Random Bandon Thread

[jrg75]

Went a different route on souvenirs from my last trip.  Got a 25th anniversary poster and my wife had it framed for father's day. I think it turned out great.

[ZephyrS4]

Very classy!

[Buddyboss32]

Recently returned from my second visit to Bandon (first trip was in June 2023; my report is somewhere in this thread!). Back in November 2024 my friend won the lottery to play in the Solstice event and asked me to tag along. We chose the option to stay at singles rooms at the Lodge. The Lodge was very convenient - and surprisingly quiet (we were at Grove in 2023). The rooms were big and comfortable, views of Bandon #1 were great, and I would choose the Lodge again.

 

We flew into Portland on Sunday June 15 and played Langdon Farms that afternoon at the recommendation of a Bandon pro. Langdon is a pretty and well-kept course - a pleasant walk and great way to start the trip. Next day, Monday, we had tee times at Trails at 7:30am and Old Mac at 12:30pm. We decided to carry our own bags at Trails. We were paired up with two great guys from CT, one of whom was at Bandon for his 12th consecutive annual visit (all but one occurring in the month of June); we discussed how difficult it may be to keep up such trend given the new lottery system, but I'm hoping he can find a way to get "grand-fathered" in to a June trip each year. "Mr. June" told me that Trails was his least favorite course and that he does not play it on each visit. Even though, since my first visit in 2023, I've had Trails ranked as #3 on my Bandon course rankings, I've had mixed feelings about it due to the fact that the two previous times I've played it have been (i) my second round of the day, (ii) late in the afternoon and (iii) for my abilities, quite difficult. Playing Trails first thing in the morning completely changed my perspective on the course and, by the end of the round, even "Mr. June" was giving it high praises and saying that he thoroughly enjoyed the round. That morning at Trails was peaceful, sunny and nearly a perfect walk. If the course stopped after hole #13, it would be my favorite at Bandon; I just don't like the 14th hole, and find the final stretch (15-18) to be a dogfight. We ordered some food from Trails End (to go; the best restaurant at Bandon for sure, as many other have noted) from the 18th tee box, grabbed it quickly, and headed off to Old Mac.  

 

At Old Mac we met up with our caddy for the trip (Nick, a young golfer / college student, who gave excellent advice and never stopped smiling - a truly great guy) and got paired with two gents from the Toronto area. I opened the round with two pars, also played the next two holes well, but got caught in a tough stretch from #s 5-8. The wind picked up around this time, as expected, but died down about an hour later and (as I'll comment more below), NEVER CAME BACK FOR OUR ENTIRE TRIP. My friend played a solid round at Old Mac and hit it off with our caddy. Coming into the trip I had Old Mac as my #2 ranked course; I really don't understand why it doesn't get more love: the greens are tons of fun, the reveal / views on #3 is great, and the closing stretch of holes is probably the best at the resort. Sure, it can be a tough walk and a tough golf challenge, but I find that it stands apart from its peers in good ways. My last hole was a fun one, as I ran a long approach on the ground directly between the two mounds in front of the green and had it settle 20 feet from the pin. 

 

From there we checked into the resort and went to the punchbowl for the Solstice check-in. We were a bit tired, and had a dinner reservation at Ghost Tree Grill, so we didn't stay at the Solstice party long - just long enough to get fitted for our shoes and to choose an engraving for our water bottle. All the solstice swag was delivered to our room the next day while we were playing. Ghost Tree Grill was good - nice setting, good service, solid food, slightly expensive, but overall a nice addition to the resort. Strangely, I don't think we saw a single group on the 18th hole during our meal (we sat down at 6:30pm). In fact, we heard there were big open chunks on the Old Mac tee sheet that day. Perhaps this was due to the resort being slow for the Solstice, or people are really not playing Old Mac in June? It's a mystery. 

