Another Bandon Thread...

[Dsevans8]

Ok guys I guess I'm just getting a little pumped for my upcoming trip. Wanted to start another thread about Bandon since nobody has ever really done that... :cheesy: :cheesy:

First off this is going to be an 8 man trip from March 27-30, handicaps range from 20 to +2. So we definitely have a wide range in skill level, but everyone really loves to play and is in good shape so we will see who survives. We are all pretty cheap so we will be sharing Chrome Lake Double rooms, just for sleeping because there is just too much golf to be had.

 

Itinerary: Plan is to leave from Sacramento via car around 630am on Wednesday.

 

Wednesday: 230pm Bandon Preserve. Then punchbowl to settle any outstanding bets. Then we plan to head up to Mckees for dinner and select teams and figure out what the bets are and what game we will be playing for the trip. I see this as being the hardest part, figuring out something that will be engaging and keep everyone involved given the difference in handicaps. Only 3 of us have ever been to Bandon, so it will be the first time for most. Handicaps are 20, 17, 10, 6, 5, 5, 4, +2. I need some input here. Really want everyone to have fun and feel like they can contribute and be a part of their team.

 

Thursday: 910am Pacific Dunes, 240pm Bandon Trails

 

Friday: 840am Old Mac, 240pm Bandon Dunes

 

Saturday 9am Bandon Dunes, 220pm Pacific Dunes

 

So here is my question... what suggestions do you have on what type of game we should play? Four person teams? Ryder Cup? Match Play? What suggestions do you have for first timers? I know there is a lot of good information on this board, this is just another excuse to talk about Bandon really. Thanks guys!!

[puttnforthe8]

Play Quota - been doing this for our 24 man trips for the last year and it works great. Then throw in skins - NET only, but .5 stroke (so a net birdie does not tie/cut a natural). Then one last game, random 2 or 4 man teams.

 

Here is our last year game, but note this is for 20-24 each year:

BUY-IN: $400/man

HANDICAPS: NSMGA handicaps with potential GHIN consideration based on a 1-shot differential

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY/ROUND 1: Poppy Hills

TEES: 3 flowers; 6501 yards (slope/rating: 135/71.2)

FORMAT: Quota/Modified Stableford

Ryder Cup Captain determination (to be played the next 2 rounds)

1) $250 (Captain 1^st pick)

2) $150 (Captain 2^nd pick)

3) $100

4) $75

5) $25

$400 skins (50% of handicap/net only)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Rounds 2 & 3:

• Captains are 1st & 2nd place winners from round 1 at Poppy Hills
  
• 2-man best ball (captains will build their teams after round 1 is completed.
  
• Re-Pair after day 2
  
• Day 3 Payout for Ryder Cup
  
• Payout: $200/man on the winning team
  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY/ROUND 2: Spanish Bay

TEES: Gold; 6422 yards (slope/rating: 136/72.1)

FORMAT: Ryder Cup (2-man best ball)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

DAY/ROUND 3: Spyglass Hill

TEES: Gold; 6528 yards (slope/rating: 140/73.8)

FORMAT: Ryder Cup (2-man best ball)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

DAY/ROUND 4: Pebble Beach

TEES: Gold; 6454 yards (slope/rating: 136/72.6)

FORMAT: Stroke-Play

1) $800

2) $600

3) $400

4) $200

5) $200

6) $175

7) $125

8) $100

$400 skins (50% of handicap/net only)

[OregonHack]

Ok guys I guess I'm just getting a little pumped for my upcoming trip. Wanted to start another thread about Bandon since nobody has ever really done that... :cheesy: :cheesy:

First off this is going to be an 8 man trip from March 27-30, handicaps range from 20 to +2. So we definitely have a wide range in skill level, but everyone really loves to play and is in good shape so we will see who survives. We are all pretty cheap so we will be sharing Chrome Lake Double rooms, just for sleeping because there is just too much golf to be had.

 

Itinerary: Plan is to leave from Sacramento via car around 630am on Wednesday.

