Bandon Preserve

For many years, the insider tip to enjoy a Bandon trip was to play The Preserve twice. That's how much golfers loved its scenery and fun shot-making. With Shorty's now open, The Preserve probably doesn't need to be played twice, but that won't deter from its appeal. The mix of blind shots, uphill swings, downhill wedges and putting off of the final tee box give The Preserve a personality all its own. Both my playing partner and I came within inches of making an ace to three-putting for bogey. That speaks to the entertaining adventures really good par 3 courses like The Preserve provide.

At the start of the Preserve I wasnt overly wowed, but as you get to about hole 4 and 5 it gets really good. You start get into the crazy greens where you have to used your imagination and humps and bumps to get the ball close. Hole 7 was crazy with front left pin. It was 140 yards but if you missed it rolled back 80 yards...no joke.

As you finish I highly recommend putting on hole 13. It is super fun from 100 out just whack the putter and see what happens.

I am a fan of par 3 courses that make you think and have crazy holes. This course get me from 4-13 and I really enjoyed it. Not sure $75 worth but still good.

Easily the most fun I have ever had on a golf course! Course in fantastic shape, and views are stunning.

Routing so cool. You follow the criss-cross patterns of paths hole to hole, ending on one of the many tee boxes they choose. The fun was not knowing what the next hole had in store.

So many kicks and bowls on and around the green. Don't think this is an easy course... crazy pin placement led to 3 and even 4 putts in our group.

Only problem is it was over after 13. I could play here all day!

I have played many par 3 courses around the world and this is by FAR the BEST! This was an excellent course to play with your buddies after a full round of 18 holes. We all day beverages and walked the course with ease. The unique par 3's made this so much fun we wanted to play every day. You must play this on your next Bandon trip!

For those going to Bandon OR this short course is not to be missed. Although the holes are fairly short, the green complexes mimic the regulation courses on site. The greens have lots of slope and are bunkered well. Just take a few clubs with you and let your imagination take over. The price seems a bit high, but the proceeds fund environmental concerns in the area. Each hole has multiple tee markers so you can vary the distance for each hole.

Every hole combines great design with spectacular views. The greens were pristine! I found myself wishing for five more holes! Don’t pass this up!

Played the Preserve the day we arrived. Took the flight from SF to North Bend and was warned it rarely ran on time. Checked in and wandered over for some practice swings. It was $100 for the round which was a bit pricey but proceeds go to wildlife preservation. Great course to warm up on. The views are fantastic we stood and looked at the ocean between shots. Making a couple of birdies helped too. This course is great to play as a replay late in the day. (If you play 36 already if you have the energy it’s free to play the same day). Don’t overlook this course some people like it more than some of the full length courses.

My Bandon Preserve experience was a wet one, playing the first several holes in a steady mist. That rain clouded over the ocean views, but even then, this was a wonderful, relaxing way to play golf, even if you've already played 18 holes. It's a nice way to unwind after battling the tougher, bigger courses at the resort.

The longest shot is an uphill 160-yard par 3 that might require a 175- to 180-yard poke, depending upon the wind. The shortest is a wee 80-yard flip over a dune to a punch bowl green. Grab a couple clubs, a couple brews and play a skins game with your buddies for a really good time.

The perfect way to get acclimated to the place. Flew cross-country, then drive 3 hours and jumped right onto the first tee.

Only 13 holes, I took five clubs with me - nothing longer than a 6 iron. Don't fool yourself, this track is not a piece of cake. You think it will be and for better players it probably is, but you will absolutely play shots from distances you don't regularly hit. That can be a challenge right off the place.

On the 13th hit a regular tee shot first, then hit a putt from there. It's tradition.

This is what a par 3 course should be; Fun, interesting greens and a place to hang out with friends while enjoying a beverage or two. The Preserve at Bandon Dunes has all of those things. It might be the best conditioned course on the property. The greens are immaculate. This is a great place to go for a second round after playing one of the big courses on the property.
This is all about the greens which are well contoured and putting is very interesting. Ben Crenshaw said "Golf begins when the ball hits the ground" and this course fits that description perfectly. Watching the ball roll on the contoured greens is a joy. Aiming for the flagstick is not the best option in most cases. Finding a slope and letting the ball feed is the best option and most pleasurable. No hole is long, but it is not really about the tee shot, although some of them are blind or semi-blind which makes watching the ball move on slopes that much more fun. If there is a 2 club wind, then that makes the tee shot more interesting. Getting back to those wonderful greens, finding the correct section is needed, but if you miss, no worry putt from anywhere. In fact, on the 13th hole, putt from the tee box.
Is it worth the $100? All proceeds go to a Conservation group so feel good about that. If you use this as your second play in the summer, the next round is free on the day. Above all, this place is meant for fun, betting with friends. taking in the views and enjoying the best par 3 course on the planet.

Ocean views from every hole, tough undulating greens, an endless variety of tee shots and putts -- what's not to like about Bandon Preserve? This is a fun, quick ride, and it isn't easy. Find one of those cavernous bunkers and you might not have a stance. No two of the holes are alike and you can even use the putter off the tee on No. 18.

While I cringed at $100 to play a 13 hole course, much less a par 3 course, this was an excellent surprise. They let our entire group out as a sevensome but we played fast and had a lot of fun wagering on holes and playing skins. This is a serious design, with some beautiful views and real challenge, as approaches must be accurate or you'll never get up and down. Preserve is a great option for your arrival round to warm up or as a second round after a long 18 at one of the championship layouts. Despite the price, it would be a shame to take a trip to Bandon and not play this little gem.

Only 13 holes, and you can take about 3 clubs with you, but it'll give you all the challenge you're looking for. You think it's going to be easy, and it is for better players, but for the higher handicapper you find yourself playing shots from distances you don't regularly hit.

Main tip: make sure you putt it off the 13th tee box down to the green below. It's a must. Hit a regular tee shot, then hit a putt. Play for skins too, because it's extremely cool.