United Airlines Eases Travel Time To Bandon Dunes In 2023

February 8, 2023 by Bandon Dunes

We are very pleased to announce that once again, United Airlines will be providing seasonal nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH), in North Bend, Oregon.

For the 2023 season, direct service will operate twice-a-week roundtrip flights (Sunday & Wednesday) from May 7 to September 27, on United’s Embraer ERJ-175 jet aircraft. The ERJ-175 provides passengers with a full-service cabin and offers seating for up to 76 passengers, including twelve first-class cabin seats. Please refer to the United Airlines website for flight times, fares, and availability.

The United Airlines service will continue to ease travel time to Bandon Dunes and enables convenient connections to cities across the U.S. and throughout the world. Visitors to the resort from beyond the Northwest may now enjoy nonstop air service from another major international hub.

All ticket dates for the Denver-North Bend flights are available now at www.united.com or by calling (800) 864-8331.

For more information or to make reservations for your next Bandon Dunes trip, visit our Reservations Page.

You can also visit our "Getting Here" page to learn more about all the different ways to get to Bandon Dunes.

Bandon's Newest Resort Experiences

August 9, 2021 by Bandon Dunes

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

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.

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

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to Host 13 USGA Championships

July 20, 2021 by Bandon Dunes

Long-term relationship kicks off with 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (July 20, 2021) – The USGA and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort today announced an agreement that will bring 13 USGA amateur championships to the resort over 23 years. The relationship will begin with the 74th U.S. Junior Amateur in 2022 and run through the 2045 U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Girls’ Junior Championships, with eight different championships being played at the resort, including the U.S. Amateur, U.S. Women’s Amateur, the Walker Cup Match and the Curtis Cup Match.

The 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur will be conducted from July 25-30, with Bandon Dunes serving as the host course for both stroke play and match play, and Bandon Trails serving as the second stroke-play course. Dates and courses for the other championships will be announced in the future.

The resort will host both the U.S. Women’s Amateur and U.S. Amateur in 2032 and again in 2041, marking the first time those two original USGA championships will be contested on the same site in the same calendar year. The resort will also host the U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Girls’ Junior in 2045, which will mark the fourth time those championships will be conducted at the same facility in the same year. The agreement also includes the 2029 Walker Cup Match and the 2038 Curtis Cup Match.

“With five championship-caliber courses and incredible support from the resort’s ownership, Bandon Dunes is the perfect location for these USGA championships,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA senior managing director of Championships. “Mike Keiser has been an incredible advocate for amateur golf and his ongoing support for the USGA and our mission served as the vision for this partnership. We are excited to work together for years to come.”

The 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship will be the first U.S. Junior Amateur and eighth USGA championship hosted by the resort, making Bandon Dunes the first site to host eight different USGA championships. It will be the 39th USGA championship held in Oregon.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort previously hosted the 2006 Curtis Cup Match (Pacific Dunes), the 2007 U.S. Mid-Amateur (Bandon Dunes), the 2011 U.S. Amateur Public Links and U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links (Old Macdonald and Bandon Trails), the 2015 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball (Pacific Dunes), 2019 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball (Old Macdonald and Pacific Dunes), and the 2020 U.S. Amateur (Bandon Dunes and Bandon Trails).

“I love amateur golf. What the USGA does for amateur golf and to grow the game is exceptional. I built Bandon Dunes for all amateurs to enjoy the great experiences and spirited competition that golf provides, and we are thrilled to be hosting the USGA’s signature amateur championships for years to come,” said Mike Keiser, the owner of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. “We are particularly grateful to Mike Davis, who has been an advocate for Bandon Dunes since the resort’s earliest days. Amateur golf will always have a place at Bandon Dunes, and this commitment from the USGA is significant. We welcome all the great championships that the USGA will bring to the resort as Bandon Dunes is the home of amateur golf.”

The 73rd U.S. Junior Amateur Championship is being played this week at the Country Club of North Carolina in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C.

Future USGA Championships at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort:

2022 U.S. Junior Amateur

2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur

2029 Walker Cup Match

2032 U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur

2035 U.S. Girls’ Junior

2037 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball and U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball

2038 Curtis Cup Match

2041 U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur

2045 U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Girls’ Junior

About the USGA

The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves, and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping, and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.

About Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

Bandon Dunes is golf as it was meant to be. Located on Oregon’s rugged southern coast, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort offers six distinct golf courses modeled after the great links courses of Scotland, England, and Ireland. Players immerse themselves in the traditions of a timeless game and the grandeur of Oregon’s breathtaking coastline. The soul of the game resides here with classic concepts of golf course design. Players walk and gracious hospitality comforts each guest like a warm, friendly embrace. The resort features secluded accommodations and six restaurants to serve guests. Founded in 1999, Bandon Dunes is owned by Mike Keiser.

Bandon Dunes and THE Freshwater Trust team up with YETI to Reduce Single-use Plastic

April 22, 2021 by Bandon Dunes

Since opening in 1999, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has strived to be a respectful land steward, celebrating the marvels of mother nature while cherishing the walk and stories the timeless game of golf provides. This is rooted in the ethos of Mike Keiser, Bandon's founder, whose 'leave no trace' attitude led him to the founding of his first business venture in 1971, Recycled Paper Greetings. From there, Mike and his family's passion for impactful conservation grew.

Today, we're pressing in our match against single-use plastic bottle consumption. There is no doubt we all need to up the stakes. The production of plastic is growing faster than any other material on this planet. It's a topic our team continues to brainstorm around knowing we rely on it for so many different purposes on property. Our pathway forward starts like any other journey, one step at a time.

Over the last five years, our resort has ordered and consumed roughly 649k plastic water bottles. That's why we've been making changes and will no longer be ordering them going forward.

Where can you find water now? Over the past year, we've installed 14 new water refill stations throughout the property. The ability to hydrate is nearby!

Through our partnership with The Freshwater Trust, we've created a program to offer reusable YETI® Rambler Bottles in replacement of plastic water bottles on property. Starting this #EarthDay, arriving guests will have the option to purchase a reusable bottle at cost for $20 and use them at any outlet on property or any of the refill stations. The YETI Rambler® 18 oz. Bottles are available at any golf shop, front desk or the Lodge Gift Shop as well as recyclable aluminum bottles of water available across the resort.

As Bandon Dunes' footprint has grown, so has its commitment to sustainable practices in an effort to maintain the elemental beauty that surrounds us. We pride ourselves on not only being recognized for many notable environmental awards but also the various certifications that are already fundamental to the links golf experience we provide. Click here to see some of these efforts.

In an effort to further our commitment to keeping the Oregon coast, and the world at large just as beautiful as we found it, it's time to come together around the 'reduce waste' mentality. We appreciate your support and look forward to the future steps we take to preserve and celebrate the outdoors.

What is The Freshwater Trust?

Rivers are the backbone of our country. Yet decades of treating a finite resource as infinite has had severe consequences. The Freshwater Trust is a group of problem solvers that design and implement data-driven, science-based solutions that protect and restore rivers. They are the largest restoration-focused organization in the Pacific Northwest, and the second-largest conservation group based in Oregon with the mission to preserve and restore freshwater ecosystems. Learn more about all of their initiatives here.

The Nature of Bandon Dunes

April 9, 2021 by Bandon Dunes

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!

Remembering Those We've Lost

March 9, 2021 by Bandon Dunes

The South Coast ethos our employees share with our guests amplifies the resort experience. Our small-town vibe and the benefits that resonate within a tight-knit community and close connection with friends and family is ever-present in our daily interactions. Our guests feel it -- frequently commenting on the culture and staff friendliness. We celebrate this as a resort and are thankful that our team members feel the freedom to be themselves in the workplace. This is why when we lose members of our resort family it reverberates through our team and our community, reminding us to not take things for granted, to appreciate the day, and those we choose to work with.

It's with great sadness that we share the recent loss of three team members. Peggy Wiest, Bobby Charitar, and Mark Bergmann. May they rest in peace. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and to our team members who are grieving their losses.

Margaret "Peggy" Weist

Peggy joined the Bandon Dunes family in 2017 as a Turnstand Attendant and became our first Staff Café Attendant in 2018. In April of 2019, she moved to the Reservations Department where she worked as the evening resort operator at the PBX desk. She had many friends around the resort and enjoyed living at Staff Village.