 

Wednesday: 230pm Bandon Preserve. Then punchbowl to settle any outstanding bets. Then we plan to head up to Mckees for dinner and select teams and figure out what the bets are and what game we will be playing for the trip. I see this as being the hardest part, figuring out something that will be engaging and keep everyone involved given the difference in handicaps. Only 3 of us have ever been to Bandon, so it will be the first time for most. Handicaps are 20, 17, 10, 6, 5, 5, 4, +2. I need some input here. Really want everyone to have fun and feel like they can contribute and be a part of their team.

 

Thursday: 910am Pacific Dunes, 240pm Bandon Trails

 

Friday: 840am Old Mac, 240pm Bandon Dunes

 

Saturday 9am Bandon Dunes, 220pm Pacific Dunes

 

So here is my question... what suggestions do you have on what type of game we should play? Four person teams? Ryder Cup? Match Play? What suggestions do you have for first timers? I know there is a lot of good information on this board, this is just another excuse to talk about Bandon really. Thanks guys!!

 

I'd consider net/modified stableford. It gives the high handicaps the option of picking it up or dropping one somewhere after they pop a ball or two in the gorse or take 3 swings out of a greenside bunker. They can still finish the hole from where they'd like if they choose and enjoy the course/hole. You want to keep it fun after all! For modified we have given a point for Bogey, 2 for par, 4 for birdie. This gives the 20s a chance to get bogey, which is a chore in the winds as a 20 hcp. It also rewards your lower hcps with a nice haul for a birdie.

 

Good idea on McKees-But make a reservation if you haven't.

 

You said you're cheap (so is my group) so stop in Bandon at grocery store for drinks and food for the room/course. Note-Liquor in Oregon is not sold in grocery stores. Will need a liquor store and their hours are limited compared to a grocery store.

[155 Funson]

My group of 8 is going two weeks before the OP arriving March 13th and leaving the 17th, and we are going to keep it simple with a modified stableford game for the duration of the trip. As mentioned it allows for any blow up holes to have a capped score and provides opportunities for any of our guys (handicaps from 3-15) to make a run at finishing at the top.

 

Regarding dinner at Mckee's as that is what our group is going to do each evening, I actually just called yesterday to book reservations for each of the four nights we will be there. To no surprise, two of the evenings we couldn't get our original preferred reservation time as they were already booked but we still were able to get reasonable times. So definitely call sooner rather than later!

[duffer987]

OP are you leaving at 6:30 because you are cheap and trying to save a night's stay somewhere? Not trying to be rude, just asking based on your description of the group :)

Because IMHO it's much much better to leave after work and carve out some of the trip the night before. For myself I usually take off at lunchtime from Oakland and stay in Crescent City (or Feathers Casino turn off if I5) the night before. If you could even get as far as say Medford the night before, it would leave you way more opportunity to play a warmup round on one of the big courses.

Again just IMHO - you'll have a great time, but starting the day of play with a long drive could have knock on effects.

[VNutz]

Just my .02 here, and my personal opinion I guess. But I'd skip the games and teams altogether for an event like this, especially your first time. I wouldn't want to be focused on my opponent or whatever game while I'm there, I'd want to play the course and soak it all in. I wouldn't want one moment of time there spent thinking about a match rather than taking in the beauty of the property.

 

Whatever you decide, have fun! Should be a great time.

[Dsevans8]

Wow guys lots of solid information posted already!!! This is why we love GOLFWRX, everyone has great input. We are leaving early Wednesday because some people are coming in from out of town and wont be getting there until late Tuesday night. That's why it's just the preserve and punchbowl for Wednesday and a little later start time on Thursday for everyone to recover from travel and be fresh. I see what your saying on maybe focusing too much on the game that some of the people there for the first time might not get to soak in all of the great things Bandon has to offer. Maybe a modified stableford would be a really great way to keep everyone in contention and feeling competitive.

[puttnforthe8]

Just to be clear: Quota is modified stableford....you just take out the HC at the beginning. Makes it much more fair for all involved. W/O Quota, the high HC tend to have a distinct advantage.

