United Airlines Eases Travel Time To Bandon Dunes In 2023

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We are very pleased to announce that once again, United Airlines will be providing seasonal nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH), in North Bend, Oregon.

For the 2023 season, direct service will operate twice-a-week roundtrip flights (Sunday & Wednesday) from May 7 to September 27, on United’s Embraer ERJ-175 jet aircraft. The ERJ-175 provides passengers with a full-service cabin and offers seating for up to 76 passengers, including twelve first-class cabin seats. Please refer to the United Airlines website for flight times, fares, and availability.

The United Airlines service will continue to ease travel time to Bandon Dunes and enables convenient connections to cities across the U.S. and throughout the world. Visitors to the resort from beyond the Northwest may now enjoy nonstop air service from another major international hub.

All ticket dates for the Denver-North Bend flights are available now at www.united.com or by calling (800) 864-8331.

For more information or to make reservations for your next Bandon Dunes trip, visit our Reservations Page.

You can also visit our "Getting Here" page to learn more about all the different ways to get to Bandon Dunes.

Bandon Dunes and THE Freshwater Trust team up with YETI to Reduce Single-use Plastic

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Since opening in 1999, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has strived to be a respectful land steward, celebrating the marvels of mother nature while cherishing the walk and stories the timeless game of golf provides. This is rooted in the ethos of Mike Keiser, Bandon's founder, whose 'leave no trace' attitude led him to the founding of his first business venture in 1971, Recycled Paper Greetings. From there, Mike and his family's passion for impactful conservation grew.

Today, we're pressing in our match against single-use plastic bottle consumption. There is no doubt we all need to up the stakes. The production of plastic is growing faster than any other material on this planet. It's a topic our team continues to brainstorm around knowing we rely on it for so many different purposes on property. Our pathway forward starts like any other journey, one step at a time.

649k Water Bottles Consumed

Over the last five years, our resort has ordered and consumed roughly 649k plastic water bottles. That's why we've been making changes and will no longer be ordering them going forward.

Refill Stations Where can you find water now? Over the past year, we've installed 14 new water refill stations throughout the property. The ability to hydrate is nearby!

YETI Rambler Through our partnership with The Freshwater Trust, we've created a program to offer reusable YETI® Rambler Bottles in replacement of plastic water bottles on property. Starting this #EarthDay, arriving guests will have the option to purchase a reusable bottle at cost for $20 and use them at any outlet on property or any of the refill stations. The YETI Rambler® 18 oz. Bottles are available at any golf shop, front desk or the Lodge Gift Shop as well as recyclable aluminum bottles of water available across the resort.

As Bandon Dunes' footprint has grown, so has its commitment to sustainable practices in an effort to maintain the elemental beauty that surrounds us. We pride ourselves on not only being recognized for many notable environmental awards but also the various certifications that are already fundamental to the links golf experience we provide. Click here to see some of these efforts.

In an effort to further our commitment to keeping the Oregon coast, and the world at large just as beautiful as we found it, it's time to come together around the 'reduce waste' mentality. We appreciate your support and look forward to the future steps we take to preserve and celebrate the outdoors.

What is The Freshwater Trust?

The Freshwater Trust

Rivers are the backbone of our country. Yet decades of treating a finite resource as infinite has had severe consequences. The Freshwater Trust is a group of problem solvers that design and implement data-driven, science-based solutions that protect and restore rivers. They are the largest restoration-focused organization in the Pacific Northwest, and the second-largest conservation group based in Oregon with the mission to preserve and restore freshwater ecosystems. Learn more about all of their initiatives here.

Lay of the Land

Remembering Those We've Lost

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The South Coast ethos our employees share with our guests amplifies the resort experience. Our small-town vibe and the benefits that resonate within a tight-knit community and close connection with friends and family is ever-present in our daily interactions. Our guests feel it -- frequently commenting on the culture and staff friendliness. We celebrate this as a resort and are thankful that our team members feel the freedom to be themselves in the workplace. This is why when we lose members of our resort family it reverberates through our team and our community, reminding us to not take things for granted, to appreciate the day, and those we choose to work with. 

It's with great sadness that we share the recent loss of three team members. Peggy Wiest, Bobby Charitar, and Mark Bergmann. May they rest in peace. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and to our team members who are grieving their losses. 

