember the people and places that helped guide me along the way. I will be forever grateful to have grown up in such a beautiful area and to have had such a great opportunity caddying at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

STAFF FEATURE: INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT MILLHOUSER

June 28, 2016 by Bandon Dunes

The cool morning air hits you in the face as you step out of the shuttle. You rub the sleep out of your eyes. The driver grabs your clubs out of the back of the shuttle, sets them down, shakes your hand and gives you and your three best buddies a quick piece of golf advice, "Enjoy the morning walk, gents!"

You make your way towards the Bandon Trails clubhouse to check in and gear up for the busy day of golf. As you walk into the golf shop, there is a tall, wide-smiled golf professional waiting there who greets you with a "Good morning, sir! Anything I may help you with today?" He answers all your questions, and you make your way to the first tee feeling prepared for the day.

What you might not have found out during the haze of an early morning is that staffer who helped in the shop is not only enhancing your daily golf experience but is also making big moves in our local community to help bring the game of golf closer to our next generation!

Known around the resort as our junior golf guru, Scott Millhouser is not only the Head Golf Professional at Bandon Trails, but he's also the Head Golf Coach for Bandon High School and helps teach the Southwestern Oregon Community College men and women's golf teams.

We sat down with Scott between clinics to talk to him about his involvement with coaching young golfers, embodying the Bandon Dunes golf experience and balancing all of that with family life and two young kids at home.

Hey Scottie, thanks for all you do to ensure our guests and local juniors have the best golf experience possible. Let's start out with some history, where are you originally from, how long have you lived in Bandon and worked at the resort?
Thanks! I am originally from Dallas, Oregon. I have lived on the South Coast of Oregon for just over 11 years while working at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

Wow, the time sure does fly around here. Tell us, how do you balance work, play, coaching, and family life at home?
First, I have a wonderful wife who understands I am living my dream job. The culture at Bandon Dunes makes us feel like part of a larger family. My family enjoys playing golf, so we play where I work. Occasionally my young son will come to high school golf practice with me so we can spend more time together and the kids on the team have been great to him. We also enjoy the resort’s walking trails, and we do our best to get to the beach whenever we can.

A balanced life for sure! How long have you been coaching high school and junior golf around Bandon?
I started volunteering as the boy's Assistant Coach for Bandon High School nine years ago. I officially became the boy's Head Coach in 2012 and just finished my fifth season. This year I also took over as the girl's coach and have really enjoyed coaching both boys and girls golf. I've been involved with our junior golf programs at the resort since 2005. A couple of seasons later I realized that I wanted to follow through with the progress we had in our summer junior golf programs into the high school golf season.

How did your teams finish up this year?
We had our best turn out with sixteen boys and six girls this year! Both teams had a lot of fun and made solid progress in their games throughout the season. We had our top ranked girl win a few tournaments along with our top ranked boy winning a handful as well. Both kids have been participants in our summer junior golf programs over the past five years, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to see the progress they have made since they first attended our junior golf programs. Looking forward, we are excited to start building on the successes of this year and are lucky to have a number of returning players.

That is great stuff! Expand more on teaching golf to youngsters. What's rewarding about it? How do you ensure that your students balance fun and competition out on the course to keep them coming back for more?
Teaching golf to kids is extremely enjoyable. We try to provide a safe learning environment that cultivates confidence and character. This level of confidence allows them to have fun and be themselves. Their excitement for life, golf, and anything fun is contagious. It’s rewarding to see their reaction when they make their first putt or hit their first drive in the air and is longer than they expected. They smile, laugh, and cheer, and instantly you know they are hooked on golf. Once they hit a good shot, they cannot wait to show off what they have learned. We provide them with instruction followed by a brief competition. By keeping the competition short, they are left wanting more, and it helps bring them back week after week!

What is the best way to get kids excited about golf?
The best way to get kids excited about golf is to let them be themselves. Only focus on what they are doing right, because nobody likes being told what they are doing wrong. If you provide them with fun games and encouragement, they will remember that they had a great experience on the golf course and crave more.

Speaking of great experiences, when you take them out on our courses what is their reaction to the scenery? Does it remind you of the excitement we see in our adult guests?
Absolutely! Both our juniors and adult guests have the same reaction to our courses. It's like kids in a candy shop. They start dreaming about the next hole they are going to play and the enjoyment it will bring them.