 

e.g. (Assuming par 72) Players are 5 HC, their quota is 31 points; 20 HC quota is 16 points. Then it is is mod stableford points: 0 = double, 1 = bog, 2= par, 4 = bird, 6 = eagle, 8 = alb.

 

Most over their quota is the objective.

[duffer987]

Wow guys lots of solid information posted already!!! This is why we love GOLFWRX, everyone has great input. We are leaving early Wednesday because some people are coming in from out of town and wont be getting there until late Tuesday night. That's why it's just the preserve and punchbowl for Wednesday and a little later start time on Thursday for everyone to recover from travel and be fresh. I see what your saying on maybe focusing too much on the game that some of the people there for the first time might not get to soak in all of the great things Bandon has to offer. Maybe a modified stableford would be a really great way to keep everyone in contention and feeling competitive.

Have guys expressed wanting to "be competitive" when they are there? Do you normally play games?

I get having some skin in the game and playing for something, but Bandon is so awesome in and of itself, I wouldn't think it really needs a kick up the backside, like going to Yocha Dehe for the weekend for instance.

 

Keep it simple and enjoy the golf. Have everyone throw in 50 or a 100 on Weds night and then figure out a basic egalitarian comp around 2 four man teams; matchplay or stableford maybe.

[spud3]

A format that my groups have used in the past is a modified four-ball where each team member plays their own ball, and if one player clearly wins the hole (with handicap adjustment) then that team gets a point. If the top players from each team tie, then the next two players compare their score. If one is better, then that team wins the point. If those two tie, the hole is halved (half point each). You could also make that a skins-type situation where the point carries over. That gives every team member the incentive to keep grinding, even if they've put one in the gorse.

 

Key part of this is team member matching. Some like to pair a high cap with a low cap, others like to try to match caps.

 

Having said all that, i tend to agree with VNutz and duffer about making sure you build in enough time to just hit the ball around those courses and enjoy soaking up the vibe. Maybe have a day or two where you just have a payout/prize for low gross and low net?

 

And +1 on calling for reservations at McKee's now.

[Dsevans8]

Just to be clear: Quota is modified stableford....you just take out the HC at the beginning. Makes it much more fair for all involved. W/O Quota, the high HC tend to have a distinct advantage.

 

e.g. (Assuming par 72) Players are 5 HC, their quota is 31 points; 20 HC quota is 16 points. Then it is is mod stableford points: 0 = double, 1 = bog, 2= par, 4 = bird, 6 = eagle, 8 = alb.

 

Most over their quota is the objective.

Ok that makes sense. Sounds like a really fun game to play. Also it seems like it gives everyone a really good chance to win.

[Dsevans8]

A format that my groups have used in the past is a modified four-ball where each team member plays their own ball, and if one player clearly wins the hole (with handicap adjustment) then that team gets a point. If the top players from each team tie, then the next two players compare their score. If one is better, then that team wins the point. If those two tie, the hole is halved (half point each). You could also make that a skins-type situation where the point carries over. That gives every team member the incentive to keep grinding, even if they've put one in the gorse.

 

Key part of this is team member matching. Some like to pair a high cap with a low cap, others like to try to match caps.

 

Having said all that, i tend to agree with VNutz and duffer about making sure you build in enough time to just hit the ball around those courses and enjoy soaking up the vibe. Maybe have a day or two where you just have a payout/prize for low gross and low net?

 

And +1 on calling for reservations at McKee's now.

Just made my reservations for dinner, place is already booked close to full.

[Dsevans8]

Wow guys lots of solid information posted already!!! This is why we love GOLFWRX, everyone has great input. We are leaving early Wednesday because some people are coming in from out of town and wont be getting there until late Tuesday night. That's why it's just the preserve and punchbowl for Wednesday and a little later start time on Thursday for everyone to recover from travel and be fresh. I see what your saying on maybe focusing too much on the game that some of the people there for the first time might not get to soak in all of the great things Bandon has to offer. Maybe a modified stableford would be a really great way to keep everyone in contention and feeling competitive.

