Photos of 'the Little Things' That Make Bandon Dunes So Special

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to be part of a pretty special trip to Bandon Dunes.

A tremendous time was had by all, even the member of our group whose trip got off to a bit of a painful start.

Bandon Dunes' stunning natural beauty is intoxicating, and the temptation to take a bunch of pictures of the courses is strong. As a result, even if you haven't visited, you could probably recognize multiple highlight holes from the pages of glossy magazines online reviews and this very website.

So with that in mind, I took care to focus my photo-taking particularly on some of the "little things" that make Bandon Dunes so special.

Knowing how many Golf Vacation Insider readers have been to the resort, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the things that make Bandon Dunes stand out as one of golf's greatest destinations.

In the meantime, enjoy these photos of Bandon's special "little things":

There are not many places in golf where the peripherals get so much attention, but Mike Keiser and the rest of his Bandon Dunes team have a vision of golf as both a physical, recreational pursuit and a form of communion with nature. Respect for the land, the local bounty and golf's classic traditions come together in harmony here unlike anywhere else.

What are your favorite "little things" - at Bandon or elsewhere in the golf world? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Craig Better is one of the founding editors of Golf Vacation Insider. In addition to traveling to 15 foreign countries, he has twice traveled across America to play golf courses in all 50 United States. Prior to joining Golf Vacation Insider, Craig was a freelance writer who contributed to GOLF Magazine, Travel + Leisure Golf, Maxim Magazine, USAToday.com, and co-authored Zagat Survey’s book, America’s Top Golf Courses.
16 Comments
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is it possible to cart Bandon Dunes, I have a bad knee (plus age 70)

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Only if certified handicapped and then the cart is driven by a caddy. In twenty years of playing there, have only seen one player with a cart but it can happen. Need to arrange everything ahead of arrival I believe.

The roaring fire outside the resturant was unique. A wonderful place to end the day sharing stories and enjoying a nightcap or two. Haven't found that in my trios to Ireland or Scotland.

Just got back from Bandon Dunes. Played All the courses. Hard to pick a favorite, but if I must it would be Bandon Dunes. For dinning I recommend Pacific Grill, it's by far the best restaurant at the resort. I left Bandon Dunes resortwith this final thought! "I thought I dieded and woke up in golf heaven" can't wait to go back

Heading back to Bandon in September and I can't wait. Pacific Dunes is my favorite course in America.

Having been to Scotland several times and Ireland once, I can verify that Bandon Dunes is as close to that experience as you can get here in the U.S. My favorite saying is that going to Bandon is like going to Edinburgh, although Edinburgh is easier to get to!

I love the walks around the resort at night. My favorite is from the lodge to the inn. So serene and beautiful.

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Those are great pictures that make a course extra special, I hope within the next few years to play the courses and expierence these wonders myself

A spectacular five days at one of the memorable places in all golfdom! Thank you Mike Keiser!

I was office manager for William Church, FAIA, Architect who designed the clubhouse and the rental housing at Bandon Dunes when it was first built. The thing that was most important to Bill in working with Bandon Dunes was to blend the buildings into the landscape and fauna of the location. Both Mr. Keiser and Mr. Church worked very hard to maintain the natural beauty of the site.

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The natural beauty, the ocean views and the creative and challenging golf holes

I was born & raised in Coos Bay for 47 years before I moved to the Portland area. Need less to say, I have played all the courses at Bandon Dunes many times including the SHEEP RANCH. So, if you have a BUCKET LIST, this is a must for you, you will not regret it.

Ron Brandon (1940)

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Photos of 'the Little Things' That Make Bandon Dunes So Special