Lastly, if there is a guest who is enquiring about junior clinics how should they go about finding more information?
They can email me at smillhouser@bandondunesgolf.com or call my office at 541-347-5973. It is worth noting that a lot of our clinics are complimentary and conducted at our Practice Center. They can also check out our summer clinic schedule available at this link! Thanks for helping promote junior golf!

UPDATE:
Scott's illustration has been featured on a custom club cover from Seamus Golf!

Big thanks to @seamusgolf for creating this head cover for my very close friend and Head Golf Pro at #bandontrails Scott Millhouser. Scott is a class act and this is an image of his beautiful, smooth, buttery golf swing!! Big love to him and #seamusgolf #whyilovethisgame #pga365 #oregongolf #bandondunes #bandondunesgolf @bandondunesgolf #pnwgolf #playerswanted #pacificdunes #enjoyyourwalk @boo_her @kempersports

A photo posted by Brian (@mands_on) on Oct 7, 2016 at 6:03pm PDT

STAFF FEATURE: INTERVIEW WITH LOUIS FRANYI

January 18, 2016 by Nick Martin

The raw beauty of the Southern Oregon Coast attracts a number of talented artists. As golf enthusiasts, we all fall in love with the design and aesthetics of the courses but the natural beauty of the surrounding area completes the canvas. For those who call Bandon home, it is undeniable that we all have a deep connection with this virtue of the coast.

Louis Franyi, one of our long time rangers fell in love with Bandon back in May, 2007. While he spends most of his time helping our guests and caddies climb to the picturesque 14th tee on Bandon Trails, Louis also has a passion for photography and has an excellent eye for catching some of the South Coast’s natural beauty. Check out our interview with him as well as some of his work below.

Photography by L.E. Franyi

Foliage Along Bandon Trails No. 13

Moth on a Rhodie Flower

Peeling Madrone Tree

Wild Flowers

October Sunsets

The Trails

Spring at Bandon Trails

Bandon Trails No. 7

Thanks for sharing your passion with us, Lou! You are a great example of what makes working and experiencing Bandon Dunes incredibly special. Keep up the great work!

Update (11/6): We received the sad news that Louis “Lou” Franyi has passed away. Lou joined our team in May of 2007 and will be remembered for his warm smile, light-hearted personality and his love for his friends, family, and community.

Lou was a long time staffer of Bandon Dunes. He worked as a ranger for over 11 years and was well known as the tram driver, helping our guests and caddies climb to the 14th tee on Bandon Trails. Lou had a passion for the Southern Coast, photography, and people. His warm personality and friendly demeanor made him a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed by the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort team and our guests.

He will definitely be missed but never forgotten.

Download Bandon Dunes Images For Your Desktop Background | 2015 Edition

December 24, 2015 by builtbygcommerce

Happy Holidays from Bandon Dunes!

Last year, we gave our readers some medium-sized desktop background images taken throughout the year. We had a great response from multiple guests telling us how much they enjoyed them.

You spoke, and we listened!

Below there are 5 photos from our 2015 social media library that you are more than welcome to use at home. Feel free to download and use on your desktop computer, mobile device or even during your next trip planning session to Bandon! All we ask is that you do not attempt to professionally print or sell these images. Instead, we ask that you share with your friends, family and fellow Bandonistas!

To download images right + click on the image and select "Save Image As..." to download the background-image wallpaper to your local computer (or press + hold then Save on mobile, crop to desired vertical layout):

We'll even go a step further and supply you with twice the resolution! To download 3.8 megapixels of pure links golf click here to access our flickr album with the higher resolution images from above. Just click the download arrow and select the largest size.

Have a great holiday season and we hope to see in you 2016.

Our Favorite #GuestPic Instagram Photos of 2015

December 17, 2015 by Bandon Dunes

When looking back at 2015, there’s no doubt about it, we enjoy all of the shared pictures from our fellow Bandonistas. If you follow our social channels at all, you know we often call out a #GuestPic when we come across a photo that must be shared with our fans.

While it is impossible to highlight everyone who captured a cherished moment at Bandon Dunes, here are 15 of our favorites from this past season.

Keep sharing your moments, checking-in on our social channels, and using hashtags like #BandonDunes, #PacificDunes, #BandonTrails, #OldMacdonald, #BandonPreserve and #ThePunchbowl on your next trip. You might just be the next featured photographer!

