Random Bandon Thread

[jpdx]

36 minutes ago, Jeff58 said:

We had a stoned guy make a panini. We watched closely, but he did a good job putting it together. He then put it in the panini press and started to do something else. About 15 minutes later, I said “excess me, is our panini ready?”. He looked around confused for a bit, then saw that it was is the press. “No. It’s in the press”.

i guess they just dont smoke much . Ive run into a lot of “high”ly functioning people in portland. 😂 

 

In other news, i really want to change sheep ranch out this weekend due to the greens, but my cousin hasnt played it and wants to. I truly believe that its the best opening hole on the resort and would like to play it again at some point. However im torn as there no good tee times to replace it with at this point. We would be doing 18 (time tbd because were offsite) 36 ( booked because were onsite that night) and 18. Sheep is the first round on the 36 day. 
 

thoughts? Tough it out? 

Edited April 12, 2023 by jpdx

[VNutz]

39 minutes ago, jrg75 said:

Played Bandon this morning, started as beautiful morning, sunny with little wind.  On the 8th hole the skys opened up but not rain, hail. 8th green and looking back on 3rd green from 9 teebox.

 

Some buddies are there right now and must have been a couple holes behind you as I watch them play 8 in similar conditions. Crazy.

 

Your group have a guy with orange pants??

[jrg75]

8 minutes ago, VNutz said:

Some buddies are there right now and must have been a couple holes behind you as I watch them play 8 in similar conditions. Crazy.

 

Your group have a guy with orange pants??

That was us, I'm a single this trip and got paired with the orange pants group, super nice guys.  We all thought it was the crazy but makes for a good story.

[jvincent]

12 minutes ago, jpdx said:

i guess they just dont smoke much . Ive run into a lot of “high”ly functioning people in portland. 😂 

 

In other news, i really want to change sheep ranch out this weekend due to the greens, but my cousin hasnt played it and wants to. I truly believe that its the best opening hole on the resort and would like to play it. However im torn as there no good tee times to replace it with at this point. We would be doing 18 (time tbd because were offsite) 36 ( booked because were onsite that night) and 18. Sheep is the first round on the 36 day. 
 

thoughts? Tough it out? 

 

Go for it. Bumpy greens on a spectacular golf course is right up there on the list of first world problems.

[jpdx]

15 minutes ago, jvincent said:

 

Go for it. Bumpy greens on a spectacular golf course is right up there on the list of first world problems.

Youre not wrong. But then again, for the full price, the greens on other courses there are much better. Ill get lazy and not change it most likely.

[spud3]

We opted to play it once, for the same reason as you guys.  It's still a fun course, just avoid any money games while playing there...

[sniper]

I leave for my first trip on April 23 and my first round is Sheep Ranch. I’m leaving as is since I’m a first timer and want to see the course. I figure it’s my first round so greens only get better from there.  This thread has me prepared for what I’ll play on. 

[spud3]

It's definitely worth it if you haven't played it before.  And you're correct, it will only get better from there.

[kkelway]

I’ve gone 4 times to Bandon since 2016, and I believe there is no single place better for golf. You can arguably find better courses, but you definitely can’t find one place that has 5 of these kinds of courses in an amazing backdrop with great service, amenities, food – all in one resort. I’m going again in a few weeks (as well as booked for June 2024), and this message board and this thread is a huge benefit to planning/expectations (really appreciated the Sheep Ranch course updates recently). I think as long as everyone remembers these are all opinions with folks trying to be helpful, and there are no right answers, posts can be super helpful. So I thought I’d share my notes from my 4 trips (and plan to share conditions upon my return in a few weeks):

 

 

Flights

·       United SFO to OTH is a common route/connection route a lot of people take, as I did 3/4 times. And going this way, you theoretically have time to play an arrival day full round and a depart day full round. HOWEVER, 3/3 flights this way to Bandon for me have been late, and we either barely made it in time to fit the full round, or had to settle for as many as we can get in (which is not great when paying full fare first round). 1/3 flights on the return was cancelled, forcing us to rent a car to Eugene and get on the next morning flight back.