Peggy spent most of her life in Missouri and moved to the Oregon Coast to be closer to family. Before her employment at Bandon Dunes, she worked as a cook, caregiver, truck stop manager, and business owner. She loved knitting and liked to lend a hand with her skills as a seamstress. Pictured below: Peggy and her daughter, Joy.

Dhirendra "Bobby" Charitar

Bobby joined the Bandon Dunes family as a Starter/Ranger in June of 2015 and quickly became known for his bright smile, amazing customer care, and impeccable golf attire. He managed the first tee at Old Macdonald and then moved to the Bandon Dunes course, where he welcomed each guest to the first tee box with his warmth and knowledge of the game. Bobby embodied the principles of being genuine, helpful, and friendly and was presented with the TrueService Ambassador award in August 2017.

Bobby grew up in the Coos Bay area, where he attended Marshfield High School and went on to work as the Store Manager at Kmart for 35 years. His number one priority was family, and he cared deeply for those around him. He loved the game of golf and was the perfect partner for those fortunate enough to play with him. Bobby’s outgoing personality and love of cooking were ever-present, and he was eager to share his culinary creations with others. He had a close bond with the Eagles Lodge in Coos Bay and was instrumental in the success of community dinners and helping those in need.

Mark Bergmann

Mark attended the University of Washington on an ROTC scholarship, and he went on to obtain his Masters of Education at City University. He served in the US Navy for three years as a navigator on the USS Higbee and was a proud veteran. Mark spent much of his career as a successful elementary school teacher in Vancouver, Washington.

In June 2008, Mark started as a seasonal staff member at Pacific Dunes, helping transition the food and beverage operation from the temporary clubhouse to the current clubhouse. In 2009, he was hired as the Old Macdonald host, where he provided tours for VIP guests and media. Mark spent three summers at Bandon Dunes and realized he wanted to make the Oregon Coast his home. After 33 years, he retired from his teaching career and served as the Director of Guest Services at Bandon Dunes for the next nine years.

The Bandon Vibe

February 28, 2021 by Bandon Dunes

Most golfers ponder every element of their dream golf retreat to Bandon Dunes, trying to encompass all of the smallest details that create an unforgettable experience.

Josh Sens, Senior Writer for GOLF Magazine, said it eloquently when he wrote, “Bandon is a place where the game’s past rushes up to meet its present, even as it points to the promise of its future.” And while in the past, the search for the perfect Bandon itinerary included finding the best way to tackle all five of the resort’s courses, visitors must now find a way to sneak in a sixth, with the introduction of the Sheep Ranch.

As we’ve witnessed over the years, there’s no perfect itinerary for visiting Bandon—just iterations of what your perfect visit looks like. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some essentials that can elevate your stay, whether it is your first escape to Bandon, or simply the latest. We’ve combined a number of itinerary philosophies from past guests and media experts, as well as some key basics that Bandon’s own staff ambassadors feel are essential to fully embracing your trip.

DAY 1

Arrival

3:00 pm — Arrival
4:00 pm — Links golf acclimation on Bandon Dunes
9:00 pm — McKee’s Pub dinner: build the foundation for a great week with a hearty meal

Bandon Tip: “When you first get to the resort, check-in quick and leave your bags with guest services if timing is tight to make your first round. There is no better way to shake off the travel than to stretch your legs with a walk while enjoying a fresh deep breath of the Pacific Ocean air.”
—Patrick Sims, Guest

“I was struggling to explain Bandon’s appeal to friends until I saw one of Shoe’s daily Twitter posts and said to myself, ‘What other course has a Director of Outside Happiness?’ Take notice of the small details the staff recognizes; it will make you appreciate the experience so much more.”
—Matt Satternus, Plugged in Golf

DAY 2

Anticipation settles into reality

6:30 am — Breakfast at the Tufted Puffin in the Lodge
7:30 am — Warm up at the Practice Center
8:30 am — Tee off at Old Macdonald
1:00 pm — Lunch at Pacific Grill
2:00 pm — Afternoon round on Pacific Dunes
7:30 pm — Dinner at Trails End

