You’ve finally booked it. The bucket-list trip. You're heading to the rugged, wind-whipped coast of southern Oregon to play some of the best links golf on the planet. But then you look at a bandon dunes golf resort map for the first time and realize the place is massive.
Honestly, it’s a lot to take in. We’re talking about 140 holes of golf spread across thousands of acres of dunes, gorse, and coastal forest. It isn't just one big circle of golf holes; it's a sprawling ecosystem of world-class tracks, hidden putting greens, and lodges tucked away in the trees. If you don't have a handle on the layout, you’ll spend half your trip waiting for a shuttle or walking in the wrong direction.
Basically, the resort is a series of "hubs." You have the main Lodge area, the Pacific Dunes/Punchbowl area, the Practice Center, and then the outliers like Sheep Ranch. Understanding how these pieces fit together is the difference between a stressed-out morning and a perfect sunrise tee time.
Navigating the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort Map: The Big Picture
The resort sits just north of the town of Bandon, right off Highway 101. When you drive in, you’re basically entering a private kingdom of sand. Most of the action is concentrated along a three-mile stretch of coastline, but the property goes deep inland too.
The Main Lodge is the heart of the operation. It’s where you’ll find the original Bandon Dunes course (the one David McLay Kidd designed back in '99). If you’re staying at the Lodge, the Inn, or Lily Pond, you’re in this central hub. You can walk to the first tee of the original course, grab a beer at McKee’s Pub, or lose a few hours in the Bunker Bar.
If you head north from the Lodge—either by a long walk or a short shuttle ride—you hit the Pacific Dunes hub. This is where things get crowded (in a good way). You’ve got Pacific Dunes, the Old Macdonald clubhouse, and the legendary Punchbowl putting course all right there.
Where the Courses Actually Sit
It’s easy to get the names mixed up, but their physical locations matter for your daily logistics.
- Bandon Dunes (The OG): Right at the main Lodge. Most people play this first.
- Pacific Dunes: Just north of the Lodge. It shares a clubhouse area with the Punchbowl.
- Bandon Trails: This one is inland. It starts near the Lodge but heads into the trees. No ocean views here, but many regulars call it their favorite walk on the property.
- Old Macdonald: North of Pacific Dunes. It feels like a massive, open prairie.
- Sheep Ranch: The "northern frontier." It’s a several-minute shuttle ride from everything else. It’s the most exposed to the wind, sitting out on Point Orford.
- Shorty’s: The newest addition (opened in 2024). This 19-hole par-3 course is located near the Practice Center, tucked between Bandon Trails and the ocean.
The Practice Center and the New Kids on the Block
A lot of guys skip looking at the bandon dunes golf resort map for the Practice Center until they realize they need to warm up before a 7:00 AM tee time. It’s a bit of a trek. It sits roughly in the middle of the property, south of Old Macdonald and west of the main entrance road.
This area has become a destination in itself. You have the massive driving range, obviously, but now you also have Shorty’s. Named after Shorty Dow, the original caretaker of the land, this par-3 course is pure fun. It’s got that Whitman, Axland & Cutten DNA—very natural, very rugged.
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Then there’s Bandon Preserve. This is the 13-hole par-3 course that sits right behind the Bandon Trails clubhouse. All the proceeds go to the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance, so you can feel good about those three-putts. It’s a quick loop, usually taking about 90 minutes, and every hole has an ocean view.
Why the Punchbowl Location Matters
If you’re looking at your map and trying to figure out where to meet for drinks, find The Punchbowl. It’s adjacent to the first tee at Pacific Dunes. It’s a 100,000-square-foot putting green designed by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina.
The beauty of the Punchbowl’s location is that it’s right next to the Pacific Grill. You can grab a drink, put your ball in the queue, and watch the chaos. It’s basically a roller coaster for golf balls. Since it's north of the main lodge, make sure you factor in the 5-minute shuttle ride if you're staying at the Lodge or the Inn.
Lodging: Where Should You Sleep?
Choosing where to stay on the bandon dunes golf resort map depends on your group size and how much walking you want to do.
- The Lodge & The Inn: These are the most "central." If you want to be stumbling distance from the 18th green of Bandon Dunes or the Bunker Bar, stay here.
- Chrome Lake: These are a bit more secluded, located just northeast of the Lodge. Great for two-person groups who want a fireplace and a bit of quiet.
- Grove Cottages: These are the "big boys." Built for foursomes, they sit near Round Lake. They’re a bit of a walk from the main hub, but the shuttle is always a call away.
- Lily Pond: The best value. They’re located right next to the Lodge and the Bandon Dunes first tee.
The Logistics of Moving Around
Look, Bandon is a walking-only resort (unless you have a medical requirement for a cart). But that doesn't mean you have to walk between the courses.
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The resort runs a shuttle system that is, quite frankly, world-class. You don't really need a car once you park at your lodging. You just tell the front desk or the starter where you’re going, and a van appears.
If you’re planning to walk from the Lodge to Pacific Dunes, it’s a beautiful hike through the dunes, but it’ll take you 15-20 minutes. If you’ve already walked 36 holes that day, your legs will hate you. Use the shuttle for the long gaps.
A Note on Sheep Ranch
Sheep Ranch is the outlier. On any map, you'll see it way up at the north end of the property. There is no "walking" to Sheep Ranch from the Lodge unless you're training for a marathon. You must take the shuttle or drive your own car. It has its own small clubhouse and a very "end of the world" vibe.
Actionable Tips for Your First Visit
Don't just stare at the map; use it to plan.
First, download a digital copy of the resort map before you arrive. Cell service can be spotty out on the dunes, and you don't want to be guessing where the Labyrinth is when the sun is going down.
Second, book your dinner reservations based on your afternoon course. If you’re finishing at Old Macdonald, eat at the Pacific Grill or Ghost Tree Grill nearby. Don't waste 20 minutes shuttling back to the Lodge if you don't have to.
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Third, visit the Practice Center early. It’s more than just a range; the short game area is incredible. It’s located centrally enough that it’s a good "meeting point" if your group gets split up between different courses in the morning.
Finally, keep an eye out for the Labyrinth. It’s a hidden gem on the map, a memorial to Howard McKee, located near the Chrome Lake lodging. It’s a quiet, winding path that’s perfect for clearing your head after a rough round.
Most people get wrong that Bandon is a "golf course." It isn't. It's a massive coastal park that happens to have the best golf in America. Treat the map like a trail guide, not just a scorecard, and you’ll see way more of the magic.