·       United DEN to OTH direct I did on my last trip in the month of June (I live in Denver). Awesome, on time both ways. I’m guessing during summer months when this is available, the delay/cancellation rate is very low.

·       I do agree with a lot of people that EUG may be the airport to target, especially during the off-season. It was an easy 2-hour drive the one time we had to do it. And since both United and Southwest have flights there, I think this is probably overall the best/safest option for on time flights.

 

Lodging

·       I’ve stayed at Lily Pond Double, Chrome Double, Inn Double, and Lodge Single

·       For those people/groups who want to play only one round a day and spend a lot of time in the room (couples, people who physically can’t/don’t enjoy 2 rounds), I could understand why you would want something like the Suites or Cottages.

·       But I’ve always gone with groups that want to play 36 a day, which just makes sense for a place like Bandon (especially since second round is 50%). And if that’s you, the only time you’re going to be in your room is when your eyes are closed or in the bathroom. On one of my trips with multiple 4-somes, we’ve had guys stay at the Cottages and Suites, but that’s just burning money in my opinion (great if you can afford to). Because they, like the rest of us on the trip, woke up, got ready, left the room by 7:30 and got back to the room at 9/10pm and conked out after a full day of golf, drinks, dinner. Sure, they enjoyed a few minutes hanging out together before going to bed or enjoying the view of Bandon Dunes in the morning in the Golf Suite. But in my opinion, it’s not worth it for 36-hole guys as all the hangout largely happens outside the room.

·       Best is to double up with a good buddy in Lily or Chrome (or Round Lake looks even better). I would avoid the Inn Double – I recall it being a bit tight and the bathroom not having separate stations.

 

Shuttle vs. Car

·       I’ve done both.

·       At the resort, for me, there is no debate. Rental car is a HUGE benefit. Again, especially if you play 36. 1) You can store shoes, socks, extra clothes for easy option between rounds, if weather or anything else calls for it, 2) Way faster to get from A to B, and when you have tight back to back rounds, it matters. Most of the time, I haven’t had to wait long for shuttles, but a handful of times, the wait has been 5-10 minutes (and I heard Sheep Ranch could get long). 3) Could save money for a group of 4 vs. getting a round trip Shuttle from/to airport, depending on which Shuttle service you use. 4) Shuttle driving tipping at resort is not required, but I tend to do it, and found myself spending $15-20 a day. This is the least important reason as it is a good thing to do, but it may matter to some people.

·       The downside of a rental car is 1) the time to rent it at OTH sometimes, because there’s one company and one guy at the counter. But if going to EUG, this is a non-issue. 2) Heavy drinkers at the resort should reconsider, and 3) Cramming 4 sets of clubs/luggage into car from airport and back (requires getting full size or larger car and potentially deconstructing of packed clubs, but you’re going to take it out anyway if playing a round on arrival)

·       If not renting a car, I highly recommend arranging with Bandon Yellow Cab. Although not as fancy as the huge van services that have drinks, etc., they will pick your 4-some up in a minivan, all the clubs/luggage will fit, they’ve been on time the two times I used them, and it costs like $50-70 one way for up to 4 people (e.g. $15 each).

 

Food

·       I love food, so this is important to me

·       Most people talk about McKee’s because the atmosphere is great (like your neighborhood bar & grill showing all the games) and it’s easy to get a table. The food is good enough. The meatloaf is okay (and I like meatloaf, but I think it’s overhyped). The wings are the best thing I’ve had there. But there is nothing special about the food there, but this is probably the most popular option. And for most people it’s about the golf, so it makes sense.

·       Pacific Grill is awesome. Their pork osso bucco, pork chop, their steak on the menu, their grilled octopus starter, fish special, and their cookie ice cream (like a Pizookie) dessert are all amazing. I’d eat there multiple times in a trip if up to me.