Bandon Tip: “I love an early morning round on Old Macdonald not only because you’re typically guaranteed a calmer start, but as the sun rises over the Ghost Tree you feel as if you’re also rising to the golf heavens.”
—Joe Ciombor, Guest

DAY 3

Become one with the bounce

8:00 am — Exercise your mind with a hike to the Labyrinth
8:30 am — Breakfast at Pacific Grill
9:30 am — Morning Group Links Lesson with Bandon’s PGA Master Teaching Professional and local Jedi, Grant Rogers
11:00 am — Lunch at Trails End
12:00 pm — Afternoon round on Bandon Trails
5:30 pm — 60-minute massage at the Massage Center
7:30 pm — Dinner at The Forge in the Main Lodge

Trails End Head Chef: “If you’ve built up an appetite, get a couple plates of pot stickers for the table at lunch. You won't be disappointed.”

“The best decision we made all week was taking a links lesson led by Master PGA Professional Grant Rogers and PGA Pro Jake Sestero.”
—Ashley Mayo, Golf Magazine

DAY 4

Finish in harmony

7:30 am — Breakfast at the Tufted Puffin in the Main Lodge
9:00 am — Early tour around the Sheep Ranch
2:30 pm — Lunch at Tufted Puffin
4:00 pm — Bandon Preserve, if you’re a larger group, inquire about playing as an eight-some
7:00 pm — Punchbowl Putting Competition: settle any bets now or forever hold your peace
8:00 pm — Dinner at Pacific Grill
9:30 pm — Bunker Bar Night Cap

Bandon Preserve Tip: Eight-somes are celebrated on the Bandon Preserve. Bring your group together to either catch up on life upon arrival or have it be one of your last rounds to relive all of the best moments from the trip. You’re bound to have plenty to laugh about!

DAY 5

Departure day

7:00 am — Are your dogs barking? Did you stay out too late at the Bunker Bar? If not, play an early morning 18 on your favorite course or pack the bags and set sail for home.

“Departure day can be a real drag. I’ve often noticed groups gathering near the shuttles looking bummed, myself included. Luckily, the download of photos and thread in your work inbox helps make the transition back to reality easier.”
—Dave Rabil, Guest

FARE-WAYS

The Pub Burger at McKee's is a must-try dish when dining at Bandon

Key ingredients: Irish cheddar, bacon, egg, malt vinegar onions, grain mustard, mayo, on a pretzel roll.

A better burger: One of the favorite dishes at McKee's is the Pub burger! Exceptional brisket and chuck patty with aged, sharp Irish cheddar and freshly pickled onions on a soft pretzel bun and topped with a fried egg. It's the perfect choice for a hearty meal after walking one of Bandon’s six courses.

Fill out our Reservation form here or

CALL (800)742.0172

The Links Game

January 10, 2021 by Bandon Dunes

Last month, we shared audio of David McLay Kidd explaining the ideal match-play strategy of each hole at Bandon Dunes, highlighting that there is no ONE way to play links golf — which is exactly why we love it.

Kidd’s verbal tour through Bandon Dunes is not just about the best strategy to play the course. It’s a look inside the links game itself. The strategies. The myriad of choices each hole presents.

For us at Bandon Dunes, there is no purer joy in golf.

The key to bringing out your best links game is to embrace the quirks and strategies that the links game presents. Here are seven ways to make the most out of the links golf experience of Bandon Dunes:

Bad breaks can be fun

A defining characteristic of links golf is in the way that nature guides the way. Shaped by the contours of the land, the five championship golf courses at Bandon Dunes all feature undulating terrain and tawny and firm fescue grasses that may produce a tough bounce or two. Learning to accept those bounces and use them to spark your imagination to recover is essential.

Tom Watson, perhaps the greatest links player in American golf history, was not always a great links golfer. It wasn’t until the Missouri native adjusted his thinking that he began to thrive … eventually winning five Open Championships.

“I struggled with accepting links golf and the bad bounces for several years until I finally said, ‘Enough of this pity-pot stuff, and whining. You better get with it and just accept your fate and play on,’” Watson recalled last year on The Erik Anders Lang Show podcast.

