I have some old posts on this subject if you scan back further. Bandon is an annual trip for me. Next week with be my ninth year in a row. I go in winter, when the rates are lowest. I don't do too well playing 36 holes a day anymore so the short winter days are not a problem for me. This year we are doing 5 nights and 4 rounds with Trails being the skip. The plan is to try and make Trails an afternoon second round on the day we have the best weather. Starting next year we will go to a 6 night stay and play all 5 courses with the Preserve and Shorty's in the afternoons. All the courses are so good and each is unique so you have to try and catch them all, if possible. More rain in the winter and a bit cooler but usually less wind. Heck, I get tired of the sunny San Diego weather so its a nice change and certainly gives you that Scottish feel. If you can play 2 or 3 rounds a day, the summer is good. Rates are the highest but you can shorten your trip by playing all the courses in 3 days. Second daily replay is half price and if you play a third in the same day, its free. Whatever way you decide to go,...just go. Its an amazing experience. Books up pretty quickly so act fast. They are now taking reservations for 2023.

Dale is definitely the resident expert but I've played all courses twice and it would be tough to miss any of them while you're up there. Every time I'm on one of the courses I think "OK this is the best one". They are all 10/10 but if I had to rank them, which is borderline impossible, I'd go:

1. Trails
2. Old Mac
3. Pac Dunes
4. Sheep Ranch
5. Bandon

I think the standard rankings are Pac Bandon Sheep Mac Trails but I think that's heavily influenced by the ocean views.

Preserve is a must too. Have fun!

Ahhh...the Bandon Dunes post. I've been to Bandon a few times (more than 10x). I've played in buddies trips, couples trips and played one Bandon Championship.

I'd say the biggest thing to consider when planning a trip to Bandon, is the time of year you want to play. You get more daylight in the summer months and less in the winter months. If you plan on playing more than 18 holes a day it's best to plan your trip in the early spring (March/April) that will give you plenty of time to play your morning round with a short break before your afternoon round...your caddies will thank you. My buddies group will be doing our 9th year in a row in 2022 and we're already booked for 2023. We've traditionally planned our trips in the early spring months and in 2022 it will be our first time booking in late May (we booked late May for 2023). For food, you won't go wrong eating at any of the on property establishments. Each one has a theme so, you won't get the same menu items. If you choose to go off property, understand that many restaurants in town will close down early (before 7PM) so plan ahead.

For lodging, I'd recommend the Chrome Lake cottages, if they're available. I've stayed in the Lily Pond and it's not as roomy as Chrome Lake plus, I try and get the Chrome Lake room that has the large bathtub...a warm bath after 36 holes helps with the achy joints. Bandon has just built new lodging called Round Lake which was needed when they opened Sheep Ranch. I hear they are very plush and are priced accordingly.

As for courses, if this is your first visit, play all courses. As Dale mentioned, there are some unique parts of Bandon that you will miss if you just focus on the five 18 hole courses. Set aside time to visit the trails and "hidden" 9 holes (Shorty's) around the property. Dale mentioned what happens if you play 3 rounds in a day..I won't even mention what you get for a 4th round (ask the pro shop) and obviously this can only be completed in the summer months.

Since Allan contributed his personal Bandon course ranking, here's mine:

1. BandonTrails
2. Old Mac
3. Bandon Dunes
4. Pacific Dunes
5. Sheep Ranch

Have fun...it's a great place

The crispy C-note they give you walking off the 18th after your fourth round of the day makes the long day worth it. I was fortunate enough to do the Bandon Solstice with a few TT friends and being handed the crispy C-note as we finished our 72nd hole of the day is a memory that will last a lifetime. Just over 15 hours and around 26 miles of chasing the white ball my body was ready for a good meal, a few beverages and recapping the day and lifelong memories my friends.

TH

Trails is my top because it’s away from the ocean and it’s serene in the trees…. If you’re only playing five rounds might as well play them all.. But, play the Preserve after on of the rounds,
1 Brandon Trails
2Pacific Dunes
3Sheep Ranch (but on heels of PD)
4Brandon Dunes
5Sheep Ranch

Don’t d
Forget to eat at all the restaurants, it’s heaven on turf!

Hey Todd, best quote of the day, "...it's heaven on turf." I'll make sure and give you credit when I share it with others. I hope all is well with you and happy holidays.

Thanks for all the input…. Heading down next August with a group…. So excited…. Thanks again Team!!

Darren-

I agree with the rest of the guys in that you can't go wrong at Bandon. I suggest playing all of the big courses and at least one round at the Preserve. If you are short on daylight but want to have fun with the group, head over to the Punchbowl. Great putting course with adult beverages. Good times, fun betting and several of our caddies have joined us to round out the day.

Here is my course rankings for Bandon (all are great just personal preference)
1) Bandon
2) Sheep Ranch
3) Trails
4) Pac Dunes
5) Old Mac

I'll be there in June. Playing all five (two of them twice) plus Preserve.

Can't wait!

WW