·       Gallery was very mediocre for steak. Looking forward to trying Forge.

·       On all 4 previous trips, we did not sit down for lunch as we packed the 36, leaving emergency 9, preserve. or punchbowl afterwards as options (so made do with turn food, grab and go, etc.). This is something I plan to change in the future, as I think a nice leisurely break could enhance the experience.

 

Gear

·       Easy to find the full list that’s helpful on this board and other sites

·       One important thing I will add that people don’t talk about – the type of golf shoes you wear is critical. Do NOT wear golf shoes that have the traditional, screw in cleats. Try walking in those for an hour on your sidewalk or street. Extreme example, but the ground is much firmer/harder at Bandon (esp Old Mac). My first trip, I brought 2 pairs and both were traditional golf cleats. I had nasty blisters. Since then, I only bring the comfy sneaker-like golf shoes with no screw-in cleats. I’ve not had any blister issues since.

 

Course Order/Walking (Assuming no caddy)

·       As most people say, Old Mac morning and Trails afternoon is a good rule of thumb for all the reasons pointed out. I also agree that Pacific/Bandon Dunes are great on both sides of the day. I only played Sheep Ranch on the last trip with perfect weather so can’t say if afternoon is bad there, but with the views/playability I would doubt wind would bother me too much.

·       Every time I’ve walked without a caddy (which is 18/22 full rounds), I’ve used the Rickshaw. This is great for all of the courses, EXCEPT Pacific. There are many hills and paths that make the Rickshaw really burdensome on that course. Next time, I’m making my bag light and carrying Pacific. Bandon Dunes and Sheep Ranch are the easiest, most enjoyable walks.

 

Caddies

·       I think this is really a very personal decision. Speaking of my various groups, some people don’t like having someone watching their performance so closely. Some people don’t want to spend the money. And I’ve walked plenty of times where others in the group got caddies that they loved that I would’ve hated. So I don’t really agree with “you should/have to get a caddy”, because I’ve enjoyed rounds plenty there both with and without a caddy.

·       Having said that, I think every trip moving forward, I will mix in caddies. I have tendon/disc issues, so 36 for many days in a row is tougher and a caddie taking your bag is a big difference. And 2/4 rounds I had a caddy for, their reading of the greens was so money, along with offloading the bag, it made my round much more enjoyable.

 

Scheduling/Weather

·       The 4 times I’ve gone, it’s always been a 2 full days at the resort plan:  Day 1 – arrive afternoon at OTH, try to play a full round.  Day 2 – 36. Day 3 – 36. Day 4 – early morning round then head to OTH for afternoon flight. My trip after next (June of 2024), I’m planning 3 full days as I always feel I would love another day.

·       Trip 1:  4/30 to 5/02. Arrival weather sketchy and plane delayed, so did not play on arrival day. However, the 2 full days and the 1 departure day was absolutely stunning. 70 degrees+ with barely any wind – it was hot in polo and shorts.

·       Trip 2:  2/13 to 2/16. This time of year, can’t play a full round on arrival day. Plus our flight was delayed so no round arrival day. First day of 36 weather was chilly and a bit windy but overall very playable. Second full day, first 18 was consistent light rain, little wind, still playable. Second 18 was pouring rain and not enjoyable at all with pools forming on greens. Called it after 8 holes. Last day the weather was so bad we didn’t play morning round and our flight ended up getting cancelled out of OTH, so drove to EUG as guys needed to get back fast.

·       Trip 3: 5/18 to 5/21. Flight was on time so played all rounds as scheduled. Weather was great.

·       Trip 4: 6/07 to 6/10. DEN to OTH for this one and flight was on time, played all rounds. Weather was perfect. Sun, minimal wind.