Have guys expressed wanting to "be competitive" when they are there? Do you normally play games?

I get having some skin in the game and playing for something, but Bandon is so awesome in and of itself, I wouldn't think it really needs a kick up the backside, like going to Yocha Dehe for the weekend for instance.

 

Keep it simple and enjoy the golf. Have everyone throw in 50 or a 100 on Weds night and then figure out a basic egalitarian comp around 2 four man teams; matchplay or stableford maybe.

I think guys always like to be competitive, we have all known each other for 20+ years. Lot of history with some of these guys since grade school. You are correct that Bandon is so awesome that it just needs to be enjoyed. Maybe just some skins to keep some cash exchanging.

[buzlin]

I would consider leaving a bit before 6:30. From Davis, it's usually been a solid 7:30-8 hr drive with one stop for gas and a quick lunch. So depending on where in Sac you're leaving from, it may be worth a bit more buffer.

 

The courses are so majestic, I'd definitely want to enjoy the courses and experience with your friends over focusing on competing. But that's my group, we're not tournament guys.

 

That being said, competitions are really fun if they don't upset the group experience. We've never played stroke play since blow up holes are always in the mix on every course. So match play or skins keeps everyone in the hunt, especially the higher caps. We've played two-man better ball with caps, and two-man scrambles with caps as well, both worked out great. Singles are also fun if part of a team competition. We usually split our teams in two, Ryder Cup style, so the guys who struggle all week still can be part of a winning effort.

 

Only you know your crew and their personalities, obviously, but mixing things up is a good way for everyone to have their needs met.

[duffer987]

Wow guys lots of solid information posted already!!! This is why we love GOLFWRX, everyone has great input. We are leaving early Wednesday because some people are coming in from out of town and wont be getting there until late Tuesday night. That's why it's just the preserve and punchbowl for Wednesday and a little later start time on Thursday for everyone to recover from travel and be fresh. I see what your saying on maybe focusing too much on the game that some of the people there for the first time might not get to soak in all of the great things Bandon has to offer. Maybe a modified stableford would be a really great way to keep everyone in contention and feeling competitive.

Have guys expressed wanting to "be competitive" when they are there? Do you normally play games?

I get having some skin in the game and playing for something, but Bandon is so awesome in and of itself, I wouldn't think it really needs a kick up the backside, like going to Yocha Dehe for the weekend for instance.

 

Keep it simple and enjoy the golf. Have everyone throw in 50 or a 100 on Weds night and then figure out a basic egalitarian comp around 2 four man teams; matchplay or stableford maybe.

I think guys always like to be competitive, we have all known each other for 20+ years. Lot of history with some of these guys since grade school. You are correct that Bandon is so awesome that it just needs to be enjoyed. Maybe just some skins to keep some cash exchanging.

Oh sure, I was just thinking if someone needs to faff about with a Google doc to keep track of things that might be a step too far ;-)

We go as a foursome and play fourball matches for post-round drinks on the day and breakfast the next, with two of us with reliable caps taking one of the more variable guys, so that it evens out over 6 to 8 rounds. So at 'worst' someone is out $45-60 in a sitting and (knock on wood) no ones being on the losing end more than 3 matches in a row, so it does largely even out.

[Stevo85]

Following, had this exact question for an upcoming trip with hdcp ranges 9, 11, 20 and 26.

 

Quick side question. Are your 2:40 tee times guaranteed finishes? I have 2:30 times in March with the last guaranteed time being 2:20. Given pace of play, should we expect to finish?

[duffer987]

Following, had this exact question for an upcoming trip with hdcp ranges 9, 11, 20 and 26.

 

Quick side question. Are your 2:40 tee times guaranteed finishes? I have 2:30 times in March with the last guaranteed time being 2:20. Given pace of play, should we expect to finish?

Before or after DST? After no problem whatsoever. Before, with a decently paced round with clear sky, yes. Cloudy or rainy and it could get dark on you.

