A CADDIE’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE WIND AT BANDON

Playing with the wind at Bandon Dunes’ original course

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a one-of-a-kind destination. Featuring five, 18 hole championship links layouts, a par 3 course, a nearly 3 acre putting course, and a world class practice center… all add to an unforgettable experience. It all started with one course, Bandon Dunes, a true field of dreams, in a remote location on the southern Oregon coast. The course is perched on a bluff overlooking Whiskey Run beach. Each nine has its own unique crescendo moments, chances for heroics, and views that will stop you in your tracks. Bandon Dunes has all the elements of true links golf… seaside, sandy soil, fescue, firm fast playing conditions, wind, and even gorse. It is as pure a test of links golf as you can find anywhere in the world.

Bandon Dunes remains the most playable course on property. It was designed to handle wind from any direction, but no matter what the wind is doing you can still navigate around Bandon, assuming you’re playing the appropriate tees. The tougher the wind, the closer you need to tee it up to the green, then swing slow and let it go. But always remember, the ball isn’t done when it touches down. At Bandon it’s not a good or bad shot until the ball is done moving. The firm conditions and rolling, undulating dunes equal a lot of movement on the ground. Mind the wind, find the contours. You’ve got to imagine not only where the ball will land, but where it will release to. Part of the beauty of Bandon Dunes is that if you’re in control of your ball you can make the contours work in your favor. And true for all courses on property, its usually more fun when the ball is funneling towards the hole, not away from it.

There are times at Bandon Dunes when the wind is simply going to win. It’s the number one defense of these courses, and part of the adventure that makes up a round at Bandon Dunes. So, if you’re making the trip, especially in the summer months, embrace the wind, bundle up, and keep the ball low.