·       As the years have gone by, scheduling has been more difficult (first trip in 2016 we booked 4 months in advance and had choice of tee times. Now have to book 18 months out and changes as you get closer are more difficult). It really helps if you have an alpha planning dog in your group, which for 2/4 trips I was and will be on the next 2. Having a good itinerary (especially first tee time, as replays while there can be more flexible as people cancel them) and dinner reservations (open ~2-3 months before arrival) makes it easy to just go and enjoy.

·       I am now with those that say they’d only go in the peak or close to peak months. In general, the pricing reflects the value. In off peak months, you are going to have a much higher probability of bad and unplayable weather, along with difficulty fitting 36 in, especially given how popular Bandon has become. I’ve also heard people say rain is better than wind…I would clarify that by light rain. Steady heavy rain is pretty miserable to me, and that never happens in the peak months. If you’re going to set aside the time/money, I’d like to get the most playable rounds out of it.

 

Course Rankings – even people that hate to argue love to discuss this

·       All are top notch and every ranking I've seen has valid arguments

·       The holes I can’t stop reimagining:

o   The BEST – amazing from tee, throughout walk, and green finish (in order)

Bandon Dunes #16

Pacific Dunes #13

Bandon Dunes #6

Old Mac #3

Pacific Dunes #4

Pacific Dunes #11

Sheep Ranch #16

Trails #5

o   Amazing Ocean Surprise Holes:

Old Mac #7

Bandon Dunes #4

Sheep Ranch #1

o   Amazing Tee Shot Holes:

Sheep Ranch #6

Sheep Ranch #17 back tee

 

·       My rankings in order:

1) Bandon Dunes – Has 2/3 of my favorite holes. The entire walk throughout is enjoyable. I didn’t hate any holes. Best finishing stretch. I’d be happy to play only this course on a trip or maybe even my life. (Was #3 on first trip and climbs every time)

2) Old Mac – Every round, every hole has been fun. No experience like it in the U.S. (haven’t been to Scotland), but it definitely feels like golfing on another planet.

3) Pacific Dunes – The good holes are really good, but I felt a lot of the inland holes were boring (relatively). Also nowhere near as easy/pleasurable as a walk as Bandon Dunes to me.

4) Sheep Ranch – Played in June of 2020. This is like a great buffet amongst Michelin star restaurants above. You get fed more amazing views than anywhere else, but most holes did not feel as special. (I’m not going to knock it because of the greens because they were slow then, and I assume they’ll get it right over time.)

5) Trails – People rave about the routing, hole features. But, I feel like you’re comparing an amazing house on decent land, vs. amazing houses on rare/premium land. I just can’t say I’ve experienced anything in the U.S. remotely close to the courses above. If I made a trip all the way out to Bandon and only Trails was open, and I had to play it 4 days in a row, I wouldn’t be happy. I would be much happier if that course was Bandon, Old Mac (although less so than Pacific even though I rank it higher), or Pacific – I think ocean real estate matters for a Bandon trip. I’ve gone with about 15 different people in my 4 trips, no one wanted to double up on Trails vs. the others (but that’s a small sample size).

[italianstallion]

^awesome write up kkelway, loved every word of it. Gearing up for our first Bandon trip in mid June, and i wondered about the value vs. price paid in the summer months vs. value season, and you made a good point about if you’re spending the time and money anyway, you might as well pay a little extra for the best conditions. 

[doc52]

18 minutes ago, italianstallion said:

^awesome write up kkelway, loved every word of it. Gearing up for our first Bandon trip in mid June, and i wondered about the value vs. price paid in the summer months vs. value season, and you made a good point about if you’re spending the time and money anyway, you might as well pay a little extra for the best conditions. 

 

I agree, but the only thing with Oregon is there is no guarantee for good weather here in the summer.

[italianstallion]

4 minutes ago, doc52 said:

 

I agree, but the only thing with Oregon is there is no guarantee for good weather here in the summer.