[spud3]

Following, had this exact question for an upcoming trip with hdcp ranges 9, 11, 20 and 26.

 

Quick side question. Are your 2:40 tee times guaranteed finishes? I have 2:30 times in March with the last guaranteed time being 2:20. Given pace of play, should we expect to finish?

 

Depends on when in March - DST starts on the 10th. After that date, sunset is from 7:17PM (on the 10th) to 7:41 PM (on the 31st), which should be plenty of time to finish a round.

 

Prior to the 10th, sunset is around 6:45PM, which could be pushing it for finishing, depending on the course and conditions.

[Stevo85]

Following, had this exact question for an upcoming trip with hdcp ranges 9, 11, 20 and 26.

 

Quick side question. Are your 2:40 tee times guaranteed finishes? I have 2:30 times in March with the last guaranteed time being 2:20. Given pace of play, should we expect to finish?

 

Depends on when in March - DST starts on the 10th. After that date, sunset is from 7:17PM (on the 10th) to 7:41 PM (on the 31st), which should be plenty of time to finish a round.

 

Prior to the 10th, sunset is around 6:45PM, which could be pushing it for finishing, depending on the course and conditions.

 

Awesome thanks, we're there 3/13 - 3/17.

[Dsevans8]

Following, had this exact question for an upcoming trip with hdcp ranges 9, 11, 20 and 26.

 

Quick side question. Are your 2:40 tee times guaranteed finishes? I have 2:30 times in March with the last guaranteed time being 2:20. Given pace of play, should we expect to finish?

 

Depends on when in March - DST starts on the 10th. After that date, sunset is from 7:17PM (on the 10th) to 7:41 PM (on the 31st), which should be plenty of time to finish a round.

 

Prior to the 10th, sunset is around 6:45PM, which could be pushing it for finishing, depending on the course and conditions.

 

Awesome thanks, we're there 3/13 - 3/17.

Yeah that's why we like to go at the end of the month. Save a little bit in golf rates but get the benefit of DST.

[Dsevans8]

Wow guys lots of solid information posted already!!! This is why we love GOLFWRX, everyone has great input. We are leaving early Wednesday because some people are coming in from out of town and wont be getting there until late Tuesday night. That's why it's just the preserve and punchbowl for Wednesday and a little later start time on Thursday for everyone to recover from travel and be fresh. I see what your saying on maybe focusing too much on the game that some of the people there for the first time might not get to soak in all of the great things Bandon has to offer. Maybe a modified stableford would be a really great way to keep everyone in contention and feeling competitive.

Have guys expressed wanting to "be competitive" when they are there? Do you normally play games?

I get having some skin in the game and playing for something, but Bandon is so awesome in and of itself, I wouldn't think it really needs a kick up the backside, like going to Yocha Dehe for the weekend for instance.

 

Keep it simple and enjoy the golf. Have everyone throw in 50 or a 100 on Weds night and then figure out a basic egalitarian comp around 2 four man teams; matchplay or stableford maybe.

I think guys always like to be competitive, we have all known each other for 20+ years. Lot of history with some of these guys since grade school. You are correct that Bandon is so awesome that it just needs to be enjoyed. Maybe just some skins to keep some cash exchanging.

Oh sure, I was just thinking if someone needs to faff about with a Google doc to keep track of things that might be a step too far ;-)

We go as a foursome and play fourball matches for post-round drinks on the day and breakfast the next, with two of us with reliable caps taking one of the more variable guys, so that it evens out over 6 to 8 rounds. So at 'worst' someone is out $45-60 in a sitting and (knock on wood) no ones being on the losing end more than 3 matches in a row, so it does largely even out.

Yeah I like the idea of doing something with 8 guys. Keeps everyone engaged and grinding, especially since everyone is friends but can't play together every round. Nice to come in to dinner afterwards and get everyone talking about the rounds, highlights, failures and what not.

