Old Macdonald Golf Course - Image 1
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Old Macdonald Golf Course

4.8
·37 reviews·Bandon, United States

A wild, rugged links masterpiece inspired by golf's golden age, offering dramatic coastal views and a challenging, memorable round.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall Mornings

Mild weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Old Macdonald Golf Course - Image 1

Old Macdonald Golf Course

Best Time

Spring & Fall Mornings

Mild weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A wild, rugged links masterpiece inspired by golf's golden age, offering dramatic coastal views and a challenging, memorable round.

4.8
(37 reviews)

"Fantastic golf course with massive sand dunes! The scenery is also spectacular!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Tee Times Early

Tee times at Old Macdonald fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book months in advance! :calendar:

Embrace the Walk

This is a walking-only course. Consider a caddie to enhance your experience and navigate the terrain. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Wild, Rugged Layout

The Wild, Rugged Layout

Entire Course

Experience a truly unique links-style course with massive dunes and challenging, memorable holes.

Blind Tee Shots

Blind Tee Shots

Hole 3

Navigate a thrilling blind tee shot that adds an element of surprise and strategy to your round.

Spectacular Scenery

Spectacular Scenery

Throughout the Course

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Oregon coast and the surrounding natural landscape.

Punchbowl Putting Course

Punchbowl Putting Course

Near the Lodge

Finish your day with a fun, casual putting challenge on this unique, multi-tiered putting green.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

Tee times at Old Macdonald, especially during peak season, can book up months in advance. Consider off-peak seasons for better availability and potentially lower rates. Planning your Bandon Dunes golf trip early is key to securing your desired tee times.

Embrace the Walk

Old Macdonald is a walking-only course, designed to be experienced on foot. Caddies are available and highly recommended for navigating the rugged terrain and understanding the nuances of the course. Prepare for a significant amount of walking.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall Mornings
Why
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

OLD MACDONALD had a golf course too! @bandondunesgolf #bandondunes #bandondunesgolf
joneslance
29 likes • 1.7K views

Book Tee Times Early

Tee times at Old Macdonald fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book months in advance! :calendar:

Embrace the Walk

This is a walking-only course. Consider a caddie to enhance your experience and navigate the terrain. :athletic_shoe:

Full Review of Old Macdonald! @bandondunesgolf #golf #golfreview #golfcourse #golfaddict #explorepage #golflife #golfstagram #brandondunesgolfresort #oldmacdonald l
gimmerankings
17 likes • 284 views
Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old MacDonald, and Bandon Preserve are now part of the Trackman course library in Virtual Golf 3 🟧 Four unforgettable courses from the Oregon coast, now ready to play in your local sim. Some courses take your breath away. These four barely give it back. Play them today at Trackman-powered facilities.
trackmangolf
798 likes • 50.4K views

Prepare for Wind

The course can be calm or a 'wind turbine.' Be ready for changing conditions! :windblowingface:

Don't Miss the Punchbowl

A fun, casual putting course perfect for unwinding after your round. :golf:

BANDON DUNES was a golf trip of a lifetime ✨⛳️ 6 courses - 3.5 days - 35 miles of walking - and the best weather we could have asked for. 🙇🏻‍♀️😮‍💨 Here’s all of the best views above and my course rankings below ⬇️ 1. Old Macdonald 2. Tie between Pacific Dunes/Bandon Trails 3. Bandon Dunes 4. Sheep Ranch And the Par 3 “Bandon Preserve” is a MUST make time for! 😍 Unpopular opinion? Let me know ...
tishaalyn
3.1K likes • 84.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Tee Times Early

Tee times at Old Macdonald fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book months in advance! :calendar:

Embrace the Walk

This is a walking-only course. Consider a caddie to enhance your experience and navigate the terrain. :athletic_shoe:

Prepare for Wind

The course can be calm or a 'wind turbine.' Be ready for changing conditions! :windblowingface:

Don't Miss the Punchbowl

A fun, casual putting course perfect for unwinding after your round. :golf:

Caddie Recommendation

Many golfers rave about their caddies, calling them essential for enjoying the course. :man_golfing:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(37 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Old Macdonald is lauded for its spectacular, rugged links-style design and breathtaking coastal scenery, offering a truly unique and memorable golf experience. While the price is high, many find the challenging layout, excellent service, and overall atmosphere well worth the investment. Some guests have encountered communication issues with staff, but the quality of the golf and dining generally overshadows these concerns.