Margaret "Peggy" Weist

Peggy joined the Bandon Dunes family in 2017 as a Turnstand Attendant and became our first Staff Café Attendant in 2018. In April of 2019, she moved to the Reservations Department where she worked as the evening resort operator at the PBX desk. She had many friends around the resort and enjoyed living at Staff Village.

Peggy spent most of her life in Missouri and moved to the Oregon Coast to be closer to family. Before her employment at Bandon Dunes, she worked as a cook, caregiver, truck stop manager, and business owner. She loved knitting and liked to lend a hand with her skills as a seamstress. Pictured below: Peggy and her daughter, Joy.

Dhirendra "Bobby" Charitar

Bobby joined the Bandon Dunes family as a Starter/Ranger in June of 2015 and quickly became known for his bright smile, amazing customer care, and impeccable golf attire. He managed the first tee at Old Macdonald and then moved to the Bandon Dunes course, where he welcomed each guest to the first tee box with his warmth and knowledge of the game. Bobby embodied the principles of being genuine, helpful, and friendly and was presented with the TrueService Ambassador award in August 2017. 

Bobby grew up in the Coos Bay area, where he attended Marshfield High School and went on to work as the Store Manager at Kmart for 35 years. His number one priority was family, and he cared deeply for those around him. He loved the game of golf and was the perfect partner for those fortunate enough to play with him. Bobby’s outgoing personality and love of cooking were ever-present, and he was eager to share his culinary creations with others. He had a close bond with the Eagles Lodge in Coos Bay and was instrumental in the success of community dinners and helping those in need.

Mark Bergmann

Mark attended the University of Washington on an ROTC scholarship, and he went on to obtain his Masters of Education at City University. He served in the US Navy for three years as a navigator on the USS Higbee and was a proud veteran. Mark spent much of his career as a successful elementary school teacher in Vancouver, Washington. 

In June 2008, Mark started as a seasonal staff member at Pacific Dunes, helping transition the food and beverage operation from the temporary clubhouse to the current clubhouse. In 2009, he was hired as the Old Macdonald host, where he provided tours for VIP guests and media. Mark spent three summers at Bandon Dunes and realized he wanted to make the Oregon Coast his home. After 33 years, he retired from his teaching career and served as the Director of Guest Services at Bandon Dunes for the next nine years.

The Bandon Vibe

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Most golfers ponder every element of their dream golf retreat to Bandon Dunes, trying to encompass all of the smallest details that create an unforgettable experience.

Josh Sens, Senior Writer for GOLF Magazine, said it eloquently when he wrote, “Bandon is a place where the game’s past rushes up to meet its present, even as it points to the promise of its future.” And while in the past, the search for the perfect Bandon itinerary included finding the best way to tackle all five of the resort’s courses, visitors must now find a way to sneak in a sixth, with the introduction of the Sheep Ranch.

As we’ve witnessed over the years, there’s no perfect itinerary for visiting Bandon—just iterations of what your perfect visit looks like. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some essentials that can elevate your stay, whether it is your first escape to Bandon, or simply the latest. We’ve combined a number of itinerary philosophies from past guests and media experts, as well as some key basics that Bandon’s own staff ambassadors feel are essential to fully embracing your trip.

DAY 1

Arrival

3:00 pm — Arrival
4:00 pm — Links golf acclimation on Bandon Dunes
9:00 pm — McKee’s Pub dinner: build the foundation for a great week with a hearty meal

Bandon Tip: “When you first get to the resort, check-in quick and leave your bags with guest services if timing is tight to make your first round. There is no better way to shake off the travel than to stretch your legs with a walk while enjoying a fresh deep breath of the Pacific Ocean air.”
—Patrick Sims, Guest

“I was struggling to explain Bandon’s appeal to friends until I saw one of Shoe’s daily Twitter posts and said to myself, ‘What other course has a Director of Outside Happiness?’ Take notice of the small details the staff recognizes; it will make you appreciate the experience so much more.”
—Matt Satternus, Plugged in Golf