The wedge is not always your best friend

Inevitably, even excellent American amateurs accustomed to dropping a wedge in tight at their home course, make the mistake of trying to hit a flop shot off a tight fescue-carpeted lie at Bandon Dunes. Often, it does not go well, leading to a chunked dribbler or thin screamer that might give an unsuspecting playing partner a close shave.

Because of the ocean winds and the tight lies, wedges play a diminished role in links golf. Instead, bump-and-run shots are often an easier shot and a much smarter play.

Unless, of course, you can putt it

If there is a singular strategy that is all but guaranteed to save an amateur strokes around Bandon it’s this: When in doubt, putt it.

With tight lies that characterize those firm, fast fescues, a putter is almost always a reliable weapon ... even from the fairway where the lies more resemble a putting surface than they do the lush fairways of parkland-style golf.

The wind is almost always a factor

Set on the rugged coastline of the Oregon Coast, with few trees to interrupt the Pacific Ocean breezes, the wind is ever-present at Bandon Dunes. Being able to control your ball flight, to keep the ball low and under the wind, helps a golfer control their distances, which is critical in the links game.

Also, if the wind is really howling, an occasional challenge in links golf — it is often better to take a bit more club and swing easier with three-quarter or half swings. And don’t forget to factor in the wind on your putts on those most breezy days. Yes, a stiff wind can affect your line.

Be precise

“The key for success in links golf is hitting the ball the right distance,” Tom Watson says.

Who are we to argue?

Precise distance — more than length — will serve you well at all five of Bandon Dunes championship courses. Sometimes that means forsaking the driver and hitting iron off the tee to set up the right distance and angle on your next shot. Sometimes it means playing approaches to land short and bounce up to the green, rather than going right at the pin.

Be a thinker

Thinking your way around the course is truly the magic of links golf. Links golf encourages imagination. Rarely is there just one obvious route to the hole, and recovering from a bad shot often comes down to finding the alternative route or playing a different kind of shot.

It’s as if every hole is a choose-your-own-adventure book.

Play match play

Match play isn’t just for links golf, but links golf brings out the best in a good match. The reason? With most holes offering so many strategy options, matches become less about who can hit the ball the farthest and more about who can outthink their opponent.

And winning your match makes the post-round visit to McKee’s Pub all the better when your buddy is buying.

David McLay Kidd Walking Bandon Dunes Before the Final Round of the 120th U.S. Amateur

December 14, 2020 by Bandon Dunes

Listening to David McLay Kidd explain the ideal match-play strategy of each hole at Bandon Dunes is sweeter than a chip-in to save par. It also highlights that there is no ONE way to play links golf — which is exactly why we love it.

Before the final matches of the 120th U.S. Amateur Championship, the legendary architect of Bandon Dunes shared his insights on what he thought would be a winning strategy on each hole at Bandon Dunes.

Kidd’s verbal tour through Bandon Dunes is not just about the best strategy to play the course. It’s a look inside the links game itself. The strategies. The myriad of choices each hole presents.

For us at Bandon Dunes, there is no purer joy in golf.

Photography by Jeff Marsh

Play the video below to see every televised shot from the 120th U.S. Amateur Final!

UPDATED: Interview with Wood Sabold, Bandon Dunes' official photographer

December 1, 2020 by Bandon Dunes

(Wood Sabold's first Bandon Dunes photo taken in Nov. 1998 - Bandon Dunes No. 12)

BANDON, Ore. – The Bandon Dunes coffee table book is the next best thing to being here. It displays photos of every hole on the resort in stunning detail – 85 of golf's most alluring, mysterious, almost mythic holes. Every photo in the book was taken by Wood Sabold, Bandon Dunes' renowned official photographer with nearly 15 years’ experience taking photos at the resort.

Recently, we had the opportunity to talk with Sabold about his experience, his history with the resort, and a little about the new book.

Tell us a little about your history with the resort. How did you become the Official Photographer?

