Bandon 2nd Time Around...What Do You Do Differently?

[155 Funson]

I go no rain stuff for my clubs at all. I figure everything else is soaking wet. So I just embrace it, turn on the fireplace at night, pull everything out of the bag and boom, dry in the morning.

 

That said I also play with no gloves in the rain if it's above 50*

 

I'm officially at the one year countdown for my first ever trip to Bandon with 7 other guys. Have already read Dream Golf and will definitely read it again. I've also tried to read through each and every report trip on here, absolutely love those and hope you guys continue to post updates on future trips! Hoping this year flies by.

[Slippin_Jimmy]

Good afternoon, I'm new to the forum and have enjoyed reading this thread. Lots of great advice. Huge fan of Bandon Dunes and have been 6 times over the years, I try to go annually if possible, but I have missed some years. Hoping to go back in September/October. Here are some of the things I've changed up over the years.

 

- Fly into Eugene instead of PDX. I'm really loyal about keeping my miles with Delta so OTH isn't an option for me. Did the drive from PDX a few times but it's a haul, it's so much better from Eugene.

- Bookend the trip at the Best Western in Reedsport. Say I'm arriving in EUG on Monday afternoon and leaving Saturday morning, I stay at the BW on Monday night and Friday night, and at Bandon Dunes the other 3 nights. Totally decent and it's $90 instead of $350, and you can still book the tee times in advance at the Resort Rate for all the days you are playing there (Tues-Fri in this example) and it's about an hour from the resort.

- Stay at the Inn at BD. Big fan. The bar at the Inn is underrated, I didn't even know it existed until I stayed there. After 36 holes or more, it's relatively quiet, the beer's cold, and the bartender will bring food over from the restaurants for you.

- I don't get caddies. I have in the past and have had great experiences, but I know the courses well now and if I'm playing 8+ rounds it's another $800-$1000. I feel bad saying that b/c the caddies are excellent and you want to see them do well, but it's a big add-on to the trip and I'm perfectly happy using a push-cart.

- Shoes and socks, shoes and socks. So important. I always tell my first-time buddies about this and they usually "yeah yeah yeah" me, and end up regretting it when they have blisters or tired feet. I'm bullish on ECCO spikeless golf shoes and running socks (usually Balega), and keeping Body Glide on my feet to avoid blisters.

- I don't play the Preserve unless it's free (3rd round of the day). I'm sure many people would disagree, but I do not feel it's worth $100 and I would rather do a replay at one of the other courses instead. If you're short on sunlight, you can still get 9 in at Bandon Dunes. and I personally prefer that to the Preserve.

- We did a Links Lesson with Grant Rogers last time and that was terrific. I think it was supposed to be for an hour and he would've kept teaching us all morning, just a great guy.

[dpark]

Last year we had a day the caddies called a 7 (10 being the worst they have seen). It was 47*, 30+MPH winds, and rained almost as hard as I have ever seen it rain... for 11 holes. The first green at Pacific was almost entirely under water. After the rain stopped on 11, it cleared up and was awesome. You learn a lot about your game and your head in weather like that.

 

You mean something like this?

 

 

**edit** tried to embed video and removed the "s" from "https" on youtube, but it didn't work. If anyone remembers how to embed video vs just a link, let me know.

[valmario]

Got my first trip there the first week of August, got 36 lined up for 3 days in a row and 18 on the fourth day. How rough is the walk? Is it something that one needs to prepare for? I already bought a couple pairs of lighter weight waterproof shoe and I've been walking 18 at my club once a week and 9 twice a week. Ive read that most swap socks between 18s does anyone recommend swapping shoes?

[mallrat]

I swap shoes and socks.

 

None of the walks are difficult but the problem is multiple days of 36. Walking 18 won’t even begin to prepare you. I would go walk a couple miles on a treadmill and then go walk 18 if you really want to get ready.

 

For your 1st time I understand wanting to get as much in as you can but the 2nd 36 day I would change it up and do Preserve or Shorty’s followed by Punchbowl. So like 36 - 18 + - 36 - 18. That will give your body time to recover and you want to enjoy it not just cram all the golf in you can.

 

EDIT... for those against the Preserve, which I have always advocated for in my group, my group always vetos me. When we were on 17 at Bandon they started asking questions about it. They always thought those holes were part of Trails and are now bummed that we haven’t included it the last 3 years.

