Bandon - 4 Top 100?

[mallrat]

I don’t think it’s about bringing in more clientele. Also what I heard said nothing about carts, only cart paths. Now carts paths do not have to be cement, gravel or asphalt. They could be dirt or pea gravel or DG (decomposed granite, for those that have been here think of the walking paths between tees at Pronghorn).

[2bGood]

It's all Matt J's fault!!!! Hahahaha.

 

I will inquire about this Trails cart path "rumor" when I visit in April. If I hear anything that suggests they're moving forward with anything more than expanded shuttling (eg 13-14 Trails), or upgrades to their ADA services, I'll have to give them a piece of my mind. Then use to comments box/email to make it official.

 

I hope we're all just getting into a tizzy over nothing, typical internet over reaction. I just can't see them even considering full cart options on any course, "hidden" or not.

 

I will take the blame, sheepishly (pardon the pun).

 

I have had a couple of experiences that changed my feelings about it. I played with the nicest guy, hugest golf fan and addict, on a wicked weather day on Pacific Dunes. 5 seasons of weather, no joke. I thought he was going to walk in at anytime and I wouldn't have blamed him. The same storm brought 2 inches of snow overnight which happens about every 4 or 5 years. He was the happiest single I've ever had join me basically because he survived. He could have easily had permission to use a cart, but he wouldn't have done it. If there was one of the courses it was less a stigma I'm sure he would have played it and been a ton more comfortable.

 

It's like denying guys a place to kneel in Mecca.

 

Maybe you don't give them the keys to the palace, but leave the foyer door open if they want to peak through and know they've seen the inner sanctum.

 

I vote no. In the USA there is not a shortage of top courses you can cart on, or HAVE to cart on. Waking only courses are an endangered species that need to be protected!

[eboettne]

I don't think it's about bringing in more clientele. Also what I heard said nothing about carts, only cart paths. Now carts paths do not have to be cement, gravel or asphalt. They could be dirt or pea gravel or DG (decomposed granite, for those that have been here think of the walking paths between tees at Pronghorn).

 

I should have been more clear. The starter said that C&C were considering where to put cart paths in order to make Bandon Trails the 1 course at the resort where everyone could take golf carts after Sheep Ranch was open as a full 18 hole course. The reasoning that he conveyed to me was so that older golfers could enjoy the course. While I considered that a noble reason, I reverted to 'f that, don't ever change this place'. He also said they were trying to get Sheep Ranch ready to open in time for the US Amateur, not for them to play but so they can promote it during the telecast and whatnot.

[ebrasmus21]

New question. For those that have done Bandon and also RTJ Trail - is there any comparison? How does RTJ stack up as a destination compared to Bandon?

[duffer987]

New question. For those that have done Bandon and also RTJ Trail - is there any comparison? How does RTJ stack up as a destination compared to Bandon?

I have: it doesn't.

 

Edit: To expand. RTJ Trail is excellent value, but the courses get repetitive in than RTJ Sr style. It's like playing Spyglass - minus the first 4 holes.

Perfectly enjoyable, but for people that don't need to seek out good weather to play in during the winter, I really wouldn't bother.

[kaschreiber]

Does anyone know the course closure schedule? Do they only close courses for maintenance during the winter, or do they keep the same schedule for summer/fall?

[Matt J]

Don't know, actually think they mix it up based by need.

 

Central Res has always answered it for me, so maintenance keeps them informed.