Whoops, forgot to caveat with “best chance for the best conditions” haha. If not, I’ve still got goretex shoes and great rain gear and I’m ready to play every day in a downpour. 

[Looper34]

2 hours ago, kkelway said:

·       If not renting a car, I highly recommend arranging with Bandon Yellow Cab. Although not as fancy as the huge van services that have drinks, etc., they will pick your 4-some up in a minivan, all the clubs/luggage will fit, they’ve been on time the two times I used them, and it costs like $50-70 one way for up to 4 people (e.g. $15 each).

Is this to OTH or EUG?

[kkelway]

OTH as I’ve only flown there so far. But will go to EUG and rent car in a few weeks. 
 

https://yellowcabcoosbay.com/bandon-dunes/

 

call them. They’re still quoting $50 rate for up to 4 people. $12.50 before tip

[ThermalDan]

We’ve got 12 guys going in June.  A bunch of us got together last night to discuss logistics for the trip.  It’s actually just an excuse to get together, drink whisky, and talk golf, but it sounds like a legitimate purpose to the wives!  A few of the comments the group made regarding course most looking forward to:

 

Pacific-because I know it’s great, but I just haven’t “gotten” it yet .

 

Sheep-because we played it in the most abysmal weather ever and didn’t get to really play the course.

 

OldMac-to see how I like it since having now played in Scotland.

 

Trails-just great golf without distractions.

 

Bandon-because it’s the first course we play on the trip and, dammit, it means we’re at Bandon!

 

Can’t wait!

 

[doc52]

Typically not a survey guy, but after our March trip and the current state of Sheep Ranch I felt feedback was needed. 
 

I truly appreciate the Bandon team member’s time to reply to my survey, but to use winter rates as an excuse for the current condition of the greens is a joke. 
 

Our group is primarily from the PNW and visit every winter. We do not expect pristine conditions, but we also expect to be able to have a chance to make putts when at Bandon. 
 

I’m confident that the greens won’t get better for some time. 

 

[jpdx]

I should’ve taken pictures as i just completed a trip. 
 

SR greens were a lot better than i was prepared for due to the feedback in this very thread and was glad i played it. Is it as nice as the others? No. Could it have been better? Perhaps yes, but i found it acceptable given the weather, poa invasion, and definitely better than full core aeration currently experienced in and around Portland area courses.

 

perhaps the last few weeks with a slight increase in temps - and more sun, has brought the fescue out of dormancy. 

Edited April 17, 2023 by jpdx

[kkelway]

4 hours ago, doc52 said:

Typically not a survey guy, but after our March trip and the current state of Sheep Ranch I felt feedback was needed. 
 

I truly appreciate the Bandon team member’s time to reply to my survey, but to use winter rates as an excuse for the current condition of the greens is a joke. 
 

Our group is primarily from the PNW and visit every winter. We do not expect pristine conditions, but we also expect to be able to have a chance to make putts when at Bandon. 
 

I’m confident that the greens won’t get better for some time. 

 

Surprising for Bandon. This person needs customer service training. I’d be annoyed. There’s no need to be lecturing about makeup excuses. They should’ve just said thank you for the feedback, we recognize it needs to be improved and will get it right. Then give you guys one replay credit on your next trip. 
 

Having said that, I’m not sure it’s possible for them to warn visitors prior to, as all the courses are jam packed from this point til winter. They just need to give a tiny sorry consolation to those who take the time to give good feedback on the issue. 

 

[doc52]

2 hours ago, kkelway said:

Surprising for Bandon. This person needs customer service training. I’d be annoyed. There’s no need to be lecturing about makeup excuses. They should’ve just said thank you for the feedback, we recognize it needs to be improved and will get it right. Then give you guys one replay credit on your next trip. 
 

Having said that, I’m not sure it’s possible for them to warn visitors prior to, as all the courses are jam packed from this point til winter. They just need to give a tiny sorry consolation to those who take the time to give good feedback on the issue. 

