Visited BDGR in August of 2011 and couldn't have been happier with the experience. Having done ample research, I knew that the focus at this gem on the Oregon coast would be primarily golf but I was pleasantly surprised with the accomodations. For serious golfers, the cabins are absolutely adequate and I didn't find the beds uncomfortable, as some have written. If you're looking for a "heavenly bed" or a butler to bring you mango scented towels by the plunge pool, look elsewhere. However, if you desire to test your game in the manner that the game was invented, BDGR is a must.
Yes, it's expensive. But, yes, it's worth it. Lie, cheat, steal. Do what you need to, but get to Bandon Dunes. If you're a serious golfer, you will not be sorry.

Its isolation is hardly a weakness. You come to Bandon to get away...from everything except golf, friends and good food. Even the weather reminds you of Scotland. They've created a golf immersion experience you will never forget. I'm an 18-handicap player and enjoy it as well as friends who are much better. Every course has its appeal. They are among the very best in America -- challenging, well-maintained and spectacularly beautiful. The caddies are very professional but the quality is sometimes uneven. I'd say most are good, a few are great and a few should look for work elsewhere.

The resort accommodations vary widely in type but not in quality. All rooms are more than comfortable, private and quiet enough for the nap before cocktail hour. McKee's pub gets you started. Try the Scotch Eggs with a Guinness. Dinner is good and less expensive at McKee's than in the main dining room, which some of our group feels is overpriced for the quality of the food. Wine selection is fabulous -- large and eclectic. Our group prefers Alloro, an Italian wine bar and restaurant in Bandon, about a 15-minute drive away. It compares favorably to the finest restaurants in San Francisco and Chicago.

Be prepared to spend upwards of a couple of grand for three days -- meals, lodging and golf included. It's not cheap. We've found the fall to be a cheaper but riskier alternative. We've been back about six years now and have been rained out about 20 percent of the time. Oh, well, there's always McKee's.

We were on our way to Gold Beach for my birthday and we decided to stop and play golf. It was late in the day so we decided just to stay in Bandon for the night. We stayed in Crome Lake. It was so very nice. The firplace was nice to take away the cold January night. It was clean and the bed was very comfortable. Very reasonable, but it was the off season.

We spend 4 days 3 nights and played 4 1/2 rounds + 9 hole par 3 Shorty course. The experience was unparalleled! Words just cannot do it any justice. Make no mistake about it. This is a GOLF ONLY resort and caters exclusively to golfers. We live in Portland so just drove down 4.5 hours. No bad.

There are some golf "advice".

1. Arrive early afternoon day prior to your round and utilize the HUGE practice facility and play the 9 hole Shorty course (it's only open on certain days so check). This helped me quit a bit getting used to the undulating greens and speeds of the greens and also fine tune some shot selections in the wind.

2. At the main lodge they will change your spikes for you for $5 per pair of shoes. What a bargain! Must do...bring two pairs of shoes in case they get wet.

3. If you haven't played any true link style courses then I suggest playing Bandon Trails first as it's the most "traditional" of all four courses. But this will "ease" you into the other courses.

4. Either use a caddie or you have to buy a course guide for $10. If you have the ability to hit shots on command and has the $, use a caddie. If you are cheap like me and have someone who played there before then at least get the course guide with yardage and tips. Will save you a few strokes easy.
Fairway bunkers are IMPOSSIBLE to advance your ball. Take your medicine and hit out how ever you can and move on (Trust me!).

5. Don't be fazed by the 450 yd par 4s at Old McDonald. The fairways are so hard that your drives will be 300 yds....assuming it doesn't find the fairway bunkers.

6. The fairways grounds are "hard" so you need to catch your irons clean. These courses DEMANDS precision iron shots into the greens or else you will be punished SEVERELY. You better bring your short game as I've seen 5 puts on the green, 3 shots to get out of bunkers, balls goes from one side of green down to fairway 50yds.... you name it....Oh, did I say the bunkers are deadly? yes, they are when the bunkers are 40-50 feet deep.

7. Remember to ENJOY the courses and take in the scenery. They are breathtaking! Yes, you'll probably have a few doubles or quadriples...but hopefully you'll score a birdie here and there as well. It's fun and a must do for any die hard golfers.


Put this on your BUCKET LIST!