 

Tuesday was Solstice day!! Got a decent amount of sleep and woke up around 5am excited for the challenge that was ahead. I walk a good bit throughout the year, and generally am in good shape, but I do not golf much and wasn't sure how my body would hold up over 400 (yikes) swings. We were the very last group to tee off for the event - 6:30am at Sheep Ranch. Again we decided to carry our bags for the first round of the day; given that Sheep is the easiest course to walk, does not have bunkers, and the weather was perfect, this was a good choice for us. We got paired with two amazing guys (grade-school friends that grew up in GA, first time to Bandon) and were off and running at 6:30am sharp. It took us 5-6 holes to get used to the pace at which we had to play (quick walking, hit whenever ready, very informal and loose on the greens), but then it felt like normal speed for the rest of the day. We ended up waiting on the group in front of us around hole #12 but still played the first round in 2 hours 45 minutes. Sheep has a handful of really good holes, but it still get mushed and hazy in my mind, as a lot of holes look and feel the same. For that reason, I know the course the least and like it the least. It may sound crazy, but the natural characteristics of the land itself (outside from being ocean-fronted), are too bland compared to the other courses. A quick change of socks and we were off the shuttle at Trails for the second round where we picked up caddy Nick for the rest of the day (Nick was a champ and could have double-bagged 12 rounds in a single day, I am convinced). We were lucky to get Trails early in the day, as the walk can be a challenge. Place slowed down to roughly 3 hours 15 minutes, but by the end we were all smiling and ready for lunch. (Quick note to state that, while Bandon did a nice job at having coolers with waters and snacks scattered throughout most courses, it wouldn't have hurt to have some Gatorade available, too, and definitely some more coolers on Bandon Dunes course itself, as I think they only had them on the first tee box). Lunch was consumed quickly on the shuttle (though they only had 3 lunches left, so one of our guys didn't get lunch till later) and we teed off on Bandon Dunes for round #3. Besides a few small blisters I was feeling great (my friend was too), and I took par on 7 of the first 10 holes at Bandon (and my friend had 3 or 4 birdies during this round). Generally Bandon and Sheep, in my mind, are significantly easier courses than the other 3. The round didn't end as strongly for me, but I enjoyed Bandon more during this round than I did during my previous two in 2023; the main reason being the great, cool, sunny and wind-less weather (where in 2023 we played both rounds through fog and wind). Another quick shuttle and sock change and we teed off at Pacific around 5pm for our last round. The group in front of us was really holding us up throughout the day, so we asked them on Pac #1 if we could pay through; they huffed and puffed, but let us go through - which was great because we ended up finishing about 4 holes ahead of them (and it started to get chilly late in the day, so getting done quickly was crucial for our tired bodies). There was definitely some fatigue from our group in this last round (and one of the boys from GA had to tape his golf shoe, as it fell completely apart!!) but it's impossible to not enjoy the beauty and genius of Pac Dunes, which proved itself again to be the best course at Bandon. We finished right at 8pm, exactly 13.5 hours after we first teed off. We were met on the 18th green with $100 bills and ran off quickly to MacDonald Hall for a Solstice buffet. We later learned that the average pace of play for all groups over the course of the day was a little over 3 hours per round, which stood as the fastest Solstice event ever. Not coincidentally, it was also the best weather they ever had for Solstice: 63 degrees, completely sunny, not an ounce of wind. It was a weather miracle by all accounts, and significantly added to our enjoyment and ease of participation (tired, but no major physical issues). 

 

A week removed from Solstice, I feel a deeper appreciation for Bandon and I look forward to getting back there again ASAP. I enjoyed traveling with a smaller group this time, loved that the Solstice was an anchor to our visit, and likely preferred staying at the Lodge vs Grove. I would play the Solstice again if given the opportunity, but feel lucky that I got to do it once! After 2023, my course rankings were (favorite to least favorite): Pac, Old Mac, Trails, Sheep, Bandon. After Solstice my new rankings are: Pac, Trails, Old Mac, Bandon, Sheep. If given 10 rounds, I would likely still play each of them twice, but would make sure to play Trails in the morning each time, if possible. The whole resort now feels a bit like home. 

 

Did not intend to be so long-winded; hope you all enjoy your next trips out there. 

Edited June 24 by Buddyboss32

[miss0033]

Any pictures of the Solstice Swag from this year?  I haven't seen any of it yet.

 

You said fitted for shoes...?  Did you get shoes as well?  (I maybe missed something where this was well known...)

[jpdx]

1 hour ago, miss0033 said:

 

 

You said fitted for shoes...?  Did you get shoes as well?  (I maybe missed something where this was well known...)

im guessing solstice swag. 

