Bandon Dunes

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By BColeman

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  1. I’m going to Bandon Dunes next April/May with a group. What are some of the must dos and do nots from those that have been?

    Thanks in advance!

  2. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Go to the Team Titleist Facebook group and look under the “Files” tab. You will find a detailed blog called the Bandon Experience.
  3. GMcClanahan

    GMcClanahan
    Pinehurst, NC

    Congrats on the trip. You will enjoy it. My thoughts below in no particular order of importance.

    1. No need to leave the property. Rooms are good and plenty of places to enjoy food and beverages on site. It’s like Disneyland for golfers.
    2. Get the breakfast burrito. Each restaurant has a slightly different variation on it but they are all made in a similar manner. It is the best breakfast burrito I have ever had. It’s a big portion so only eat half and save the other half when you get hungry on the course.
    3. Get caddies for at least a couple of rounds if not all. Local knowledge is helpful until you play the courses several times. And it keeps the legs fresh since no riding carts allowed. And I felt overwhelmed by how incredible the courses are my first couple of trips so a caddie will help you stay focused. Now I never have a caddie and that is fine.
    4. While playing 36 a day is tempting, I would recommend playing 18 holes and one of the par 3 courses if you want two rounds in a day. The Preserve is probably one of the best par 3 courses in the world. And they are building another par 3 course. And Shortys is a 9 hole course on the right hand side of the driving range that is available certain days of the week. I personally would do the big boy course in the morning and the par 3 course round in the afternoon. I have tried it in both ways and prefer to cool down on the par 3 course to end the day. The putting course aka Punch Bowl is awesome for more post round golf.
    5. Try Grandmas Meatloaf in McKees Pub. It’s the best meatloaf I have ever had. It’s a huge portion with 2 pieces. I have someone else order the fish and chips and we split the meatloaf and fish and chips.
    6. 14th hole on Bandon Dunes- everyone says aim at the bunker on the right if you want to drive the green. That has never worked for me. Aim left of the bunker and if you are not on the green you have a good angle on the second shot.
    7. Limit yourself on swag purchases. I have a closet full of Bandon gear. It’s hard to say no as the golf shops have great stuff. Set a limit before the trip.
    8. I like staying at the Lodge for convenience. The accommodations like Lilly Pond and others are a short shuttle ride away, but I like the short walk to the Bunker Bar, McKees and breakfast.
    9. Work on chipping with lower lofted clubs before the trip. Also practice hitting off tight lies with your irons. First couple of trips were tough to get used to the tight lies.
    10. All of the courses are so good you can’t go wrong. Bandon Trails doesn’t get as much attention as there are no ocean views. But it’s a links course built in a pine forest. And I think it’s the hardest course on the property. My personal fave is the original course named after the resort. Its combination of playability, some challenging holes and great views make it my fave. And the more I play Old Mac, the more I like it. All of th4 courses are amazing so enjoy them all.
    11. When walking down the 4th fairway on Old Mac, pretend you are in Scotland.
    12. Be careful with the goarse, it’s nasty stuff.
    14. Don’t play poker in the Bunker Bar with anyone whose first name is the name of a city.

    Enjoy the trip!
  4. Todd T

    Todd T
    San Diego, CA

    Military
    In addition to what been said.... Pack light as you will buy plenty of swag there....... Consider swim trunks for sauna..... Hire the caddies, more enjoyable not mule'n clubs around!
  5. Rob R

    Rob R
    Chicago, IL

    Todd is right on about getting caddies. They are good and take care of you and enhance your experience..
  6. Steve M

    Steve M
    Hatboro, PA

    I agree with all of the above. If you book your caddies in advance, there is a good chance that you will get the same caddies for your entire trip.

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