Ready the raingear from November to April.
Being properly prepared for a Bandon Dunes golf vacation can mean the difference between a, memorable, golf experience of a lifetime and a collection of regretful would-haves, could-haves and should-haves.
First, keep in mind that Bandon Dunes is not a place of extreme temperatures; you’re unlikely to freeze or fry there. In summer, average high temperatures barely reach 70, and in winter, rarely dip below 40.
So, if you like to play in shorts, bring a couple pairs, but if you forget them or have knobby knees, rest assured that you’ll never be uncomfortable in pants on a Bandon Dunes golf vacation. As the evenings can get chilly, a thin wool sweater will likely come in handy, but Bandon Dunes is the opposite of formal, so don’t bother with a sports coat unless that’s your style. Jeans and flip-flops are common everywhere but on the golf courses.
One of the most important pieces of advice I can give you is to prepare for wind and rain if your Bandon Dunes golf vacation is planned for November through April. A wind shirt, a rain suit and two pairs of waterproof shoes are a good starting point.
As for golf clubs, remember that the turf tends to be firm and the winds substantial (at any time of year), so consider leaving your lob wedge at home and exchanging those high-lofted fairway woods for lower-trajectory long irons or hybrids if you can keep them down. The latter will also come in handy for little bump-and-run shots around the greens.
Not already a subscriber to Golf Vacation Insider? Use this link to stay in the loop with our free tips and expert advice on which golf courses, golf resorts, discount golf vacations, and golf vacation packages are truly worth your time and money. As a bonus, we will send you a free copy of Planning the Ultimate Golf Vacation, a 40-page book filled with some of the best golf travel secrets from the editors of Golf Odyssey.