[Buddyboss32]

Yes, golf shoes were part of swag. I don't have pictures, but here's what I can recall were included: nearly a dozen Taylormade golf balls, addidas golf shoes, a peter millar light-weight hoodie, money clip, wooden sign, club head cover, small toiletry bag, water bottle, face/eye mask that vibrates. I'm sure I'm forgetting things. 

[spud3]

The Solstice swag bag just keeps getting better and better.  When we did it a couple years ago, I figured up the retail value and it was over $300 worth of really cool stuff.

[TempoTown]

Hi folks - been following this thread for the past couple of years, I love it! Very helpful tips throughout.

 

We are soon returning to Bandon for our 2nd trip. Days are packed with 36 holes a day. However, if we're up for a free third round, but want to limit it to less than a full round, what are the best courses to do so? Here's what I can tell from maps, let me know if this looks right: 

 

Bandon - 9 holes

Pacific - 7 holes

Sheep - 11 holes

Old Mac - impossible (?). It looks like like you have to play all 18, as only 1 and 18 are near the clubhouse. 

Trails - 6 holes (?) It looks like you could possibly walk off the 6th green towards the round and back to the clubhouse, but can't fully tell from the map if that's possible or not. Note we would have push carts we'd have to return as well. 

[kkelway]

Google Bandon Short Loops. Believe Spud3 set up that thread in this forum. Was very helpful. 

[TempoTown]

Wow I googled "Bandon 9 holes" and that got me nothing, sorry I didn't see that! Thread looks great. Appreciate it. 

 

Edited - Here's the thread if anyone needs it in the future: 

 

Edited June 27 by TempoTown

[Jimmy303]

On 6/27/2025 at 9:22 AM, TempoTown said:

Hi folks - been following this thread for the past couple of years, I love it! Very helpful tips throughout.

 

We are soon returning to Bandon for our 2nd trip. Days are packed with 36 holes a day. However, if we're up for a free third round, but want to limit it to less than a full round, what are the best courses to do so? Here's what I can tell from maps, let me know if this looks right: 

 

Bandon - 9 holes

Pacific - 7 holes

Sheep - 11 holes

Old Mac - impossible (?). It looks like like you have to play all 18, as only 1 and 18 are near the clubhouse. 

Trails - 6 holes (?) It looks like you could possibly walk off the 6th green towards the round and back to the clubhouse, but can't fully tell from the map if that's possible or not. Note we would have push carts we'd have to return as well. 

 

[Jimmy303]

On old Mac. You can go from 7 green to 16 tee and finish out

Edited June 29 by Jimmy303

[graveydellic]

On 6/29/2025 at 8:52 AM, Jimmy303 said:

On old Mac. You can go from 7 green to 16 tee and finish out

 

1-10 on OM is a loop I have taken numerous times.  Fairly close to club house, just have to walk up the gravel service road off the back of the green.  

[miss0033]

Random Bandon question:  Does anyone know what the scent is that is used in the Bandon Dunes (OG Course) pro shop? It was distinct such that is the only one I can pick out separately.  I'd Like to find that air freshener for my golf closet/room at the house.

[mallrat]

On 6/30/2025 at 7:18 AM, graveydellic said:

 

1-10 on OM is a loop I have taken numerous times.  Fairly close to club house, just have to walk up the gravel service road off the back of the green.  

You can also go 3 to 13 but you will run into play

[Sdbrown09]

Got a group of 3 heading to Bandon for the 1st time in September for 4 days/3 nights… 

 

Unfortunately the way the lodging is working out, we have to move rooms every night, but we’re able to get the tee times we desired.

 

wondering if it makes more sense to stay offsite to avoid the nightly room

packing and unpacking?

[jpdx]

14 minutes ago, Sdbrown09 said:

Got a group of 3 heading to Bandon for the 1st time in September for 4 days/3 nights… 

 

Unfortunately the way the lodging is working out, we have to move rooms every night, but we’re able to get the tee times we desired.

 

wondering if it makes more sense to stay offsite to avoid the nightly room

packing and unpacking?

Id had to do room changes, though not every night. Bring a extra backpack or just use one of their plastic bags. Throw what you want in it for the next day and request them to move it for you. Assuming 36+ holes each day, Imo, the convenience (and risk if everyone chooses to imbibe) of NOT having to drive to the resort and back every day is absolutely worth it. 