[mallrat]

On our trip down in late March they said Preserve is never to be considered among the courses and discounted. You should always pay full price.

 

I’m not saying others have received discounts and so on just relating what I was told.

[valmario]

I swap shoes and socks.

 

None of the walks are difficult but the problem is multiple days of 36. Walking 18 won’t even begin to prepare you. I would go walk a couple miles on a treadmill and then go walk 18 if you really want to get ready.

 

For your 1st time I understand wanting to get as much in as you can but the 2nd 36 day I would change it up and do Preserve or Shorty’s followed by Punchbowl. So like 36 - 18 + - 36 - 18. That will give your body time to recover and you want to enjoy it not just cram all the golf in you can.

 

EDIT... for those against the Preserve, which I have always advocated for in my group, my group always vetos me. When we were on 17 at Bandon they started asking questions about it. They always thought those holes were part of Trails and are now bummed that we haven’t included it the last 3 years.

 

Awesome, thanks for the tips!

[wtoomey]

Currently here, trip report hopefully in the next few days, but to answer you question...

 

We did Preserve with our afternoon arrival from SFO

36 On first full day

18 On day two (winds of 40-50 kept us from our second round)

18 On day three (today) with Shortys after the Masters until dark

 

Our first 36 was Trails and then Old Mac...that was a beast of a walk. If you do 36 with Bandon or Pacific as one of the rounds, it is easier.

 

Change socks and shoes between rounds. Consider a rickshaw for the afternoon round.

 

Have a nice pair of comfortable off course shoes that you can change into...don’t stay in your round two shoes at the bar/dinner.

 

Some stats:

36 holes of Trails and Old Mac was 30,000 steps, 16 miles, 10 floors of stairs and approximately 18 hours of standing time (some at the rail of a bar).

 

[2putttom]

Currently here, trip report hopefully in the next few days, but to answer you question...

 

We did Preserve with our afternoon arrival from SFO

36 On first full day

18 On day two (winds of 40-50 kept us from our second round)

18 On day three (today) with Shortys after the Masters until dark

 

Our first 36 was Trails and then Old Mac...that was a beast of a walk. If you do 36 with Bandon or Pacific as one of the rounds, it is easier.

 

Change socks and shoes between rounds. Consider a rickshaw for the afternoon round.

 

Have a nice pair of comfortable off course shoes that you can change into...don't stay in your round two shoes at the bar/dinner.

 

Some stats:

36 holes of Trails and Old Mac was 30,000 steps, 16 miles, 10 floors of stairs and approximately 18 hours of standing time (some at the rail of a bar).

:cheesy: damn step counters

[ferrispgm]

I'm headed there at the end of May and flying into PDX since I'm using my SW miles for a free flight and rental car. Are there any good liquor stores to stop at on the way that has a good scotch selection?

[buffalostu2]

Not too many things really. Always play as much golf as possible and come prepared with lots of bad weather gear :)

• 2nd trip starting passing on the buffet breakfast and ordered off the menu
  
• 4th trip stayed in town once to get a break from the resort
  
• 5th trip no one gets the buffet anymore, no changes since then that I can think of.
  

 

How was staying in town vs. staying on the property? Any town recommendations?

[duffer987]

Not too many things really. Always play as much golf as possible and come prepared with lots of bad weather gear :)

• 2nd trip starting passing on the buffet breakfast and ordered off the menu
  
• 4th trip stayed in town once to get a break from the resort
  
• 5th trip no one gets the buffet anymore, no changes since then that I can think of.
  

 

How was staying in town vs. staying on the property? Any town recommendations?

I stayed at the Bandon Inn and it was absolutely fine. Cool view out the window of town and the ocean. Easy walk to everything in town. The Bandon Coffee Cafe opens really early, so I'd stop in there each morning for a ham/swiss bagel and then finish my coffee on the drive to the course.

TBH, if it wasn't to take advantage of being able to book well in advance, as a single I'd pick the town over the resort 3/4 times.

[dpark]

I'm headed there at the end of May and flying into PDX since I'm using my SW miles for a free flight and rental car. Are there any good liquor stores to stop at on the way that has a good scotch selection?

