Bandon Preserve

[Portions of this post are repeated in the other courses making up the Bandon complex: Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald, Sheep Ranch, and Charlotte’s]

General Course Description

Bandon Preserve is more than your average 13-hole par 3. Within the Bandon complex, just south of the main lodge on the way to the Pacific Dunes pro shop, Bandon Preserve has beautiful holes that embrace the natural features of a hillside overlooking the ocean. No hole is over 150 yards (although with wind and elevation change, a hole could play much longer) and you may be tempted to putt off the tee (good practice for the other Bandon courses). The course goes down the hillside and then comes up, but it is short, so a good walk.

Course History

Built in 2012.  In 2018, Links Magazine named the course the best par-3 course in the United States.

Why It Is There

As part of the world class golf facility, Mike Keiser wanted to build a unique par-3 experience.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

The rules of general decorum are relaxed here (but the starter is skilled at giving each groups space). In the a.m., families with kids (often sevensomes) play. In the p.m., you will often find imbibed sevensomes hitting balls all over the place, falling down into traps or greens and generally having a roaring time. Not saying this is bad behavior; just be ready for it (and maybe join in).

Did You Know

This is one of the few locations for the phacelia argentea, aka the Silvery Phacelia. It is a rare flower, endemic to coastal sand dunes. In 2014, only 6,115 plants were known to exist. Through conservation efforts (including those by Western Rivers Coast Alliance, supported by Bandon Dunes), a 2020 census found 32,570 plants.

Good For Them

Net proceeds benefit the Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation (fka, Wild Rivers Coast Alliance), which provides grants to fund projects on the South Coast of Oregon supporting and promoting community, conservation, and economy (including preserving the Silvery Phacelia).

Why Play This Course

It is a truly unique course, with stunning views. Although expensive (for a 13-hole par 3), it is a great place to play with the whole family, or to add some practice and a great golf experience after playing one of the Bandon 18-hole courses.

General

• • Type: 13-hole public par-3 course
  • Price: $$$$$
  • Phone/webpage: (541)347-4380/www.bandondunesgolf.com
  • Address:  57744 Round Lake Road, Bandon, Oregon 97471
  • Owner: Bandon Dunes, LP
  • Designer: Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw
  • Pros: None (just go to neighboring Bandon Trails if you need one)
  • Practice Facilities: There is a putting green off the first tee shared with Bandon Trails, but the complex has a very impressive practice facility: two driving ranges, sand and chipping area, and large putting green
  • Pro Shop: None (go to neighboring Bandon Trails which has a good-sized shop with some equipment and lots of clothing (and rain gear))
  • Food: Full-service restaurant at Bandon Trails
  • Bathrooms: Improved on course
  • Yardage Markers: All over in ground; pin placement on a rotating zone system
  • Clothing: Proper golf attire
  • Walkable: A little hilly, but walkable
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes
  • Rentals: Clubs and pull carts; motorized carts are discouraged but can be arranged
  • Open year-round