15) We LOVE those #LongShadows #BandonTrails

A photo posted by Peabadude Chowdah (@pibbs) on Dec 1, 2015 at 7:45pm PST

14) Puffin's-eye view #BandonDunes #Aerial

A photo posted by JetsetterGolf (@jetsettergolf) on Nov 18, 2015 at 6:39pm PST

13) Bandon Dunes #Caddies always have your back

A photo posted by CreweCup (@crewecup) on Dec 2, 2015 at 8:39am PST

12) Oops, we spilled our polaroids all over this table #PhotoCollage

A photo posted by Eric Malusky (@bigesmallz) on Nov 27, 2015 at 6:19pm PST

11) We never grow tired of seeing smiling faces at #BandonDunes

A photo posted by Bill Hogan (@wideworldofgolf) on Nov 4, 2015 at 5:24am PST

10) Jump for joy at #BandonTrails

A photo posted by Justin (@deezputts) on Oct 10, 2015 at 1:05pm PDT

9) When the phrase #LikeFatherLikeSon is a really good thing

A photo posted by Baby Jammerz (@jcygnusx1) on Oct 12, 2015 at 6:28pm PDT

8) The kind of photo that makes you want to stop what you're doing and head to #BandonPreserve

A photo posted by Eric Zastrow (@photobyeasy) on Nov 23, 2015 at 4:05am PST

7) After walking 18, 36 or 54+ it's time to decompress by the #FirePit and enjoy the #19thHole

A photo posted by Hubrissss (@hubrissss) on Aug 1, 2015 at 9:05pm PDT

6) Ahh, those reflective Bandon #sunsets #BandonPreserve

A photo posted by Sim (@acsimcox) on Sep 18, 2015 at 8:14pm PDT

5) One. Two. Three.... Smile! #EpicSelfie

A photo posted by T r i l l i u m R o s e (@trillgolf) on Aug 20, 2015 at 9:22pm PDT

4) Just a couple of signs that you're on #OldMacdonald

A photo posted by GolfChops.com (@golfchops) on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:07pm PDT

3) #MakingPutts all day long

A photo posted by @carrforthecourse on Oct 9, 2015 at 3:31pm PDT

2) #Timing is everything! #BandonDunes

A photo posted by Dan Mirocha (@danmirocha) on Feb 20, 2015 at 7:44pm PST

1) The best part of any Instagram photo at Bandon Dunes are the #CapturedMoments you take home, like this one on #OldMacdonald

A photo posted by Colin Tucker (@ctuckgolf) on Jun 22, 2015 at 11:18pm PDT

Feeling inspired? Check out more tresured moments on our very own Instagram account here. You may just see your photo with the hashtag #GuestPic very soon. We look forward to some great photos in 2016!

Looper Cup

December 9, 2015 by Bandon Dunes

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has been privileged to be a part of the conversation when talking about the best golf courses in the country. If you follow these “best of” lists one course that is always in the conversation of greatest of all time is Pine Valley in New Jersey. Another popular debate heard around the game of golf is who has the best caddie program. Both Bandon Dunes and Pine Valley are consistently mentioned in this debate as well.

In an effort to celebrate the successes of these two decorated caddie programs we hosted a friendly competition pitting Pine Valley against Bandon Dunes – in the Inaugural Looper Cup. Pine Valley sent eight of their best caddies to Bandon Dunes to compete in a match play competition against the top eight Bandon caddies who qualified for the event a month prior. The format mirrored the same used in The Ryder Cup, with the first two days consisting of 36-holes of golf; four fourball matches in the morning followed by four foursome matches in the afternoon. The last day finished with eight singles matches. Both teams were stacked with successful resumes that would make any decorated golfer respect their competition.


Bandon Dunes Team	Pine Valley Team
Tyler Falk	Adam Armagost
Jerry Penifold	Jake Korb
Jason Humphrey	Jake Suplicki
Kyle Crawford	Jeff Kostenlnik
Trevor Hiehing	Jerry Rooney
Bobby Monaco	John “JD” Delventhal
Kevin Rei	John Rudisill
Larry Watts	Serge Hogg

While the final tally on the scoreboard added up to a Bandon Dunes victory, what we really observed were 16 passionate individuals that bleed for their workplace and take pride in calling their facility home. Great golf on great courses leads to great friendships. We hope the Looper Cup leads to many more friendships in the years to come and look forward to hosting other caddie programs in the future.