DAY 2

Anticipation settles into reality

6:30 am — Breakfast at the Tufted Puffin in the Lodge
7:30 am — Warm up at the Practice Center
8:30 am — Tee off at Old Macdonald
1:00 pm — Lunch at Pacific Grill
2:00 pm — Afternoon round on Pacific Dunes
7:30 pm — Dinner at Trails End

Bandon Tip: “I love an early morning round on Old Macdonald not only because you’re typically guaranteed a calmer start, but as the sun rises over the Ghost Tree you feel as if you’re also rising to the golf heavens.”
—Joe Ciombor, Guest

DAY 3

Become one with the bounce

8:00 am — Exercise your mind with a hike to the Labyrinth
8:30 am — Breakfast at Pacific Grill
9:30 am — Morning Group Links Lesson with Bandon’s PGA Master Teaching Professional and local Jedi, Grant Rogers
11:00 am — Lunch at Trails End
12:00 pm — Afternoon round on Bandon Trails
5:30 pm — 60-minute massage at the Massage Center
7:30 pm — Dinner at The Forge in the Main Lodge

Trails End Head Chef: “If you’ve built up an appetite, get a couple plates of pot stickers for the table at lunch. You won't be disappointed.”

“The best decision we made all week was taking a links lesson led by Master PGA Professional Grant Rogers and PGA Pro Jake Sestero.”
—Ashley Mayo, Golf Magazine

DAY 4

Finish in harmony

7:30 am — Breakfast at the Tufted Puffin in the Main Lodge
9:00 am — Early tour around the Sheep Ranch
2:30 pm — Lunch at Tufted Puffin
4:00 pm — Bandon Preserve, if you’re a larger group, inquire about playing as an eight-some
7:00 pm — Punchbowl Putting Competition: settle any bets now or forever hold your peace
8:00 pm — Dinner at Pacific Grill
9:30 pm — Bunker Bar Night Cap

Bandon Preserve Tip: Eight-somes are celebrated on the Bandon Preserve. Bring your group together to either catch up on life upon arrival or have it be one of your last rounds to relive all of the best moments from the trip. You’re bound to have plenty to laugh about!

DAY 5

Departure day

7:00 am — Are your dogs barking? Did you stay out too late at the Bunker Bar? If not, play an early morning 18 on your favorite course or pack the bags and set sail for home.

“Departure day can be a real drag. I’ve often noticed groups gathering near the shuttles looking bummed, myself included. Luckily, the download of photos and thread in your work inbox helps make the transition back to reality easier.”
—Dave Rabil, Guest

FARE-WAYS

The Pub Burger at McKee's is a must-try dish when dining at Bandon

Key ingredients: Irish cheddar, bacon, egg, malt vinegar onions, grain mustard, mayo, on a pretzel roll.

A better burger: One of the favorite dishes at McKee's is the Pub burger! Exceptional brisket and chuck patty with aged, sharp Irish cheddar and freshly pickled onions on a soft pretzel bun and topped with a fried egg. It's the perfect choice for a hearty meal after walking one of Bandon’s six courses.



Fill out our Reservation form here or

CALL (800)742.0172

David McLay Kidd Walking Bandon Dunes Before the Final Round of the 120th U.S. Amateur

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Listening to David McLay Kidd explain the ideal match-play strategy of each hole at Bandon Dunes is sweeter than a chip-in to save par. It also highlights that there is no ONE way to play links golf — which is exactly why we love it. 

Before the final matches of the 120th U.S. Amateur Championship, the legendary architect of Bandon Dunes shared his insights on what he thought would be a winning strategy on each hole at Bandon Dunes.

Kidd’s verbal tour through Bandon Dunes is not just about the best strategy to play the course. It’s a look inside the links game itself. The strategies. The myriad of choices each hole presents. 

For us at Bandon Dunes, there is no purer joy in golf.

David McLay KiddPhotography by Jeff Marsh

 Play the video below to see every televised shot from the 120th U.S. Amateur Final!

Shorty's at the Bandon Dunes Practice Center

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Shorty's is a nine-hole par-three course at the Bandon Dunes Practice Center. It was designed by David McLay Kidd in 2000, the same Scottish architect who designed Bandon Dunes golf course. The course was named after the former caretaker of the property, Shorty Dow.

