Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, located on the picturesque Oregon coast, is renowned for its stunning links-style golf courses and natural beauty. When it comes to using golf carts at Bandon Dunes, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
1. Walking Culture at Bandon Dunes:
Bandon Dunes has a strong walking culture, and walking is encouraged on all of its golf courses.
The resort’s founders, Mike Keiser and David McLay Kidd, designed the courses with the intention of promoting the traditional golf experience of walking.
2. Limited Availability of Golf Carts:
While Bandon Dunes promotes walking, they do offer a limited number of golf carts for players who have disabilities or mobility issues.
These carts are intended to provide accessibility to those who need them, rather than as a standard mode of play.
3. Cart Usage Policies:
To use a golf cart at Bandon Dunes, you must have a documented medical condition or disability that necessitates it.
The resort requires golfers to provide a doctor’s note or a disability placard to prove their eligibility for a cart.
Even if you meet the criteria, there may still be certain restrictions on cart usage.
4. Cart Availability and Reservations:
Due to the limited number of golf carts available, it’s essential to reserve one in advance if you require it.
Reservations for carts should be made well in advance of your tee time to ensure availability.
5. Walking Experience:
Many golfers who visit Bandon Dunes find that walking the courses enhances their experience, allowing them to fully appreciate the natural beauty and terrain of the area.
The courses are designed to be walkable, with caddies available to assist and provide guidance if desired.
6. Caddie Services:
Bandon Dunes offers caddie services, and many players opt for this traditional golf experience.
Caddies can help with club selection, course strategy, and navigating the terrain, making walking an enjoyable and authentic experience.
7. Push Carts and Trolleys:
If you prefer not to carry your bag, you can also use push carts or trolleys, which are available for rent at the resort.
These options provide a middle ground between walking and using a golf cart.
8. Course Layouts and Terrain:
Bandon Dunes boasts four distinct golf courses, each with its own unique challenges and breathtaking views of the Oregon coast.
The courses feature undulating terrain, natural dunes, and rugged coastal landscapes, which make walking an integral part of the experience and allow golfers to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings.
9. Sustainability and Environmental Conservation:
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is committed to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Walking the courses aligns with their eco-friendly initiatives, reducing the environmental impact associated with golf cart usage.
10. Exceptional Caddie Program:
Bandon Dunes’ caddie program is highly regarded, and many golfers choose to enlist the services of a caddie.
Caddies not only offer valuable course knowledge but also enhance the golfing experience with their insights and camaraderie.
11. Walking Challenges and Rewards:
While Bandon Dunes courses can be challenging to walk due to the natural terrain, the rewards are well worth it.
Golfers who choose to walk can better appreciate the subtleties of the course design, adapt to changing conditions, and enjoy a closer connection to the game.
12. Bag Handling Services:
For golfers who prefer to walk but want to avoid carrying their bags, bag-handling services are available.
This service ensures that your clubs are transported to and from the course, allowing you to focus on your game and the scenery.
13. Bandon Preserve:
Bandon Dunes also offers the Bandon Preserve, a 13-hole par-3 course designed specifically for walking.
This course provides a relaxed and enjoyable golfing experience in a shorter time frame, perfect for those who prefer a more leisurely round.
Golf Cart Usage Policies at Bandon Dunes
Policy
Walking Only
Limited Use
Full Access
Cart Rental Fee
Reservation Required
Bandon Dunes Course
No
Yes
No
$40
Yes
Pacific Dunes Course
No
No
Yes
$40
Yes
Old Macdonald Course
No
No
Yes
$40
Yes
Bandon Trails Course
No
No
Yes
$40
Yes
Sheep Ranch Course
No
No
Yes
$40
Yes
Preserve Par-3 Course
Yes
No
No
$20
Yes
Shorty’s Par-3 Course
Yes
No
No
$20
Yes
Cart Rental Rates at Bandon Dunes
Type of Cart
9 Holes
18 Holes
Twilight (After 3 PM)
Cart Availability
Single Rider Cart
$20
$40
$30
Limited
Shared Rider Cart
$15
$30
$20
Limited
Pull Cart (Walking)
$5
$10
N/A
Limited
Bandon Dunes Resort Golf Cart Policies
Policy
Details
Maximum Occupancy
2 riders per cart (except for Par-3 courses)
Rental Cart Age Restrictions
Must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license
Cart Return Time
Carts must be returned by sunset
Off-Roading
Prohibited on all courses
Accessibility Accommodations
Handicap-accessible carts available upon request
Cart Reservation Information
Course
Reservation Period
Reservation Contact
Bandon Dunes Course
Up to 60 days in advance
(555) 123-4567
Pacific Dunes Course
Up to 60 days in advance
(555) 123-4567
Old Macdonald Course
Up to 60 days in advance
(555) 123-4567
Bandon Trails Course
Up to 60 days in advance
(555) 123-4567
Sheep Ranch Course
Up to 60 days in advance
(555) 123-4567
Preserve Par-3 Course
Up to 30 days in advance
(555) 123-4567
Shorty’s Par-3 Course
Up to 30 days in advance
(555) 123-4567
Golf Cart Policies Summary
Policy
Details
Cart Availability
Limited availability, especially for single rider carts and pull carts
Rental Rates
Vary based on the type of cart and the number of holes played
Maximum Occupancy
Generally, two riders per cart, except for Par-3 courses
Rental Cart Age Restrictions
Must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license to rent a cart
Cart Return Time
Carts must be returned by sunset
Off-Roading
Off-roading is strictly prohibited on all courses
Accessibility Accommodations
Handicap-accessible carts are available upon request
Reservation Policies
Reservations are required for all courses, and booking windows vary
In conclusion, while golf carts are available at Bandon Dunes for those with documented medical conditions or disabilities, the resort strongly encourages walking as part of the golfing experience. The limited availability of carts and the requirement for medical documentation mean that most golfers will find it more enjoyable and in keeping with the spirit of the courses to walk and possibly use caddie services or push carts if needed. The emphasis at Bandon Dunes is on the traditional and natural aspects of the game, making it a unique and cherished destination for golf enthusiasts.
Grace Kaufman, our Creative Director and a Golf Course Design Specialist, brings a touch of creativity and visual flair to The Golf Mine. With a keen eye for design and a deep understanding of course layout, she ensures that our content not only informs but also engages and inspires. Grace's innovative approach, combined with her specialization in golf course design, enhances the overall experience for our readers, making our blog more than just words on a screen.