Edited July 22 by jpdx

[kkelway]

On 7/15/2025 at 8:56 PM, miss0033 said:

Random Bandon question:  Does anyone know what the scent is that is used in the Bandon Dunes (OG Course) pro shop? It was distinct such that is the only one I can pick out separately.  I'd Like to find that air freshener for my golf closet/room at the house.

This is definitely the wildest question I’ve seen on this thread. 

[spud3]

6 hours ago, Sdbrown09 said:

Got a group of 3 heading to Bandon for the 1st time in September for 4 days/3 nights… 

 

Unfortunately the way the lodging is working out, we have to move rooms every night, but we’re able to get the tee times we desired.

 

wondering if it makes more sense to stay offsite to avoid the nightly room

packing and unpacking?

Wow.  Having to change rooms every night would be really annoying.  While they will move your gear for you, it still feels like you can never really arrive.

 

Having said that, if you're not an Oregonian, at best you'll pay more for your rounds for the days you're not a resort guest, and at worst, they may not allow you to keep the reservations made while you were booked for all nights (that would be pretty awful, but an argument could be made for that policy).  Have you asked them about this?

 

Probably best to stick with the reservation, but I'd be calling them a LOT between now and your arrival date to check on room availability to get at least some of those moves mitigated.  You might not end up with everyone settled in a room for the whole trip, but anything would help.

[TempoTown]

We just got back from our second trip at Bandon. We were lucky in that we were the last big block of non-lottery reservations, so I was able to call the morning the tee times opened and get our preferred dates, courses, and times. With the new system, I don't know that we will realistically be back which makes me sad. I still do not understand how a lottery system is more fair than call when the tee times are opening. It smells ripe for bots and other gaming systems. I know Bandon says they have a way to protect against that, but so does Bethpage and we know that's not true.

 

I think all we can do is keep complaining every chance you get in those surveys.

 

I had a couple of experiences I wanted to relay that echoes some of the vibes in this thread that the resort has gotten very corporate. 

 

First, I could not believe the amount of people introducing themselves to each other throughout the resort as part of the same group. It's clear that very large groups are being booked where 75% of the people don't know each other, which ruins the vibe of a "buddies trip" type place. On the range one morning, we got there, and there was legitimately 50+ bags all together with guys hanging out and acting like they owned the entire place.  

 

My last anecdote is what sold me though - we booked a 3:30 tee time on Bandon as a replay round. Note again I was probably one of the first callers into the system, and this timed nicely with our other round.

 

Apparently, a group of at least 24 others guys booked around us. One guy who was clearly the leader of the group was losing it on the starter that we "split up" their group and that our time should have been moved to accommodate them. He then was demanding to know where he could lodge an official complaint. I think that could have been reasonable if, let's say, we had to move 10 minutes to accommodate their large group. But they had tee times at least 30 minutes in both directions on this, and this guy was livid about us ruining the experience. It shows to me the entitlement some folks have showing up to Bandon where they expect a group of 4 guys who booked before them to be moved to a tee time that frankly might not even finish with how slow that course can get in the afternoons. 

 

I can't help but wonder if Bandon is going to become a place where 75% of tee times are through preferential treatment going forward, with the other 25% of us trying to have normal groups being left out in the cold.

 

It's a shame because I still loved it as much as I did the first time, if not more. The place is special, the courses are great, and the food has seemed to improve. 

Edited July 25 by TempoTown

[mallrat]

11 hours ago, TempoTown said:

We just got back from our second trip at Bandon. We were lucky in that we were the last big block of non-lottery reservations, so I was able to call the morning the tee times opened and get our preferred dates, courses, and times. With the new system, I don't know that we will realistically be back which makes me sad. I still do not understand how a lottery system is more fair than call when the tee times are opening. It smells ripe for bots and other gaming systems. I know Bandon says they have a way to protect against that, but so does Bethpage and we know that's not true.

 

I think all we can do is keep complaining every chance you get in those surveys.

 

I had a couple of experiences I wanted to relay that echoes some of the vibes in this thread that the resort has gotten very corporate. 