Situated just south of the one-acre practice putting green known as "Big Putt," the first tee at Shorty’s sits up, looking south toward the first and second greens.

The course is free to guests, but there is an honor box just off the first tee that welcomes donations. All proceeds go toward two worthy causes: Bandon Dunes’ Junior Golf program and the Evans Scholarship program.

Shorty's is open Thursday through Sunday. There is red or a green flag on the first tee, indicating whether or not the course is open. If the green flag is flying, the course is open for play. If the red flag is out, you can still play holes One, Two, and Nine and not interfere with golfers hitting on the South Range.

The course is intended for fun and practice so don't hesitate playing more than one ball, or hitting different shots. For example: If Nos. 1, 2, and 9 are the only holes open, change up the routing a little. It’s perfectly acceptable to play from the first tee to the second green and so on. Use your imagination.

The way the routing was designed, as long as you're not endangering anyone, you can play to different greens and invent your own tees. In other words, the routing on the card can be seen as more of a suggestion. Here is a brief description of the routing as it is intended on the card:

Shortys

 

No. 1, 86 yards – A chip to the green over a pot bunker that’s small and deep. The front of the green slopes down and away into a valley. Left of the green are two rangy bunkers and to the right, the fescue is tall and thick.

No. 2, 113 yards – A slightly downhill shot into a large green guarded in the front right by a deep kidney-shaped bunker and an ancient fir tree. There is also a bunker on the back right.

No. 3, 174 yards – A difficult shot over two bunkers to the short side of an unreceptive green. Hitting into this green is like trying to shake the left hand of someone standing with their right side to you as two chocolate labs wrestle with a tennis ball between you. There is also a bunker off the back left that you never see until you're standing on the green.

No. 4, 130 yards – An uphill shot to a green protected on the left and the right by two wild, shaggy bunkers. There is a large madrone tree front-right that knocks down fly balls. The back of the green is partially surrounded by a small island thicket of vegetation and small evergreens. Around this small island to the north you’ll find the fifth tee and the route turns left, heading back to the west. Nos. 5, 6, and 7 route back and forth consecutively.

No. 5, 141 yards – From the tee, the approach into the green appears rather straightforward. There are a deep bunker front-left and a larger steep-faced bunker back-right. What makes this green unique is its proximity to the south tee deck at the Practice Center, which results in a relentless bombardment four days a week. Considering this aerial assault, the green remains in fairly good condition.

No. 6, 113 yards – The tee sits between the green at No. 5 and No. 7. A pair of pot bunkers guard the left side of the green. The back of the green is bowl-shaped and welcomes a long approach shot. Hit it too short and the ball will roll off the green into the vacuous middle ground, a kind of no-man's-land between the greens.

No. 7, 111 yards – An elevated tee from the southern end of the backstop surrounding No. 6 green. No. 7 plays back to the west, one of the few times the routing turns right. Like most greens at Shorty's, the approach is mounded so balls too long or too short will leave the green. The front-left of the green is guarded by a deep bunker. There is also a steep-faced bunker front-right.

No. 8, 91 yards – Don't let the short yardage fool you; this tee is in the valley on the backside of the green at No. 7 and hits to the south. Next to No. 3, this hole is deceivingly difficult. The green is mounded on all sides. Hitting into this green is like roller-skating on a giant bowling ball. Front-left, there is another deep bunker and in line with that one, there is another one back left.

No. 9, 147 yards – Plays back to the north completing the circuit. The bowl-shaped green is hidden behind an ocean of uneven ground and an elephant-sized mound on the front-right. The green is almost completely surrounded on the right side by long rough. On the left, two rangy bunkers rest on the slope leading back up to No. 1 tee.

Designing Sheep Ranch - The Fried Egg

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On his recent trip to the Oregon Coast to cover the Bandon Dunes Championship for College Golf Live, Andy Johnson squeezed in a quick tour around the Sheep Ranch during a beautiful crisp morning. Watch and listen to The Fried Egg's conversation with designer Bill Coore of Coore & Crenshaw, pairing together great commentary with stunning visuals. We can't wait to be walking down these fairways with all of you by our side come June 1. 