 

Oregon is a liquor controlled state, so all liquor stores carry all the same stuff at the exact same prices. Some bigger stores have a broader selection, but there is no such thing as the "best" liquor store for Scotch. No one can carry anything that is not available for other stores.

 

Go here: http://www.oregonliquorsearch.com/home.jsp and after entering your birthdate, search for the scotch you want within 10 miles of "Coos Bay". There are two stores in the area (Coos and North Bend) and they have a decent selection. You will go through both towns on the way to Bandon and can pick up your Scotch there.

[johnnylongball]

I'm headed there at the end of May and flying into PDX since I'm using my SW miles for a free flight and rental car. Are there any good liquor stores to stop at on the way that has a good scotch selection?

 

Oregon is a liquor controlled state, so all liquor stores carry all the same stuff at the exact same prices. Some bigger stores have a broader selection, but there is no such thing as the "best" liquor store for Scotch. No one can carry anything that is not available for other stores.

 

Go here: http://www.oregonliq...ch.com/home.jsp and after entering your birthdate, search for the scotch you want within 10 miles of "Coos Bay". There are two stores in the area (Coos and North Bend) and they have a decent selection. You will go through both towns on the way to Bandon and can pick up your Scotch there.

 

Is the data on that website accurate? In other words, if it shows a store that carries a certain liquor will it be likely be in stock? Or is it a case where they try to carry it but it there's a good chance they could be sold out?

[dpark]

I'm headed there at the end of May and flying into PDX since I'm using my SW miles for a free flight and rental car. Are there any good liquor stores to stop at on the way that has a good scotch selection?

 

Oregon is a liquor controlled state, so all liquor stores carry all the same stuff at the exact same prices. Some bigger stores have a broader selection, but there is no such thing as the "best" liquor store for Scotch. No one can carry anything that is not available for other stores.

 

Go here: http://www.oregonliq...ch.com/home.jsp and after entering your birthdate, search for the scotch you want within 10 miles of "Coos Bay". There are two stores in the area (Coos and North Bend) and they have a decent selection. You will go through both towns on the way to Bandon and can pick up your Scotch there.

 

Is the data on that website accurate? In other words, if it shows a store that carries a certain liquor will it be likely be in stock? Or is it a case where they try to carry it but it there's a good chance they could be sold out?

 

It is "reasonably" accurate. If it says "1 bottle left/available" I would call the store first. If it says they have 12 bottles, they will have it when you get there.

[Lexicographer]

Just got back from my first trip. Wouldn't change much when I go again. Slight tweaks.

 

1) Wouldn't take out a wedge to add a long iron to the bag. I'd just play what I'm used to.

2) Skip the breakfast buffet. Only did it once and it was pretty meh. Off the menu or breakfast sandwich was better.

3) Skip the Gallery. It was great, but not necessary. Definitely going back to Pacific Grill.

4) Hang out in the Bunker Bar and play Shorty's (the only two things I feel I missed the first time)

5) More Punchbowl. Played it once and it was super fun.

[philsRHman]

Couple questions as I read this amazing thread, noting that I appear to have tight turnarounds for my second rounds (about an hour each day):

 

Where do you keep the spare socks and shoes? I'd worry they'd weigh down the bag and risk getting wet if carried.

 

I know there's a shuttle, but is it just easier to drive myself and park (also solves the question above)? How about the driving range each morning? I'll be off in the first couple groups daily, and can't figure out how accessible the range is.

 

As a single, if the resort is sold out, should I bother making dinner reservations at McKees? Or will there be spots at the bar? Is there anywhere to grab and go, and just eat back at the room if I'm particularly beat?

 

Is there any trouble to be had out there? I think it's notable just how G-rated everyone's reports are. None of shenanigans of other male-centric destinations, or just not spoken of? Not expecting anyone to spill the beans, but a wink and a nod would be enough LOL

[kaschreiber]

1. Kept them in my truck and drove to each course even though we stayed on site. Shuttle seemed great, driving and being able to leave a cooler with food/beer/spare clothes was the selling point.

2. Just make reservations to be safe. I think you can grab and go, but no harm in seeing if they can save you a spot at the bar anyways.

3. You're more or less in the middle of BFE. I have seen and heard of nothing of the sorts.

[duffer987]

Couple questions as I read this amazing thread, noting that I appear to have tight turnarounds for my second rounds (about an hour each day):

 

Where do you keep the spare socks and shoes? I'd worry they'd weigh down the bag and risk getting wet if carried.