 

First, I could not believe the amount of people introducing themselves to each other throughout the resort as part of the same group. It's clear that very large groups are being booked where 75% of the people don't know each other, which ruins the vibe of a "buddies trip" type place. On the range one morning, we got there, and there was legitimately 50+ bags all together with guys hanging out and acting like they owned the entire place.  

 

My last anecdote is what sold me though - we booked a 3:30 tee time on Bandon as a replay round. Note again I was probably one of the first callers into the system, and this timed nicely with our other round.

 

Apparently, a group of at least 24 others guys booked around us. One guy who was clearly the leader of the group was losing it on the starter that we "split up" their group and that our time should have been moved to accommodate them. He then was demanding to know where he could lodge an official complaint. I think that could have been reasonable if, let's say, we had to move 10 minutes to accommodate their large group. But they had tee times at least 30 minutes in both directions on this, and this guy was livid about us ruining the experience. It shows to me the entitlement some folks have showing up to Bandon where they expect a group of 4 guys who booked before them to be moved to a tee time that frankly might not even finish with how slow that course can get in the afternoons. 

 

I can't help but wonder if Bandon is going to become a place where 75% of tee times are through preferential treatment going forward, with the other 25% of us trying to have normal groups being left out in the cold.

 

It's a shame because I still loved it as much as I did the first time, if not more. The place is special, the courses are great, and the food has seemed to improve. 

I think it will self correct at some point. While the large groups are nice (and profitable) they are not what the property was built on. Somewhere down the road the fill in times of those groups will dry up. Meaning they will stop filling them and people aren’t going to be willing to work around the large groups and there tee times. Especially with more regional destinations opening up. 
 

Bandon, at some point,  will learn the hard way. The question then becomes how do they get back those that they have turned away?

[dcmidnight]

5 hours ago, mallrat said:

Bandon, at some point,  will learn the hard way. The question then becomes how do they get back those that they have turned away?

 

Sadly, I really dont think they will. Gotta remember the people in this thread are a tiny tiny % of people on WRX which are in turn an infinitesimal % of golfers at large. Even during high season we can go weeks without a post here.

 

For every foursome on here that gets frustrated about big groups and claims they wont go back - well one, I dont believe you lol. And two, there are hundreds of groups waiting in line for that spot. And those non-WRX folks, they have no clue about any of these "issues" or that "big corporate" may or may not be taking over BD. Again, I take everything I read here with a grain of salt so how big a real issue this is, I dont know. But I really do think that it will have absolutely no affect whatsoever on demand.

 

I maintain that the only way for them to cut demand is to jack up the pricing - significantly. 

Edited July 26 by dcmidnight

[dcmidnight]

BTW just wanted to add, I dont want to say that its not frustrating to have a big group be there when you are. But you can run into those kinds of groups at any great resort these days. It might be a recency bias thing where we think oh this is just BD. Its not. Whistling Straits, Streamsong, Pinehurst - you're going to find them anywhere.

[TempoTown]

I certainly agree that large groups are more prevalent than they were in the past at all large resorts. And clearly if it’s easy for us to go back to Bandon, I’ll be back as many times as my health allows.

 

My broader point with the bigger groups is that at Bandon, because of the lottery, your average 4some is now at a disadvantage to large groups that are either getting preferential treatment through group/corporate bookings, or they have many times more shot at the lottery. A group of 40 guys has 10 times the chances I do to get a great seed in the lottery than I do as 4 guys. They just need one of those 40 names picked in order to book all of the guys. But my guess is they can call up some number at Bandon and get a big block of tee times anyway if they have some hookup. It’s the same thing all these social media guys get. Put more broadly, I think Bandon has more “VIP” or “Corporate” blocks than they had historically. Plus, demand is higher, so with the two combined, it’s very hard for your average guy to get out there. 

 

This isssue in general doesn’t exist at other resorts you mentioned. I can get on at Pinehurst, Kohler, etc. without entering a lottery where I need to worry about gaming the system. 

 

And finally - agree on prices. My guess is the real cost of Bandon is probably 50% more than they charge until they build enough lodging to cover tee times on the courses. They’ve effectively limited supply through that manner. 

