Bandon Dunes

I had some friends go last year. He said his only regret was not being in better physical/cardio shape. He also said to take a day of rest in between rounds to go explore and relax/rest. Said there’s not much to do around the courses.

I played all of the Dunes' courses several years ago (2011) and we just booked our tee times and accomodations thru the resort. Average accomodations. Not plush like Pebble, but more than adequate. The houses are better than the hotel rooms, but you are going just to play golf, so who cares. Food is decent, but not high end. You are just going to play golf. You do have to walk each course (I think that is probably still the case) and we played 18 holes, 36 holes, 36 holes and 18 holes. We didn't take a break any day. I was 50 years old at the time. We had one 70 year old golfer that walked everyday, but didn't play 36 each day (only 18). The ground is soft (sand based fairways), so it is hard on your ankles and the soles of your feet. Bring very comfortable walking golf shoes and break them in before you go. I would certainly recommend walking 5 miles per day for about a month or so before you go. For the 2nd 18 holes that we played on 2 of the days, we didn't have a caddie, but their push/pull carts have big wheels and you can roll onto the greens, so fairly easy. Not terribly hilly (but compared to Louisiana, any place has hills). Definitely a trip of your lifetime. It normally takes all day to fly to and from Bandon (actually North Bend airport, about a 35 minute drive to Bandon), so plan accordingly. If you can fly private plane, certainly quicker. Golf is more like St Andrews than any other courses in the US. Putting can get crazy. The greens are so large that you can have 150 foot putts that break 50 feet. I think I am a really good putter (not a great ball striker in my older age), but I four putted several greens On average, at my local country club, I might have one or two 3-putts every 3 or 4 rounds.

I hope you have a great trip.
Regardless of my comments - it is a bucket list golf experience and one of my favorites. I hope to go again one day.

I have been twice with the last trip in 2021. We just went through Bandon for booking and they are excellent at what they do. I think planning will depend on the types of people in your group. How much golf will everyone realistically play? Scheduling a rest day is good for some, but personally I couldn’t stand to be there a full day w no golf. The courses are just too good to miss a full day. Our trip was 6 days with a couple guys leaving after day 5.
Started w Preserve when we arrived. Then we played 18, 36, 18, 18 (but I played a second 18), and 18.

Here are my tips for an enjoyable trip:

Use caddies

Wear comfort style golf shoes (no spikes) and don’t bring new shoes

When playing 36 change socks and shoes b/t rounds

Drink water during play, save alcohol for the evenings

Stretch adequately prior to and after rounds

Make your dinner reservations when you book tee times

Trails and Old Mac are the hardest walks and walks are tougher in afternoons with increased winds (usually), Sheep is easiest walk

Try your best to play every course there

Don’t wait until end of trip to buy “souvenirs”, clothes, etc. Things sell quickly due to new arrival of guests and things you liked or your size have more likelihood of being sold out in comparison to other resorts.

Absolutely make sure you spend an afternoon/evening at the punchbowl.

Consider shipping your clubs via shipsticks.

Get the lambchops at the new restaurant at the lodge.

Savor it all because it goes by quickly!

Enjoy!