 

I know there's a shuttle, but is it just easier to drive myself and park (also solves the question above)? How about the driving range each morning? I'll be off in the first couple groups daily, and can't figure out how accessible the range is.

 

As a single, if the resort is sold out, should I bother making dinner reservations at McKees? Or will there be spots at the bar? Is there anywhere to grab and go, and just eat back at the room if I'm particularly beat?

 

Is there any trouble to be had out there? I think it's notable just how G-rated everyone's reports are. None of shenanigans of other male-centric destinations, or just not spoken of? Not expecting anyone to spill the beans, but a wink and a nod would be enough LOL

I've only changed shoes/socks maybe a couple times in 8 trips - when it's pissed down and then let up - typically it's grab a sandwich and off to the next course. If it wasn't bad in the morning there's no need to IMHO.

Yes it is simpler to drive. Also means you can keep extra golf-gear in the trunk and go through your normal routine. That said, the shuttles are fine. We typically drive when a twosome or on arrival day, but with a foursome we use the shuttle.

I'd never make a reservation as a single, it's just basic food, and if Mckees is busy, you can get fed at the lounge, or use it as an opportunity to pop into town.

This isn't Vegas or Myrtle Beach; it's the sticks. TBH I'm not a 'trouble' guy but, weed is legal, there is what I can only assume is a quite yuck peeler bar in Coos Bay, and a casino there too.

[buzlin]

If turn around times are at all in question, driving is faster and you can store anything and everything in your car. As convenient as the shuttles are, unless we're going to be drinking a lot, we'll opt for driving ourselves.

 

I favor making reservations, and then cancelling if something else comes up, removes a bit of stress, imo.

 

Yeah, I like trouble, but drinking and occasional weed related consumption are all I know about. I'm sure you could find some up trouble in Coos Bay, but I wouldn't plan on it.

[teejaywhy]

I know the OP started this thread two years ago, but if he happens to check in, I want to know more about the breast sandwiches.

 

 

[mallrat]

I just shuttle it and leave my stuff in the room. If you tell them you have a tee time to make and need to change shoes and socks they will wait for you where they drop you off.

 

As a single I just always belly up to the bar. Sometimes there is a couple minute wait and I thought I read on here that you can have food delivered to the Lodge from McKees.

 

There is some trouble to get into in Coos Bay but you will not want to go. There is a VERY rough nudie bar in terms of clientele (think dock workers and cargo ship workers) and females, never been but my buddies who used to caddy there said they aren’t exactly girls you want to look at. Also a casino and some very dive bars but after 36 holes i’ve never had the energy to drive that far.

[wtoomey]

So I will speak of the third question...

 

During trip #3 we decided to see Coos Bay. We started at the casino, The Mill. It is a small casino with one card pit, one craps table, and a few slot pits. The place actually closes...a first for me and casinos.

 

Once it closed we found our way to The Bachelors Inn. Rough is putting it mildly. The entertainment was worse than the Monday morning crew in a Reno club. But the real trouble was the other clients in the place. We closed the place down (first problem) and found ourselves standing outside waiting for two cabs. As we were waiting a group of guys started to circle us and talk $**t.

 

As the first cab arrived, we waited for the second and didn’t leave half our guys there. As we were waiting the cab driver said that he knew the group and said that a fight was a sure thing if we took off.

 

The lesson learned.

[Matt J]

I wouldn't go looking for trouble on the south coast. Can't see any good coming of it.

 

I usually drive myself around the resort, it's quicker and as mentioned earlier it's nice to leave some stuff in your car.

 

If you never left the resort you wouldn't miss anything.

[spud3]

Shuttles are great, but if you have your own car, driving yourself is the way to go.

 

As Matt says, Trouble on the south coast is different than Trouble in Atlantic City or Orlando. Nothing to be gained by looking for it. You won't have the energy to do much else than crash into your room anyway, especially after the first day of 36.

[Matt J]

Shuttles are great, but if you have your own car, driving yourself is the way to go.

 

As Matt says, Trouble on the south coast is different than Trouble in Atlantic City or Orlando. Nothing to be gained by looking for it. You won't have the energy to do much else than crash into your room anyway, especially after the first day of 36.