"Very expensive but worth the price both In golf and restaurant. Steak cooked to perfection and the huge baked potato was phenomenal! The staff is outstanding servers and the staff u don't see make for a great dining experience!!"

David Chavez

"I've been told about this place for years and finely golfed here! It did not disappoint! Thanks to our caddy Shane, we had a blast!"

Don Easter

"The course is a nice links course, probably one of the better courses but not worth upwards of 400.

The main problem was the extremely poor communication made by staff multiple times and an unwillingness to apologize or make it right until the head pro Jessica got involved and she actually apologized.

An intern (I was told) gave me poor info, but the assistant pro reiterated the same info the next morning. He tried to blame the intern and shirk all responsibility. At least Jessica knows how to have a reasonable conversation."

Mark Woodard

What People Like

Spectacular coastal scenery
Challenging, unique layout
Excellent dining and service

What People Dislike

High green fees
Occasional staff communication issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Old Macdonald is part of the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, located on the southern Oregon coast. The nearest major airport is Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (CXI) in North Bend, about an hour's drive away. Many visitors fly into Portland (PDX) or Eugene (EUG) and drive the scenic route, which takes longer but offers beautiful views. The resort offers shuttle services from local airports.

Yes, there is ample parking available at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort for all its courses, including Old Macdonald. The resort is designed for easy access to all facilities.

If you are not staying at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the course. Ride-sharing services may be limited in this area, so a rental car or taxi service is recommended.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Green fees at Old Macdonald are considered premium, reflecting its world-class status. Prices can vary significantly based on the season and whether you are a resort guest. It's best to check the official Bandon Dunes Golf Resort website for the most current pricing and package deals. Expect fees to be upwards of $300-$400 during peak times. Reddit

Absolutely. Tee times at Old Macdonald are highly sought after and often book up months in advance, especially for peak season play. It is strongly advised to book your tee time as soon as possible after confirming your travel dates. Reddit

The course typically opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, with the exact times varying seasonally. It's best to check the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort's official website for the most up-to-date operating hours for Old Macdonald and other resort facilities.

While Bandon Dunes is known for its relaxed atmosphere, a golf-appropriate dress code is generally expected. This typically includes collared shirts and golf shorts or slacks. Denim and athletic wear are usually not permitted. Check with the resort for specific guidelines.

Yes, club rentals are available at Old Macdonald. It's advisable to reserve rental clubs in advance when booking your tee time to ensure availability, especially if you are traveling from out of town.

🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience

Yes, Old Macdonald is a walking-only course. Carts are not permitted, which is typical for many of the acclaimed links courses at Bandon Dunes. This encourages players to fully experience the natural terrain and enjoy the walk. Instagram

Caddies are available and highly recommended at Old Macdonald. They can significantly enhance your experience by providing course knowledge, assisting with club selection, and helping you navigate the challenging layout. Many visitors consider the caddie experience a highlight. Reddit

Old Macdonald is considered a challenging course, particularly for those not accustomed to links golf. It features dramatic elevation changes, deep bunkers, and firm, fast greens. Wind is often a significant factor. However, its wide fairways and strategic bunkering offer opportunities for all skill levels, especially with a good caddie. Instagram

Hole 3 is famous for its blind tee shot, offering a unique challenge. Many also praise the dramatic par-3s and the challenging finishing holes. The entire course is designed to be memorable and visually stunning. Instagram

Yes, there is a snack shack with a fantastic view, offering refreshments and light fare to keep you fueled during your round. It's often cited as having one of the best views in the world. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Old Macdonald itself has a snack shack, the main dining experiences are at the Bandon Dunes Lodge and other resort facilities. The resort offers several acclaimed restaurants, including the Steakhouse, which is highly praised for its quality. Reddit

Dining at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is generally considered expensive, aligning with the overall premium experience. However, many guests find the quality of the food, particularly at the main restaurants like the Steakhouse, to be well worth the price. Reddit

The Steakhouse at Bandon Dunes is renowned for its high-quality steaks, often cooked to perfection, and other fine dining options. Accompaniments like large baked potatoes are also frequently mentioned as highlights. Reddit

Beyond the main restaurants, the resort offers more casual options like the snack shack at Old Macdonald and other pubs or grills at different courses, providing a range of choices for different moods and budgets.