 

 

Would rather have them limit SR rounds and get the greens right instead of a makeup round.
 

It wouldn’t be great for folks who’ve waited a year for their trip, but also the current state of the greens aren’t worth the wait anyways. 

[jvincent]

I don't see how limiting rounds on SR helps. The fescue nneds warmer weather to grow, it's that simple.

 

And for the longer term the poa needs more time to takeover. It sounds like it will be an issue from Nov-Apr for a couple more seasons.

 

FWIW, I was there in Nov 2021 and the poa hadn't fully invaded yet and they were fine for greens of that age.

[doc52]

9 minutes ago, jvincent said:

I don't see how limiting rounds on SR helps. The fescue nneds warmer weather to grow, it's that simple.

 

And for the longer term the poa needs more time to takeover. It sounds like it will be an issue from Nov-Apr for a couple more seasons.

 

FWIW, I was there in Nov 2021 and the poa hadn't fully invaded yet and they were fine for greens of that age.

I was alluding to the idea that they should redo the greens and make them full poa like Chambers instead of playing the waiting game. 

[aked]

New discussion topic- has anyone heard when the new par 3 course opens? Haven’t seen much in it but I feel like it probably known around the resort. 

[dfwgolfer92]

On 4/21/2023 at 3:44 PM, aked said:

New discussion topic- has anyone heard when the new par 3 course opens? Haven’t seen much in it but I feel like it probably known around the resort. 

Not until sometime in 2024

[MrMileHigh]

We were at the resort from 4/17 thru 4/21. This is our third trip and I learn something each time so this isn’t a full review but some notes from our experience. Bandon Dunes is still our favorite place for a guys golf trip and we’re looking forward to returning in a few years.

Food - pretty average at the nicer spots but the quick stuff was above average. Forge was disappointing. Pacific while usually good was only so so but the cookie dessert remains awesome. Trails was great for breakfast and lunch. The Pastrami sandwich at Sheep Ranch was outrageously good. We really liked the breakfast and tacos at Charlotte’s. We all felt like the cocktails on the course and in the bars were a little light with some stingy pours.

 

Weather - the worst we’ve experienced and we usually go in March or April. We had deluges of rain, hail, 40-50 mph winds. We had 1 good day of weather out of 4.

 

Golf - this was the first time we played Sheep Ranch and we thought it’s a pretty average layout. The greens were abysmal. I finally “saw” Old Mac and was able to play it the way it should be so that jumped up my list of favorites. It’s a brute but such a thought provoking course. We all still love Trails. Had fun on Bandon Dunes. PAC remains all of our favorite. Old Mac greens seemed like they were on their way to being better and we thought they held lines pretty well.

 

Service - the service was outstanding across the board. We had a few weird situations like things we lost and room transfers and the folks at the resort were great. The shuttle folks were so polite and engaging. We had one grumpy bartender but I don’t think I could stay chipper all the time with all the rowdy groups.
 

Rooms - we stayed in chrome lake lofts and lily pond doubles. The rooms are what they are… a place to sleep but they’re getting pretty long in the tooth. It looked like they are starting to renovate some of the chrome lake rooms.

[Live Free7]

Just returned from Bandon this evening....Played Pac and Trails on Friday, Bandon and Old Mac on Saturday, Sheep Ranch this morning.

 

Was surprised by the bumpiness of greens at Old Mac and Sheep Ranch.  4th time playing both courses and they were in much better condition the past 2 Aprils.  Caddie did an excellent job explaining why they are in that shape.  If you are trying to play your best golf / score your best...I'd play the other three courses.  Me....I've change all my clubs in the last 3 months, expectations for playing my best were low and I'm primarily concerned with soaking up the experience more than playing my best golf, so I enjoyed all the courses.

 

Weather was really enjoyable....a few light rains, a little wind early on Friday...then on Saturday and Sunday it was upper 50's, mostly sunny with a very light breeze.