 

I was given a drink spiked with Rohypnol by a bartender on the order of a woman later claiming to be an escort in Fort Lauderdale once, so I guess you can run into Trouble with a capital "T" anywhere, but I think that's the exception not the rule. Story for another time :)

 

I think about the "big question" of the thread, and with some of us local guys that are lucky to go quite frequently, I think of what I've done differently over the years, and truthfully, it's not a lot. The beauty of the experience is they make it so easy for you. We live in a society of "over thinking" everything and we get so little time to cut loose and enjoy ourselves that we hang so much expectation on it. That would be my best advice, go with the eyes of a child. Go, not in a hurry, but at a slow and steady pace. Take less than you think you need. Don't be scared to drop a few clubs if you're carrying. DON'T GET HUNG UP ON YOUR SCORE. It's so hard to score at these courses even in the best weather. Do practice earnestly at the range adjusting your shot for the tightness of the lies. Remember you are at sea level and there's always a breeze. Play a lot of club and a shorter backswing until you get used to the turf and are hitting the ball past pins. Do play shots against the wind, if you don't comfortably work it both ways, practice your emergency hook and slice shots. Sometimes aiming left and hitting it with as much left curve as possible and vice versa is the only way to find the fairway.

[theredzone7]

Biggest changes for me:

 

1) Like many others reduced the amount of expensive dinners. My first trip I made an effort to eat at every place on property. Subsequent trips I've mostly eaten dinners at McKees. I almost always bring my wife so we'll do one splurge meal.

2) Changed arrival itinerary. It's a 10 hour drive for me, so my first time I just drove straight there in one day, arriving too late in the evening for golf and stayed at the resort. Subsequent trips I've scheduled a round for late morning/early afternoon and I'll divide the drive into more manageable sections, staying at a cheap hotel on the way somewhere.

3) Bought high quality rain gear. My first time I used some affordable sun mountain stuff. Worked ok, but not great. Now I've got gore tex.

 

Good thread idea OP.

 

When you say the affordable rain gear just worked okay, are you saying you still got wet? Thanks for clarification.

[The Pearl]

I have been 4 times and have never taken the shuttle. Always drive to the range and the courses. As others have said you can stock the vehicle with the required extra gear, water, and snacks and your can dump off gear or add gear depending on the changing weather conditions.

 

We always pop into town and stock up at the store. Snacks, tons of bottled water, etc. Usually only eat on meal a day at the resort or in town.

 

I really like going to town to get off the resort each day.

[Edaw68]

Biggest changes for me:

 

1) Like many others reduced the amount of expensive dinners. My first trip I made an effort to eat at every place on property. Subsequent trips I've mostly eaten dinners at McKees. I almost always bring my wife so we'll do one splurge meal.

2) Changed arrival itinerary. It's a 10 hour drive for me, so my first time I just drove straight there in one day, arriving too late in the evening for golf and stayed at the resort. Subsequent trips I've scheduled a round for late morning/early afternoon and I'll divide the drive into more manageable sections, staying at a cheap hotel on the way somewhere.

3) Bought high quality rain gear. My first time I used some affordable sun mountain stuff. Worked ok, but not great. Now I've got gore tex.

 

Good thread idea OP.

 

When you say the affordable rain gear just worked okay, are you saying you still got wet? Thanks for clarification.

 

Yes, I got wet on a fairly hard (but by no means the worst I've seen) rain day at Pacific. It was the the type of raingear where the surface is just coated with waterproofing treatment, not with an actual waterproof membrane such as gore tex. Non membrane gear is fine for light rain but not for the monsoons you see at Bandon.

 

If you want to make the decision for rain gear easy, just shop for anything made from Gore-tex, it should hold up. There are other materials that perform as well, but Gore-tex is the well known one. If you want to do more research, there is a very extensive rain gear thread in the golf style and accessories sub forum. It includes discussion of different brands and materials. One guy in there is pretty much an encyclopedia of rain gear.

 

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/1575548-best-rain-gear/page__hl__%20rain%20%20gear

[MrMileHigh]

> @teejaywhy said:

> I know the OP started this thread two years ago, but if he happens to check in, I want to know more about the breast sandwiches.

 

If I told you I’d have to kill you! I’m leaving my original post just for posterity.

 

Im currently planning trip #3, made the mistake of taking 2019 off, can’t wait to get back in 2020!