How to prepare for links golf weather

November 10, 2014 by Bandon Dunes

If you are familiar with links golf, you know that weather conditions can change quickly – it’s one of the reasons links golf is so fun. The changing weather conditions, whether it's wind or rain, force players to use their imagination to hit golf shots that they wouldn’t otherwise try. But unless you’re properly dressed, a change in conditions can have a significant impact on your round, even making you wish you were back in McKee’s Pub, out of the weather.

To help determine what to wear, we asked Grant Rogers, director of instruction at Bandon Dunes, to put together a Links Golf Layering Guide with some useful tips to make sure you stay comfortable, warm, and dry out on the links. Check out this video:

Layers, Layers, Layers!

Wearing multiple layers is the best way to prepare for changing weather conditions because they allow you to make adjustments based on your level of comfort and the weather conditions. Too cold? Add a layer. Too hot? Shed a layer. Don’t get caught with a bulky jacket or, even worse, no jacket at all. Here are the 3 types of layers you should have ready:

1) Base Layer to Keep Your Body Comfortable
This is the layer that touches your skin. It’s extremely important that you choose a material that helps pull moisture away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable. 100% cotton typically retains moisture so we don’t recommend it as a base layer. Instead, try a blended fabric made up of both cotton and polyester or 100% synthetic fabrics like polyester. not only are these fabrics comfortable while wearing them, they are also wrinkle resistant and easy to care for. If you’re not sure where to find something like this, we’ve got you covered. Bandon Dunes Base Layers include Adidas, Cutter & Buck as well as Fairway & Greene golf shirts.

Click here for our Base Layer Collection.

2) Middle Layer to Keep Your Body Warm
This is the layer that helps you retain heat by trapping air and keeping it close to your body. It’s nice to have at least one middle layer piece with a zipper so that you can unzip when you’re heating up or zip up when you need some extra protection. Vests are great because they insulate the core of your body while keeping your arms free for your golf swing. We also recommend using wind sweaters that include an anti-static, wind-resistant lining to protect you on those blustery days. Again, if you’re not sure where to find some great middle layer pieces, we have some great options: Bandon Dunes Middle Layers include Fairway & Greene merino vests and wind sweaters. These products are made with Zegna Baruffa Italian merino wool which is finer and softer than other types. They hold up and will last over time. We also offer the Climawarm layering options from Adidas, which utilize tech fabric.

Click here for our Mid Layer Collection.

3) Shell Layer to Keep Your Body Dry and Protect You from Wind and Rain
Some of you have probably had it happen to you…if you haven’t had it happen to you, it’s probably happened to someone in your group…a rain jacket that lets in water bit by bit, drop by drop, until you or your golfing buddy are soaked. Even with the rugged beauty of links golf around you, getting wet on the golf course can be a distraction.

Thankfully, we know rain jackets and rain suits. Our recommendation: “There are different levels of waterproof fabrics and the more you educate yourself about seam sealing versus critically sealed, the better off you will be. There are waterproof knits that give you amazing stretch and mobility but they are not the best for keeping you comfortable in a steady rain. Our preference is Gore-Tex because it’s guaranteed to keep you dry.

Here are some pieces we recommend: Bandon Dunes Gore-Tex Rainwear including jackets and pants from Adidas and Zero Restriction.

Click here for our Shell Layer Collection.

Find some buddies, grab some layers, and hit the links! There’s never a wrong time to play links golf if you’re properly prepared. Follow the steps above and the next time your friends start to whimper when the wind picks up, you’ll be prepared to enjoy golf as it was meant to be.

Interested in learning how to hit some classic links shots? Check out our instructional blog posts and videos here.

VIDEO: All Course Videos

June 19, 2014 by Bandon Dunes

Thank you for all the great feedback we've received on our online course videos. We decided to put them all in one place so you can watch them at your leisure. Tell us what your favorite shot is on your favorite course and mention the time code! What could we do better with our course videos? We are listening. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and don't forget to share them with your closest golf buddies. Then come experience Bandon Dunes in real life!

Bandon Dunes

Pacific Dunes

Bandon Trails

Old Macdonald

Bandon Preserve

The Punchbowl

VIDEO: Pacific Dunes No. 11 with Grant Rogers

January 28, 2014 by Bandon Dunes

The phrase, "The safest place is on the green," should be etched in stone somewhere. At Bandon Dunes, this notion is best illustrated at Pacific Dunes' par-3 11th hole. From the tee to the slightest edge of the green, there is no escape.

On the left are windy cliffs with hungry gorse bushes willing to swallow golf balls whole, given half a chance and a slight breeze. Farther out beyond the cliffs, the Pacific Ocean yawns at your praises of its beauty. The front of the green is guarded by two gnarly bunker faces, that if you saw them walking down the street you would cross, enter the nearest door, find a place to hide and call your mother. Thinking of bailing right? You might as well just stomp your ball into the turf right now.

Luckily we have Grant Rogers, director of instruction at Bandon Dunes to take us on a journey from tee to green.

VIDEO: Classic Bunker Shot with Grant Rogers

November 19, 2013 by Bandon Dunes

"On the beach..." "Fried egg..." "Trapped in the bunker..." We've all been there. The ball leaps off the club face, tracing a perfect arc across a crisp blue sky. It sails pleasingly over a sea of green, glides back to Earth toward the intended target and then lands with a flump against the lip of a deep and ratty bunker. No need to worry. Sand, especially in a links setting, can be your friend. The following is another video in an ongoing series with Grant Rogers, director of instruction at Bandon Dunes. The videos are designed to give you quick tips to help you become a better golfer. In this video Grant suggests three tips for successfully escaping a greenside bunker. With a few simple techniques and a little confidence, you'll be hitting out with ease and maybe – just maybe! – incorporating a bunker or two into your overall strategy.

VIDEO: Mastering the Long Putt with Grant Rogers

October 29, 2013 by Bandon Dunes

Grant Rogers, Director of Instruction at Bandon Dunes

It's an adage as old as the game -- the modern game, at least: "Drive for show, putt for dough." It means a round of golf is won or lost while the putter is in your hands.

The short game is arguably the toughest to master. Especially in a links setting, the short game is paramount. It can feel strange at first to approach a green from fifty-plus yards with a putter.

In a continuing series of short videos, Grant Rogers, Director of Instruction at Bandon Dunes demonstrates techniques associated with links golf. Most importantly, he'll help you become a better golfer.

This video is titled, "Mastering the long putt."

Don't be afraid to putt it from off the green. Read the break. Keep trying. You'll get better.