Random Bandon Thread

[VNutz]

23 minutes ago, mikedejong33 said:

I have not yet been to Bandon, but we are booked for October this year. I have a quick question: is there like a convenience store at the resort? Just for buying beers for the room, chips, snacks, smokes (for those that do that), etc. Or do you have to load up on the way there? I have been told there is a store of some sort, just trying to confirm. Thanks all!

They have what's basically a halfway house at the main lodge with food, snacks, cigars, etc., but it's all per piece pricing. If you want stuff to stock up for the room, like a case of beer or big bag of chips, I haven't found a place on site that offers that. There is a convenience store in Bandon where you can stock up on that stuff, 5-10 minute drive.

[dcmidnight]

25 minutes ago, mikedejong33 said:

I have not yet been to Bandon, but we are booked for October this year. I have a quick question: is there like a convenience store at the resort? Just for buying beers for the room, chips, snacks, smokes (for those that do that), etc. Or do you have to load up on the way there? I have been told there is a store of some sort, just trying to confirm. Thanks all!

There is a great one right in town, its worth the few minutes to drive there to save yourself the money - and a very good beer selection.

[italianstallion]

22 minutes ago, dcmidnight said:

There is a great one right in town, its worth the few minutes to drive there to save yourself the money - and a very good beer selection.

Can you bring your own beer on the course or no? 

[Kernel]

3 minutes ago, italianstallion said:

Can you bring your own beer on the course or no? 

Yes. Always do and have never had a problem.

[me05501]

On 4/22/2023 at 7:31 PM, MrMileHigh said:

We had one grumpy bartender but I don’t think I could stay chipper all the time with all the rowdy groups.
 

 

I can only imagine what a bartender at Bandon is subjected to on a daily basis.

 

When you separate a bunch of guys from the moderating influences of their spouses and hometown reputations you'll usually end up with some boorish behavior. 

Edited May 3, 2023 by me05501

[Double Mocha Man]

2 minutes ago, me05501 said:

 

I can only imagine what a bartender at Bandon is subjected to on a daily basis.

 

Generally when you separate a bunch of guys from the moderating influences of their spouses and hometown reputations you'll usually end up with some boorish behavior. 

 

Interesting about guys and their state of drunkenness... even older men don't know how to behave in civilized society with a pint in 'em.

[me05501]

2 minutes ago, Double Mocha Man said:

 

Interesting about guys and their state of drunkenness... even older men don't know how to behave in civilized society with a pint in 'em.

 

Most of us show up for a golf trip half drunk on testosterone and anxiety in the first place. 🙂

[2bGood]

2 hours ago, mikedejong33 said:

I have not yet been to Bandon, but we are booked for October this year. I have a quick question: is there like a convenience store at the resort? Just for buying beers for the room, chips, snacks, smokes (for those that do that), etc. Or do you have to load up on the way there? I have been told there is a store of some sort, just trying to confirm. Thanks all!

 

You have to stock up off site. 

 

2 hours ago, italianstallion said:

Can you bring your own beer on the course or no? 

 

They advertise or encourage it, but guys grab a few beers from the room all the time with no issue. 

[knock it close]

On 5/2/2023 at 12:48 PM, 2bGood said:

They do it based on when the course needs it. Bandon kind of always has put the purity of golf first, this is really on brand with them. 

Ya exactly, and what if they have to do green maintenance because of terrible weather at a different time than was originally advertised, you create an entire other issue. 

[knock it close]

3 hours ago, mikedejong33 said:

I have not yet been to Bandon, but we are booked for October this year. I have a quick question: is there like a convenience store at the resort? Just for buying beers for the room, chips, snacks, smokes (for those that do that), etc. Or do you have to load up on the way there? I have been told there is a store of some sort, just trying to confirm. Thanks all!

Like others have said you're better off to stop in town on the way in and load up on room snacks, that's what we always do. They do sell cigs at the course though and the prices seemed pretty comparable, I think they had cowboy killers and golds and then camel blues and golds. 

[TexasTitleistUser]

Definitely hit the liquor store for your flask. Your caddie will appreciate it. 

[Double Mocha Man]

2 hours ago, TexasTitleistUser said:

Definitely hit the liquor store for your flask. Your caddie will appreciate it. 

 

Pre-covid at Bandon Dunes I was happy to share my flask of single malt scotch with my caddie. I figured the high alcohol content would kill any germs. I am alive today to prove that this works.

[mallrat]

Does Bandon still have the treasure chest or whatever they call it? I remember the first few years that thing was always stocked. Lately it was way more taking than leaving. I thought I heard during COVID it got shut down?

[jpdx]

38 minutes ago, mallrat said:

Does Bandon still have the treasure chest or whatever they call it? I remember the first few years that thing was always stocked. Lately it was way more taking than leaving. I thought I heard during COVID it got shut down?

oh i forgot to search for it last few trips! Though we couldnt get on BD the last one. 