📸 📸 Photography

Almost every hole offers a stunning backdrop. The elevated tees, dramatic coastline views, and unique bunker formations provide endless photographic opportunities. Don't forget to capture the iconic blind tee shot on the third hole. Instagram

Yes, you are welcome to take photos and videos. Many golfers share their experiences and stunning shots on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Just be mindful of pace of play and other golfers. TikTokInstagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing wildlife. However, a good smartphone camera is often sufficient for capturing the beauty of the course. Instagram

Generally, there are no strict restrictions on personal photography. However, professional or commercial photography may require special permits. Always be respectful of other guests and the course staff. Instagram

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. However, the dramatic skies and rugged beauty of Old Macdonald can be photogenic at any time of day. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Old Macdonald is a challenging golf course primarily for experienced players, the Bandon Dunes resort offers activities that families can enjoy. The Punchbowl putting course is a fun, casual activity suitable for all ages and skill levels. Reddit Consider booking a twilight round on the shorter Bandon Preserve par-3 course, which is more accessible for younger or less experienced golfers. Instagram

For non-golfing family members, the resort offers beautiful coastal scenery, walking trails, and excellent dining options. The scenic views from the clubhouse and various points on the course can be enjoyed by everyone. Ensure you check the resort's specific family-friendly policies and activities when planning your visit.

💰 Budget Travelers

Old Macdonald Golf Course is a premium experience with a corresponding price tag, making it less ideal for strict budget travelers. Green fees can be substantial, especially during peak season. Reddit To manage costs, consider visiting during the off-season (late fall, winter, early spring) when rates may be lower and crowds thinner. Reddit

Look for package deals offered by Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, which can sometimes bundle accommodation and rounds of golf at a reduced rate. Exploring alternative accommodations outside the immediate resort area, if available and feasible for transportation, might also offer savings. However, be aware that the unique experience of Bandon Dunes is a significant part of its appeal.

couples

Old Macdonald offers a romantic and memorable experience for couples who enjoy golf. The stunning coastal scenery provides a beautiful backdrop for a shared passion. Playing a round together, perhaps with a caddie to share the experience and navigate the course, can be a fantastic bonding activity. InstagramReddit

Beyond the course, the Bandon Dunes resort offers fine dining options and opportunities for leisurely walks along the coast. Consider booking a tee time during the 'golden hour' for breathtaking sunset views, perfect for romantic photos. Instagram The overall atmosphere of Bandon Dunes is one of relaxed luxury, making it an ideal destination for a golf-centric getaway for two.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Design Philosophy of Old Macdonald

Old Macdonald Golf Course, designed by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina, is a tribute to the golden age of golf architecture, particularly the work of Charles Blair Macdonald. The course aims to evoke the spirit of classic links golf, with a wild, naturalistic aesthetic and a focus on strategic play. Doak and Urbina meticulously studied Macdonald's original designs, incorporating elements like massive, undulating greens, deep pot bunkers, and dramatic routing that plays with the natural contours of the land. The result is a course that feels both timeless and uniquely challenging. Instagram

The design emphasizes firm and fast conditions, encouraging creative shot-making and a ground game that is essential for links golf. The massive scale of the greens, some of the largest in the world, presents a significant putting challenge, requiring players to think carefully about approach shots and recovery options. The course routing is also notable for its variety, offering a mix of holes that play with and against the prevailing winds, demanding adaptability from golfers. Instagram

Many reviewers and golfers highlight the rugged and untamed nature of Old Macdonald, noting that it's unlike any other course on the West Coast. The course is designed to be played with a caddie, who can provide invaluable insight into the strategic nuances and help players navigate the blind shots and challenging green complexes. The overall experience is one of immersion in classic golf and the stunning natural beauty of the Oregon coast. InstagramReddit

Navigating the Bandon Dunes Experience

Visiting Old Macdonald means you're part of the larger Bandon Dunes Golf Resort experience. This world-renowned destination offers a collection of highly-rated golf courses, each with its own distinct character. Old Macdonald stands out for its bold, Macdonald-inspired design, but it's part of a curated journey that includes Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, and the Bandon Preserve. Instagram

Planning your trip to Bandon Dunes is crucial. Tee times, especially for the most popular courses like Old Macdonald, can book up a year in advance. Many visitors opt for multi-day packages that include accommodations and rounds on multiple courses. The resort offers various lodging options, from the Lodge to charming cottages, catering to different preferences and budgets. Reddit

Beyond the golf, the resort provides a full-service experience. This includes acclaimed dining options, a lively bar scene, and the unique Punchbowl putting course, which is a perfect way to end a day of golf. The emphasis on walking and the camaraderie among golfers are central to the Bandon Dunes ethos, making it a pilgrimage for serious golf enthusiasts. InstagramReddit

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