Solo Trip in April: Pinehurst or abandon?

[jrengler]

Hey All,

 

My wife and I are expecting baby #2 this summer, and as a precursor I’ve gotten the go ahead for a golf trip in April before the baby comes. Trip will most likely be solo as I don’t have a ton of golfing friends. I’ve read reviews for both and I’m still really torn. I’m traveling from Philadelphia so Pinehurst is obviously easier, but I don’t know how many other Bandon opportunities I’ll get in the near future.

 

Thoughts and comments welcome.

[spud3]

How about both....?

[abergervt]

Go Brandon you can always do a weekend trip to pinehurst.

[Tap-in Fore Eagle]

Bandon

[krtgolfing]

Bandon.

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

Bandon

[mallrat]

Bandon.

 

Bandon the lodging should be cheaper. One of my favorite things about Bandon is once you are there, you’re there. Fly into North Bend and take a shuttle to the resort. You won’t need to deal with driving or renting a car.

[spud3]

My first response was only slightly tongue in cheek.

 

Bandon is my vote.

[vallygolf]

I would go to pinehurst. I'm not in favor of anybody abandoning their family. :stop:

 

I like spud, am only kidding.

[av1084]

Bandon.

[toddnt]

Bandon.. Golfers Paradise!

[deadsolid...shank]

Pinehurst!!

 

I've never been to either so I really don't know, just didn't want this to be unanimous!!

[CDM]

Can't go wrong with either...... hitting Pinehurst this year myself for the first time. Really looking forward to seeing how the courses stack up to reviews.

[jrengler]

Thanks everyone. Work stuff is still a little in flux so hope to book next week as that firms up. Still torn but leaning Bandon.

[DrSchteeve]

Brandon. How many Bandon votes do you need, or why did you ask the question if you’re not going to consider the responses? It’s not like it’s a 51-49 vote.

[ParParAgain]

Another vote for Bandon. A slightly different rationale.

 

Think forward 10 years. By 2028, you can take the wife and your children to Pinehurst with you; even if none of them play golf, there will be lots of things for your wife and kids to do all day at Pinehurst (while you wake up early and play a quick 18 in the morning before they even notice you are gone.)

 

Not the case at Bandon in 10 years; There is really nothing for a non-golfing spouse to do at Bandon and even if your kids become avid golfers, they will still be too young in 2028 to really benefit from golf at Bandon.

 

Go to Bandon now, while you can.

[jrengler]

Another question for the bandonistas:

 

I’m looking to book a flight out of Eugene at 4:45. Would that give me enough time for an early morning round and drive back to the airport? I’m thinking it should work but asking for experience.

[Edaw68]

Another question for the bandonistas:

 

I’m looking to book a flight out of Eugene at 4:45. Would that give me enough time for an early morning round and drive back to the airport? I’m thinking it should work but asking for experience.

 

If you tee off by 9 you should be fine, just gotta leave right after you finish. Leave Bandon at 1:00 to 1:15, you'll be in Eugene at 3:15 to 3:30. It's a small airport, an hour before flight time is enough. To play it safe make a tee time for closer to 8AM. Caveat: I haven't actually flown out of Eugene, but have made the drive between Eugene and Bandon multiple times. It's just a hair over 2 hours every time.

[tarheel golf]

Been to both. Without a doubt I would go to Bandon. A very special place. Pinehurst would be a good place to take your wife.

[jrengler]

Thanks again for the feedback everyone. Now officially booked for Bandon for 3 nights and 90 holes of golf in mid-April.

[sabram]

What took you so long? :good:

 

Here are links to photos of the Bandon courses. They don't do the place justice because it was grey and overcast throughout these rounds, but whatever the weather, these are four must play courses that will make you smile your way through your rounds! PS congrats on making your family a foursome

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157631879262419/with/8134587167/ Old Mac

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157631879505589/with/8134701566/ Pacific Dunes

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157631876242641/with/8133207529/ Bandon Dunes

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157631879289382/with/8134534616/ Bandon Trails

 

 

 

Old Mac #14 - Maiden - late afternoon view back to fairway - tough putts if above hole

 

Pacific Dunes #11 par 3

 

Bandon Trails #3 par 5 from tee

 

Bandon Dunes #16 from tee

[Cfrat18]

I’ve been to both. I believe Pinehurst has a couple of their courses closed for re-design / green conversion this year (But I may be wrong on that).

Both are world class facilities so you can’t go wrong with either as long as Pinehurst is fully operational.

Bandon is certainly more rugged in every aspect. The golf, the weather, the facilities, the travel and even the dining options. Keep in mind that Bandon is walking only and although you are a spry young buck awaiting your child’s arrival, if you’re going to play a TON of golf you can plan on walking 16 to 20 miles per day. I’m In slightly above average shape (48 yrs old) and the walking (8 rounds in 4 days - with caddy) wore me out pretty bad at the end. An incredible complex designed for hard core golf immersion therapy.

Pinehurst is southern class and charm at its best. The atmosphere is truly elegant and relaxing. The courses may not have the drama of Bandon but there is plenty of shot value to be had. If you get a meal inclusive deal you will be amazed at the dining options available. Top notch food and no “extra” $ out of pocket. The multitude of courses available at Pinehurst provide enough variation that you can play all day without hitting the same shot twice. It’s old school classic tree lined class at every turn.

 

I’m going to say that I ever so slightly prefer Pinehurst, but only because my trips involve 36 holes (or more) for 4 or five straight days. I like to walk, but I appreciate being able to sit my lazy kiester down and take a ride to the next hole at the end of the day.

 

Enjoy either and enjoy that child!!