Edited May 6, 2023 by jpdx

[puttnforthe8]

Just back from a great week.  I need to really exclaim that Bandon Trails is one of the best courses anywhere.  It was flawless, with some of the best greens I have ever played on.

 

Also, found a new drink:  Goodnight Irene (McKees) - basically it's an old fashion; but they use Laphroaig 10yr instead of bourbon so it makes it smoked old fashion.  

 

Sheep Ranch greens are brutal with the poa causing 2 footers to go off line.  Bandon was punched, but was better than SR.  Pacific was great as usual.

 

Some other notes:

• "The Library" at the Inn is a huge disappointment:  boring atmosphere, poor drink selection and even worse quality of drinks.  Not worth bothering with unless you are staying there and drink wine.
• Food Quality at Trails end is really gone downhill. Boring, uninspired and really sad.
• The rooms are really showing their age - doors that have a hard time working, low shower pressure, broken things, and other minor items
• Pacific Grill was pretty good
• Pacific is going to be redoing their bunkers as they are brutally tough - sand just sinks everything
• BBQ truck at the range is quite good

 

Last funny story. I was in the Bandon Dune pro shop spending my winnings and all of the sudden I heard a loud crash. There was a guy outside on the first tee box waving into the pro shop that he was sorry. He shanked his driver so bad that it hit the pro shop window and shattered the outside glass but not the second pane on the inside. It was the first swing of his stay at Bandon. 

 

 

 

[spud3]

Crikey, that's a 90* shank!  With a driver, no less...

 

I will no longer be embarrassed by my sliced drive that barely cleared the Massage building and landed in a tiny pot bunker that is way up on the hillside in the weeds....

[jpdx]

8 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

 

 

Last funny story. I was in the Bandon Dune pro shop spending my winnings and all of the sudden I heard a loud crash. There was a guy outside on the first tee box waving into the pro shop that he was sorry. He shanked his driver so bad that it hit the pro shop window and shattered the outside glass but not the second pane on the inside. It was the first swing of his stay at Bandon. 

 

 

 

Yikes!!

Edited May 6, 2023 by jpdx

[jerebear21]

Current conditions 

 

bandon - punch. Not good. 
trails - front 9 is fine. Back 9 was punched with lots of dirt on 5-6 holes. 
Pac - shaggy. Bumpy. 
Old mac - bumpy and slow 

sr - bad 

preserve - best greens there

 

always a blast at bandon. Conditions been better in the past. First trip back post pandemic. Customer service is great as before. Food is still the same which is nothing extraordinary. Forges is bad. Breakfast sandwiches and charlottes brisket is good. 

[2bGood]

On 5/5/2023 at 7:43 AM, Double Mocha Man said:

 

Pre-covid at Bandon Dunes I was happy to share my flask of single malt scotch with my caddie. I figured the high alcohol content would kill any germs. I am alive today to prove that this works.

 

No issues there, but I have notice people are carrying red solo shot cups now for "birdie juice"

 

21 hours ago, mallrat said:

Does Bandon still have the treasure chest or whatever they call it? I remember the first few years that thing was always stocked. Lately it was way more taking than leaving. I thought I heard during COVID it got shut down?

 

It is been off and one. It get stocked by golfers not the resort and it does not seem like the resort it policing it. I dropped off and picked up my last visit and even left some plastic shot glasses. 

[VNutz]

On 5/5/2023 at 10:59 PM, mallrat said:

Does Bandon still have the treasure chest or whatever they call it? I remember the first few years that thing was always stocked. Lately it was way more taking than leaving. I thought I heard during COVID it got shut down?

It's still there off 10. My last few trips I've left some nice items, but was pretty underwhelming in terms of items to take.

[Kasparov05]

Headed down next week. pretty pumped!

 

Edited May 8, 2023 by Kasparov05

[Kasparov05]

On 5/6/2023 at 6:32 AM, jpdx said:

Yikes!!

Thats actually quite impressive

 

[bellken]

2 hours ago, Kasparov05 said:

Headed down next week. pretty pumped!

 

The weather forecast (take with a grain of salt) is looking great.

[shackmangolf]

On 5/3/2023 at 12:07 PM, mikedejong33 said:

I have not yet been to Bandon, but we are booked for October this year. I have a quick question: is there like a convenience store at the resort? Just for buying beers for the room, chips, snacks, smokes (for those that do that), etc. Or do you have to load up on the way there? I have been told there is a store of some sort, just trying to confirm. Thanks all!

100% load up on the way there. There are multiple liquor stores in Bandon and Coos Bay. At the resort, a beer is $8 and an airplane bottle of liquor is $8-10.  If you use Aviation Transport, you can give them a list of supplies and they will buy it for you. 

 

We typically put in a list for booze, beer, and other legal items in Oregon and they deliver all the time.  Also, we typically place an order with the Safeway in Coos Bay and pick it up along the way for the grab and go breakfast items (energy bars, bananas, etc.) and post golf / late night snacks (chips, nuts, etc.).  You can order online beforehand to save time. Or Aviation transport might pick it up for you. 

