May 11, 2022
Hello from your new Bandon Dunes experts! Twenty-three FTL ladies just returned home from Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon, where we spent the week playing golf, laughing, making new friends and enjoying everything the resort has to offer. We hope these tips will help you on your next trip to Bandon and feel free to share your suggestions in the comments.
Enjoy our podcast where we talked through our trip, provided tips and tricks and reminisced on the epic week that was Camp Bandon Presented by Seamus Golf.
ITINERARY Bandon Dunes helped us create a fantastic itinerary that balanced how much golf we were going to play each day. This included*: Day 1: Arrival, play Bandon Preserve short course Day 2: Play Pacific Dunes and Sheep Ranch Day 3: Play Bandon Dunes and Punchbowl putting course Day 4: Play Bandon Trails and (sadly) depart *Some participants added Old Macdonald to the beginning or end of the trip and we highly recommend it!
HOW TO PACK
Pack rain gear and lots of layer options. The pro shop has everything you could need for the weather if you forget something, but a good rain jacket, pull-on rain pants and multiple hat options are a must. I was so happy I packed a good base layer to keep me toasty and 3-4 pairs of shoes to be able to swap between rounds. There is also a clothes dryer at Guest Services where you can drop off your outerwear to be dried before the next day of play. There are shoe dryers in the rooms as well. -Lizzy
Rain gear is a must, plus packing layers! I purchased a waterproof bucket hat at the pro shop and it was clutch. Aim to bring a golf bag that's around 4 lb or less to make sure you can still pack with rain gear and it's manageable for your caddie. -Christa
Packing at least 2-3 pairs of truly waterproof shoes and rain gear is a must. When I say rain gear, I mean a real deal rain suit, hat and gloves. When it rains it pours and if you get drenched you'll be miserable. *Pro tip: Guest services will dry your gear for you and shoe dryers are in your room so you are ready to battle another day. -Sutton
Bring layers for the course; cashmere and a light vest kept me warm without the bulk of a jacket. Once off the course the resort itself is quite casual. I would recommend packing some extra athletic options to wear on walks around the property if you want to explore. -Sutton
CADDIES
Embrace your caddy and don't be shy to communicate your strengths and your weaknesses! If they are suggesting a shot that is not in your bag, it is probably not the time to try it ... or maybe it is! It's all up to you and they are there to support it! Don't be shy and make sure to offer them a snack and beverage any time you have an opportunity. -Sutton
100% get a caddy. If you like your caddy, request him or her daily. They will get to know your swing and club selection over time, and you'll be able to learn a lot from them. -Lizzy
PLAYING
Practice Center - it's fun to hit the grass range, short game area and putting green before you start off a round. The south range doubles as a par-3 course called Shorty's on the weekend as well! It's a quick shuttle bus away from the main lodge and courses. -Sara
I didn't know anyone going and was super nervous that everyone would have a lot more experience than I did golfing. There was such a mix of experience levels and it was a great reminder that no one cares what you shot. Just bring a positive attitude and a "ready golf" mentality and it will all be great. -Christa
If you can, start your trip at the Preserve. It’s the perfect appetizer for an incredible week and will help you hone in your short game before heading to the other courses. Also, I could spend HOURS at the Practice Facility, but remember to leave time to take a shuttle there and then to the golf course if you want to get a little practice in. -Abby
Get ready to tap into your low flight and punch shots to have a standing chance against the Bandon winds. -Sutton
If the weather turns for the worse, consider playing a scramble to keep it fun! -Lizzy
Tell your family and/or friends when you tee off so they can watch via the webcams :) -Christa
DINING
The unofficial drink of our trip was certainly the Flatliner, an espresso martini! Be sure to end your night with one by the fire at McKee's! -Sutton and Abby co-signs
Energy balls at the turn for the win! These were great especially when playing 36 holes in one day. I went higher in protein and water and that really helped keep that endurance alive. -Christa
Order the energy balls at the turn. Tasty and filling! Irish coffees were also popular in my group. -Lizzy
Get the breakfast sandwiches and burritos for a quick meal to quick off your day. You can find these at almost every course and the turn at the main lodge. -Abby
Hydrate - even when it's raining! It's a lot of walking and when the wind is up you can get dehydrated over a long day. There are frequent spots to refill a water bottle on course. -Sara
There's a hidden treasure chest on Bandon Dunes... just remember you need to bring something, to take something! -Christa
MISC
Take it all in and take the photos. You'll want to relive it as much as possible when you get back. Post-Bandon blues are real. -Christa
There aren't locker rooms at the courses but if you bring a small tote bag you can stash stuff you don't want to carry on the course (extra shoes, socks for later, etc.) with the starter at each course. -Sara
Leave your umbrellas at home unless you want to Mary Poppins yourself out to the Pacific Ocean! -Sara
Wake up a few minutes early to visit the labyrinth. It’s so peaceful and a beautiful walk that’s a bit different from the golf courses. -Abby
Even if you can’t make a Fore the Ladies trip, take the golf trip. If you can put together a group - awesome. But if your buddies are busy and you don’t mind traveling alone, it can be also be really cool experience. While I’d definitely prefer going with a big group of awesome women, I’ve stayed and played rounds as a single at both Pinehurst the day before The Lily and Sand Valley and was treated incredibly well as a single woman golfer at both properties. At Sand Valley, I made buddies on The Sandbox Par 3 course that became fire pit friends the next two nights. If in doubt, book the golf trip. I used to feel like the stars would really have to align to make a Bandon trip happen, but I’m more confident than ever now after having been there that I would want go back, or go forth into the golfing unknown (Scotland?) in any situation - with friends, FTL or alone! It might even be easier to get in as a single when reservations are booked out, since you may snag a cancellation spot! - Rebecca
Introduce yourself to Shoe! -Abby