[ND2005]

12 hours ago, TempoTown said:

 

 

My broader point with the bigger groups is that at Bandon, because of the lottery, your average 4some is now at a disadvantage to large groups that are either getting preferential treatment through group/corporate bookings, or they have many times more shot at the lottery. A group of 40 guys has 10 times the chances I do to get a great seed in the lottery than I do as 4 guys. They just need one of those 40 names picked in order to book all of the guys. But my guess is they can call up some number at Bandon and get a big block of tee times anyway if they have some hookup. It’s the same thing all these social media guys get. Put more broadly, I think Bandon has more “VIP” or “Corporate” blocks than they had historically. Plus, demand is higher, so with the two combined, it’s very hard for your average guy to get out there. 

 

 

Here's the deal - all Bandon cares about (and any resort, frankly) is getting their rooms booked up and their tee times filled. That is it. Group bookings are an efficient way to do that and they can get signed contracts, larger deposits, etc. 

 

They don't care about you as an individual. That's not a knock on them, it's just business. Golf demand is at an all time high right now and they have at least 10x demand versus capacity. 

[popechild]

Question about caddies. Has anyone ever gotten a caddie and found them to *not* be good? Lots of caddie threads online suggesting names of favorites, but I rarely see any comments that someone got a bad caddie. We're going in a few months with a group of 8 and planning for 4 caddies. Trying to decide whether to request specific names pulled from the internet, or just roll the dice on whoever they assign. If you do request specifics, do you know in advance if you get them or you just show up and see who ends up assigned?

[ND2005]

1 hour ago, popechild said:

Question about caddies. Has anyone ever gotten a caddie and found them to *not* be good? Lots of caddie threads online suggesting names of favorites, but I rarely see any comments that someone got a bad caddie. We're going in a few months with a group of 8 and planning for 4 caddies. Trying to decide whether to request specific names pulled from the internet, or just roll the dice on whoever they assign. If you do request specifics, do you know in advance if you get them or you just show up and see who ends up assigned?

Yes, have had a bad caddie. But not egregious enough that I’m gonna badmouth any individuals online. If you are not vibing with your caddie, talk to the caddie master and they’ll reassign you. 
 
and no, you don’t get firm confirmation until you show up. I actually saw a veteran caddie say f*** off when he realized the guy who’d requested him was a single bag. Said he only does doubles and just walked off. And the ones who are more social media prominent are VERY particular about their expected tips. They’ll leave you after day one if they aren’t getting what they expect. 

[TempoTown]

4 hours ago, ND2005 said:

 

Here's the deal - all Bandon cares about (and any resort, frankly) is getting their rooms booked up and their tee times filled. That is it. Group bookings are an efficient way to do that and they can get signed contracts, larger deposits, etc. 

 

They don't care about you as an individual. That's not a knock on them, it's just business. Golf demand is at an all time high right now and they have at least 10x demand versus capacity. 

 

Totally agree from a business perspective. Clearly this is better for them. Just sucks as your average group of 4 guys that a trip to Bandon may be off the table now going forward because of this. We are coming from the east coast so we need to get good tee times and dates for it to make sense. 

[VNutz]

22 hours ago, ND2005 said:

Yes, have had a bad caddie. But not egregious enough that I’m gonna badmouth any individuals online. If you are not vibing with your caddie, talk to the caddie master and they’ll reassign you. 
 
and no, you don’t get firm confirmation until you show up. I actually saw a veteran caddie say f*** off when he realized the guy who’d requested him was a single bag. Said he only does doubles and just walked off. And the ones who are more social media prominent are VERY particular about their expected tips. They’ll leave you after day one if they aren’t getting what they expect. 

One of my playing partners sacked his caddie after our first round last year. Not a bad caddie at all, they just didn't vibe the way he'd liked. Not something I would have done, but it wasn't my decision. But his replacement was worse, so there's that...

[popechild]

23 hours ago, ND2005 said:

Yes, have had a bad caddie. But not egregious enough that I’m gonna badmouth any individuals online. If you are not vibing with your caddie, talk to the caddie master and they’ll reassign you. 
 
and no, you don’t get firm confirmation until you show up. I actually saw a veteran caddie say f*** off when he realized the guy who’d requested him was a single bag. Said he only does doubles and just walked off. And the ones who are more social media prominent are VERY particular about their expected tips. They’ll leave you after day one if they aren’t getting what they expect. 

Thanks, this is helpful.