[mallrat]

We play a basic group net, it’s just easier. Remember if they can keep it reasonably straight they should play ok. But we also do a LOT of side betting. We also play wolf and net skins. I really enjoy wolf.

 

Now our side betting is where the fun begins. An example is our last trip on the last night I went to bed early and there is 1 guy in our group who thinks he’s better than everyone. I was an 11 and he was 9 and was not happy that I was leading the gross going into the last day. I was lower than him in 4 of 5 rounds so far and I guess he was running his mouth to everyone about how much better he was than me. Didn’t know anything about this because I was asleep but the next day there was $800 riding on me to beat him and I had none of the action (I won by 3 strokes). We also bet on all kinds of things.

 

One really fun prop bet at Bandon is to “3 for 2” somebody. If you call it on them you are betting that they 3 putt. We also do group KP for the bill at the turn stand. Long drive for a hot dog. Just a bunch of random stuff. Have fun with it.

[YoungJedi]

No laying has a great game they play. A modified stableford game (that accounts for handicaps) called tilt.

 

I’ve been playing it and it’s a ton of fun

 

https://nolayingup.com/2018/07/31/tilt/

 

[oregongolf]

I've been taking groups for years and we play quota, since we have had a mix of abilities (+5-25 handicap).

 

If you're staying at the resort, utilize their tournament services.

 

 

 

 

[Matt J]

We play a net match play tournament, but then you have to make pairings after each round.

 

Everyone throws in for the 'big' prize paying out 2 places or winner take all, then also has the option to play a game in their 4some, captains or dots or whatever.

[Dsevans8]

I've been taking groups for years and we play quota, since we have had a mix of abilities (+5-25 handicap).

 

If you're staying at the resort, utilize their tournament services.

I'd be interested in hearing about their tournament services? I mean we only really have 8 guys so I don't know if that warrants the price of having Bandon put something together for us? Could you provide a little more info if you have used them? Thanks

[155 Funson]

No laying has a great game they play. A modified stableford game (that accounts for handicaps) called tilt.

 

I’ve been playing it and it’s a ton of fun

 

https://nolayingup.c...018/07/31/tilt/

 

This is the exact game my group of 8 is going to play. Sounded like a lot of fun when they described playing it on their Bandon trip!

[155 Funson]

Following, had this exact question for an upcoming trip with hdcp ranges 9, 11, 20 and 26.

 

Quick side question. Are your 2:40 tee times guaranteed finishes? I have 2:30 times in March with the last guaranteed time being 2:20. Given pace of play, should we expect to finish?

 

Depends on when in March - DST starts on the 10th. After that date, sunset is from 7:17PM (on the 10th) to 7:41 PM (on the 31st), which should be plenty of time to finish a round.

 

Prior to the 10th, sunset is around 6:45PM, which could be pushing it for finishing, depending on the course and conditions.

 

Awesome thanks, we're there 3/13 - 3/17.

 

My group is there the exact same dates. No official golf planned Wednesday on our arrival day but should have time to hit the Punch Bowl or maybe get out on the Preserve. Then we are doing Pac/Trails Thursday, Old Mac/Bandon Friday, then Pac/Preserve Saturday to finish things off. We have reservations at McKee's every evening and plan on being in the Bunker Bar as well, maybe we'll cross paths!

[oregongolf]

I've been taking groups for years and we play quota, since we have had a mix of abilities (+5-25 handicap).

 

If you're staying at the resort, utilize their tournament services.

I'd be interested in hearing about their tournament services? I mean we only really have 8 guys so I don't know if that warrants the price of having Bandon put something together for us? Could you provide a little more info if you have used them? Thanks

 

My group doesn't stay on site, so I do all the tournament stuff myself through golfgenius. But if you call Bandon and ask, I'm sure they'll set you up. They'll handle the scoreboard, cards, scoring, etc.

[mallrat]

Side note... We always make something special for the loser that he must wear for the whole following year anytime there is a 4 some from the Bandon trip. One was a hot pink with “I suck” on the back. Another was a pair of white pants with a simulated poo stain on the back.