Walking-only links golf resort · Bandon, Oregon
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon Dunes is a walking-only golf resort on Oregon’s rugged southern coast, with seven distinct courses: Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald, Sheep Ranch, Bandon Preserve and Shorty’s. The ideal visit is a 3–4 night stay with three to five rounds, a caddie, and enough recover
KNOW THE COURSE
What to know
THE RESORT
What makes Bandon different
This is links golf: firm turf, wind, uneven lies, large running areas and creative recovery shots. The courses are built into natural dunes rather than heavily shaped parkland, so the best strategy changes with the weather.
THE COURSES
Choose your lineup
Pacific Dunes is the boldest and most strategic. Bandon Dunes is the original, scenic and approachable. Old Macdonald rewards architecture fans, Bandon Trails offers a wooded change of pace, and Sheep Ranch delivers the biggest ocean views. Bandon Preserve and Shorty’s are excellent additions around full rounds.
- Pacific Dunes — strategy, wind and dramatic dunes
- Bandon Dunes — classic resort introduction
- Sheep Ranch — expansive coastal views
- Old Macdonald — template-style architecture
- Bandon Trails — inland forest and variety
- Bandon Preserve — 13-hole par-3 course
HOW TO PLAY
Use the ground game
Do not automatically fly every shot to the flag. Use slopes, banks and firm fairways to feed the ball toward targets. In strong wind, prioritize the safe side of the green and accept that a two-putt par may be an excellent result.
WALKING & CADDIES
Take a caddie if possible
Caddies help with wind, club selection, lines, local slopes and pace. The current resort caddie fee is $125 per bag per round plus gratuity. Bags should be light; the resort recommends essentials, a water bottle, rain gear when needed and about six balls.
BEST ITINERARY
A strong four-night plan
Arrive the afternoon before your first round, then alternate demanding rounds with a lighter day or short course. This keeps the trip enjoyable rather than turning it into a walking endurance test.
- Day 1 — arrive, settle in, use the practice areas
- Day 2 — Bandon Dunes, then dinner at the resort
- Day 3 — Pacific Dunes; optional evening putting
- Day 4 — Bandon Trails or Old Macdonald
- Day 5 — Sheep Ranch, then depart or add a final night
LODGING
Stay on property
On-site lodging makes the trip much easier because resort shuttles run around the property and you avoid daily driving. Demand is high, so submit a lodging request early and build the itinerary around the dates you can secure.
GETTING THERE
Fly into North Bend when practical
Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in North Bend is about 35 minutes from the resort and has service from Denver and San Francisco. Portland is a useful backup, but it is roughly a 4.5-hour drive.
- Best convenience — Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH)
- Backup option — Portland International Airport (PDX)
- On arrival — reserve local ground transportation or a rental car
PACKING
Prepare for coastal weather
Bring waterproof outerwear, warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a light carry bag. Conditions can shift quickly, and the same hole may play very differently from one day to the next.
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