Charlotte’s at Bandon Dunes

[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 Bandon Preserve]

General Course Description

Charlotte’s at Bandon Dunes is a well maintained 9-hole, 3-par course that is part of the Bandon Dunes practice facility on the central Oregon Coast. Although considered a practice option, Charlotte’s is listed here separately because it rivals other 3-par courses in the state. The longest hole is 175 yards and there are lots of traps, trees, and rolling ground to make you think. A delightful place to play and practice for the whole family, and an easy walk.

Course History

Opened in 2000 and originally named after Bandon’s long time caretaker Shorty Dow. The name was subsequently changed to Charlotte’s, after Shorty Dow’s wife, who welcomed and hosted Mike Keiser and the folks who built Bandon.

Why It Is There

Mike Keiser wanted to build a world-class golf resort, and as part of that, a world class practice facility. The course was created to give guests at Bandon a place to practice their short game.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

There are many hidden traps and strange breaks on the greens. You should give yourself time to play it twice (making a donation each time).

Did You Know

The routing is just a suggestion. If no one is in harm’s way, you can go cross country.

Good For Them

There is no charge to play the course. The course used to have a donation box to support the Bandon Dune’s Junior Golf Program and the Evans Scholarship Program, which assists high-academically achieving caddies with limited financial means to go to college (both University of Oregon and Oregon State are participating universities, with University of Oregon having housing dedicated to those students). Although the donation box has been removed, Bandon’s support of these programs continues in significant and multiple ways, including multiple fundraising events and support of local high school students trying to obtain an Evans Scholarship. If you want to join in Bandon’s support of these students, ask for an Evans Scholarship caddy to do a loop with you.

Why Play This Course

It’s a great place to practice (or place to bring a group with different skill levels), either before or after a round at one of Bandon’s other courses. The price (free) is right, but do make a donation — it is for a great cause.

General

• • Type: 9-hole, 3-par public course
  • Price: free (donations requested)
  • Phone/webpage: (541)347-4380/www.bandondunesgolf.com
  • Address:  57744 Round Lake Road, Bandon, Oregon 97471
  • Owner: Bandon Dunes, LP
  • Designer: David McLay Kidd and Jim Haley
  • Pros: None
  • Practice Facilities: This is in the middle of the practice facility for the Bandon complex with two driving ranges, sand and chipping area, and large putting green
  • Pro Shop: None
  • Food: None
  • Bathrooms: Improved in the practice facility building
  • Yardage Markers: All over in ground; pin placement on a rotating zone system
  • Clothing: Proper golf attire
  • Walkable: Very
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: None
  • Rentals: None
  • Open year-round, but often at odd hours — check the flag color on the shed to see if it is open (green is a go)