 

I would use common sense about bringing your own stuff on the course. Discretion is key.

 

Personally, I would never have a caddy and expect them to carry a six pack of my beer for 18 holes. But, I do have a flask that I keep in my bag and that keeps me going.  Also, the optics of lugging a six pack of your own beer are pretty bad and I am sure there are legal risks for the resort. 

 

If you are intent on being well hydrated at Bandon, this is what I suggest. Get a 20oz Yeti rambler with a screw top. Before each round, fill it with your cocktail of choice. Mine is about 6-8 oz of Tito's and some Fevertree tonic - with triple limes. I carry the Yeti myself and don't make the caddy carry it. Its a perfect 2-3 hour sipper.  Its discrete.  If I need more, I buy a few bandon pale ales or torpedoes at the turn. 

Edited May 9, 2023 by shackmangolf

[shackmangolf]

On 5/6/2023 at 8:23 PM, 2bGood said:

 

No issues there, but I have notice people are carrying red solo shot cups now for "birdie juice"

 

Why do people use solo shot cups? Don't people share flasks any more?  

 

Kids these days.....

[Double Mocha Man]

34 minutes ago, shackmangolf said:

Get a 20oz Yeti rambler with a screw top. Before each round, fill it with your cocktail of choice. Mine is about 6-8 oz of Tito's and some Fevertree tonic - with triple limes. I carry the Yeti myself and don't make the caddy carry it. Its a perfect 2-3 hour sipper.  Its discrete. 

 

I carry what I call my "Italian sports drink".  A well-selected Pinot Grigio.  I am rewarded with two sips after a birdie, one sip after a par and 0 sips for a bogey or above. Sometimes I'll go dry for 3 or 4 holes. On the other hand, if I make an eagle, I get to drain the container!

[ThermalDan]

3 weeks out from our 4 day trip.  Almost 10 hours on hold to schedule.  Started as a 5 day trip with 16 people.  Now a 4 day trip with 10.  Every course once.  4 of us playing Trails 2x.  Another 4 playing Sheep 2x.  I recognize that none of this matters for nothing.....just excited to get going.  I've never been down later than mid-May, so the wind has always been out of the South.  Pumped to experience the courses as they were designed, for the wind out of the North (hopefully).  I've never been a fan of PD #4, because its such a beast into the wind.  Hoping to have my mind changed.  OM #4, same thing....but I don't hate it, since its long, but doesn't have the same penalties on the edges that PD #4 has.  But it should be fun with a helping wind.

 

Feel like I've listened to every Podcast that mentions Bandon as well as watched every YouTube video.

 

Half of our group has never been before.  I'm trying to balance the advice I give to assure they have a great time (how could they not)! and not revealing too much so they get so many of those great reveals/aha moments.  What I have told them:

 

Pacific - requires you to hit a challenging tee shot or a challenging approach.  Bombed driver to the middle of the fairway isn't necessarily the best shot.

 

OM - Most like Scotland.  If you want "great shots to be rewarded", stick to the driving range.  Have to use creativity as well as swing the club.

 

Preserve - best Coore/Crenshaw greens I've played until....

 

Sheep - best Coore/Crenshaw greens I've played.  Conditions might be iffy, but sure fun to putt on

 

Trails - best Coore/Crenshaw course I've played.  Doesn't have the views, I get it, but you get the views on every other round we play.

 

Bandon - Makes you wonder what golf was like before 1999.  What did we talk/dream about when we went on a golf trip.  Brought fun back to the game and reminded us that golf is more than PGA courses that are designed to challenge the pros.

[shackmangolf]

Great advice. The advice I give first timers is always simple.

 

Forget about score. Focus on trying to hit the shots like you see them in your mind.  Make sure you show up with a fairway finder - having a second shot is the key to enjoying your trip at bandon.

 

A fairway finder is anything 200+ yards straight. 

[2bGood]

13 hours ago, shackmangolf said:

Great advice. The advice I give first timers is always simple.

 

Forget about score. Focus on trying to hit the shots like you see them in your mind.  Make sure you show up with a fairway finder - having a second shot is the key to enjoying your trip at bandon.

 

A fairway finder is anything 200+ yards straight. 

Each to their own I guess, but find in general the courses really wide open off the tee- bomb away! I will play 10 rounds and not lose a ball on some trips (and not because I hit it straight). On many holes at Old Mac you can be 100 yards off-line and still have a second shot to the green. 😁

 

Mind you my day to day course is a tight parkland course so I am used to have to aim small, miss small. 

Edited May 10, 2023 by 2bGood

[jerebear21]

I don’t have any love for sheep ranch. Outside of the last 5-6 holes it’s an 85 dollar track in Scotland. As a whole the course doesn’t have a good rhythm. It gives you a good first hole then you go in land for a lot of nothing. Hole 14-18 is pretty good with hole 17 tee box from the 16th green which for some reason they don’t allow tip to be at. Maybe it’ll get better the more I play it.