I was in the right place at the right time with the right credentials. Before groundbreaking I had an interview with the late Howard McKee, the resort architect, planner and good friend of [Bandon Dunes owner and founder] Mike Keiser. They were looking for someone to document the construction progress of the first course. I photographed the progress of the course as well as helped oversee the landscaping of the Lodge and Lily Pond units (I also had experience as a landscape architect). When it came time take the beauty shots of Bandon Dunes another photographer was chosen much to my dismay. As time went on I gradually proved myself capable of taking course beauty shots and was given the opportunity to take the promotion shots of Pacific Dunes. That was the beginning as ‘official photographer’ and I have been at it ever since.

Describe the first photo you remember taking for the resort. Is it in the book?

The first hole completed was Bandon No. 12. It was some time around Thanksgiving when I received a call from Mike Keiser asking me to get a photo of the hole ASAP for a printed resort announcement card. I was nervous because I wasn’t sure that the weather would cooperate. I was lucky and got a great shot of the hole with the surf behind. The image is not in the book because the hole was still a little rough without green definition and a cup (Pictured above).

Do you have a favorite hole to photograph at Bandon Dunes? Is it also your favorite hole to play?

This may come as no surprise but the 11th hole of Pacific Dunes is both my favorite hole to photograph and play. I love short holes both to play and photograph. There are views of this hole from the front, side and rear in the book.

I know fall is particularly beautiful on the Oregon Coast. Do you have a favorite time of year to shoot the resort?

I prefer the spring and fall because the angle of the sun is lower and the light is more flattering for landscape photography. The weather is also more dramatic during these seasons with more interesting skies and clouds. Late winter and early spring are also best for the gorse bloom.

Any funny/crazy stories from your photoshoots on the resort?

One of the most pleasant stories took place when I had the right clouds and light angle for a great shot of No. 16 at the Bandon Dunes course. I was waiting for the right moment when the clouds would open and the sun would hit the hole when I saw someone walking toward me and I thought someone was coming to ask what I was doing. This happens often and I always feel bad that I can’t concentrate on the shot and chat at the same time. It turned out to be Bill Coore taking a sunset stroll on David Kidd’s course. He is one of the very few people with which I would give up a shot to talk. As it turned out, we had a pleasant conversation and I got the shot. See the shot on page 60 in the book.

Top 5 favorite images from the book?

I am going to pick one photo from each course.

Bandon Dunes No. 15 (page 59), for its simple graphic quality.
Pacific Dunes No. 11 (page 85), for the golden light and softness of the surf.
Bandon Trails No. 2 (pages 106-107), because of the transition from dunes to meadow/forest. Also, No. 14 for the pleasing combination of meadow and forest.
Old Macdonald No. 14 (pages 168-169), for a feel of the lay of the land including six flags (Nos. 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 and No. 14 on Pacific).
Bandon Preserve No. 11 (pages 200-201), for the subtle, pastel look of the course, ocean and sky before sunrise. It feels like you are truly alone with the course.

When you plan a photoshoot for Bandon Dunes what's your process?

I am fortunate to live close to the resort so a lot of my shooting is spontaneous but based loosely on which holes will show best with the angle of the sun, the weather, and the direction and speed of the wind. The wind may not seem important but taking photos with the flag blowing directly toward or away from you don't show well. The toughest part of planning is running my mind through the 85 holes and the above factors and predicting which holes will be most productive. When I finally get to the course it is not uncommon for me to change plans. In traveling to my planned destination, something else might catch my eye and I throw my original plans away. This is part of the spontaneity which I never ignore.

What was the genesis of the book? Why now?

From the time Pacific Dunes was completed there were many requests for a coffee table-type book. Mike Keiser kept saying, ‘No’ but was probably thinking that the time was not right. Mike – and I don’t know how many others – knew there was much more to come. After the completion of Bandon Preserve, I think he finally thought the time had come.

Any other insight you’d like to share about the book or your photography experience?

I am most proud to have been trusted and supported by Mike Keiser and the resort management of Bandon Dunes for the fourteen years this project has taken. I am also proud that I feel I have produced a volume of work that positively reflects the melding of the natural beauty of the land with the great game of golf. This would not have been possible without Mike Keiser, the architects, and the construction and maintenance crews.

Check out the newly updated Bandon Dunes Coffee Table Book in which Wood's photography is highlighted along with other amazing golf photography. Click here or on the image below to view the book.

Click to visit Wood Sabold's Website