 

Food - What really stood out was the breakfast burrito at Sheep Ranch, Brisket Sandwich at Trails; Steaks, carrots, mushrooms at the Forge. I wouldn't order the Scallops, very small portion, although it's impressive that the chef can make little potato fritters that look just like scallops.  We ordered family style and were sharing Entrees and 2 of us ate one of the "Scallops" that turned out to be a potato.

 

All in all, great trip, great memories, (PunchBowl is the most fun) can't wait to go back!

[Kaptain]

Reading these reviews have been extremely helpful. Thank you to those that have posted.

I'm heading to Bandon in a week and a half for the first time. Coming from central Texas I have a pretty good idea for handling the wind but not necessarily the cold (for me) and rain. My plan is numerous thin layers (merino base, fleece lined long sleeve, wind proof quarter zip, and lightweight rain jacket if needed). I've got the changing out of socks/shoes part covered. I keep going back and forth on whether I'm overdoing it or not including enough.

Typically, do first timers mistakenly under or over do it?

[VNutz]

6 minutes ago, Kaptain said:

Reading these reviews have been extremely helpful. Thank you to those that have posted.

I'm heading to Bandon in a week and a half for the first time. Coming from central Texas I have a pretty good idea for handling the wind but not necessarily the cold (for me) and rain. My plan is numerous thin layers (merino base, fleece lined long sleeve, wind proof quarter zip, and lightweight rain jacket if needed). I've got the changing out of socks/shoes part covered. I keep going back and forth on whether I'm overdoing it or not including enough.

Typically, do first timers mistakenly under or over do it?

First timers typically overdo it, but I've overdone it 3 times. I think the biggest mistake is bringing winter type gear as it's usually not that cold that it's needed, especially because you're walking. And when it's raining as long as your rain gear holds up you're not cold to the core as the jackets, even if they breathe, tend to keep the warmth in. You can usually get by with a couple quarter zips and a good wind/rain jacket, and a layer or two, less if it's warm.

[Live Free7]

2 hours ago, Kaptain said:

Reading these reviews have been extremely helpful. Thank you to those that have posted.

I'm heading to Bandon in a week and a half for the first time. Coming from central Texas I have a pretty good idea for handling the wind but not necessarily the cold (for me) and rain. My plan is numerous thin layers (merino base, fleece lined long sleeve, wind proof quarter zip, and lightweight rain jacket if needed). I've got the changing out of socks/shoes part covered. I keep going back and forth on whether I'm overdoing it or not including enough.

Typically, do first timers mistakenly under or over do it?

I always used to over pack....base layers and such.  Id feel great on the first tee, but as soon as you start walking, you start shedding layers.

This time of year you should be good to go with a golf shirt, quarter zip, insulated vest and rain jacket.  That usually is good down to 40 degrees in addition to the wind.  Slacks and rain pants usually suffice.

Rain gloves are a must and if you are worried about cold hands, pick up some cold weather gloves before you go (Callaway?) as that's the only thing they don't stock in their proshops.

If you are playing 36 and it's raining alot, I usually take a few extra underwear,  shirts, 2 pairs of shoes and an extra rain outfit so I can change in between rounds.  It's nice to be dry with fresh socks and shoes for the 2nd 18.

And......if you forget something, they have alot of cool stuff in their proshops. I always pick up at least one item , it reminds me of my trip and all the fun I had!

 

Was just there over the weekend and already putting the next trip on the schedule!

 

You're gonna love the experience!

[VNutz]

Randomly checked the course cams this morning, looks like they're aerating BD today.

[Kernel]

6 hours ago, VNutz said:

Randomly checked the course cams this morning, looks like they're aerating BD today.

Heading there Thursday, so hoping for minimal impact. I know in the past the reports suggested that they used needle tine aeration, so it's less impactful. But looking at the amount of dirt they were removing from the surface of the 18th green via the course cam, it sure looks like core aeration.