Part 1: Wind, Contour, and Bunkering 

Part 2: The Routing

Pictured above: No. 4 & 14 greens

Pictured above: Sheep Ranch, looking south

Sheep Ranch Progress Update: Routing & Approximate Yardages

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Sheep Ranch treasure map. We hope you find gold! 🙂

Sheep Ranch Progress Update: No. 1 - The Hydroseed Train

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The agronomy team is working up the fairway on #SheepRanch No. 1, one of the last holes to be seeded. #StaffPic by Sheep Ranch Assistant Superintendent Eric Langford. #SheepWeek

Sheep Ranch No. 1

Sheep Ranch No. 3

Sheep Ranch No. 16

Sheep Ranch Progress Update: Seeded Greens

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All of the phases of golf course construction and agronomy are on full display at the Sheep Ranch this summer. As Coore & Crenshaw and the rest of the Sheep Ranch team continue to work their way north, we’ve started to see pure golf links land emerge. Starting in the furthest southwest corner of the property, holes 6-10 were the first to be shaped, irrigated and seeded. Similar to how a painter avoids painting themselves into a corner, the team has since been working north up the western ridge overlooking the Pacific and are now working their way east. Prime growing conditions are providing great progress with multiple green sites and tees now settling in for the upcoming season.

Below is a quick tease of every green with grass growing. It may be tough to imagine yourself amongst the dunes, watching the waves crash against the rocks as you take on Bandon’s 5th 18-hole course, but with each sunny day that passes we get closer to playing the Sheep Ranch. Stay tuned for more progress updates, the routing, opening date announcement and more! Remember to give a big round of applause to the agronomy team as they have been working hard to bring you pure, unbridled links golf.

See you out on the links!

 

No. 3

The first of two approaches toward Five Mile Point, Sheep Ranch No. 3, is the first Par-3 on the front nine, providing an early glimpse of the double green. The prevailing summer wind will be coming off your right shoulder from the north.

 

No. 4

Recently seeded, Sheep Ranch No. 4 is a Par-4 that moves southeast away from the ocean through many diverse undulations. The location of the green is sure to be a social space where the adjacent greens of Nos. 10 & 14 are located as well as the 5th, 11th, and 15th tees. This gathering point on the course will also be the home to the course’s turnstand.

No. 5

The next peninsula just south of 5 Mile Point, is home to both the 5th green and 6th tee. Sheep Ranch No. 5 is a Par-3 that runs directly west making for a challenging crosswind when playing your tee shot.

No. 6

Sheep Ranch No. 6 is a strong par-4 with its fairway running south along the coast, forcing you to determine the best line of flight for your game. The summer wind from the north could push your ball a little further right toward the ocean, so be sure to choose a good target!

No. 7

No. 7, a short Par-3, playing directly south was featured in our No 7: A Meditation post and will contend for one of the best views on property.

No. 8

The Par-4, No. 8, is a slight dogleg right that has more room in the fairway than it appears from the tee. The green is turtle-backed and possesses some great hole locations that will challenge even the best links golfers.

No. 9

No. 9 on the Sheep Ranch is the most southern Par-4 on the property, backing up to the adjacent Whiskey Run Road as well as Old Macdonald in the distance. Playing directly west, the summer winds will help tee shots and approaches work from right to left along the natural terrain of this beautiful hole.

No. 10

Playing directly north into the prevailing summer breeze, the 10th hole is a short Par-4 with teeth that finishes up in the central section of the course. Also, as stated above it will be located adjacent to the 4th and 14th greens as well as the 5th, 11th and 15th tees.

No. 14

No. 14 a Par-4 playing south has an elevated green with a steep false edge on the left. Off the tee, it will be essential in finding the right angle into the green to be able to attack the proper hole location. This hole completes the triangle of greens that surround the turnstand.

No. 15

Recently seeded, the 15th hole is a slight dog-leg right Par-4 that heads directly west and begins a three-hole stretch of links golf beauty right on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean.

No. 16

It’s hard to look at Sheep Ranch No. 16, a dynamic Par-3 heading north, and not think about the amount of fun this double green complex contains. Overlooking a beautiful rock formation to the west in the Pacific Ocean, this hole is sure to get your blood boiling, challenging your focus on the shot at hand as well as taking in the beautiful scenery.

ENJOY THE SHEEP RANCH IN JUNE 2020!

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