Random Bandon Thread

cer5059 · September 11

48 hours until departure, 72 hours until first ball in the air at SR

graveydellic · September 11

On 9/9/2023 at 7:23 PM, jpdx said:

Email went out last week for Jan 2025. Weekends went within hours. We got partial weekend and a few mid week days

When I called about December '24 last month, they told me it was surprisingly "slow" in regards to demand, but I am sure it filled up per usual. I've done December (solo) the last 3 years and will be going again this year and '24, and frankly I am a big proponent of it. They key is simply embracing the weather, which is easy for some, and difficult for others. Sure it's nicer to play golf in the sun and warmth, but at Bandon I am just as happy to play in 53 and rain. It beats sitting in the snow in Minneapolis in mid December. Even at that time of year when people should know what to expect, I have had times where the weather gets bad and courses clear out...great for me, I can play faster. I do find it odd though, like you book Bandon in the winter, and you get there and the weather stinks, and people cancel their tee times? You made the long journey to get there, get the rain gear on and enjoy!

Double Mocha Man · September 11

4 minutes ago, graveydellic said:

When I called about December '24 last month, they told me it was surprisingly "slow" in regards to demand, but I am sure it filled up per usual. I've done December (solo) the last 3 years and will be going again this year and '24, and frankly I am a big proponent of it. They key is simply embracing the weather, which is easy for some, and difficult for others. Sure it's nicer to play golf in the sun and warmth, but at Bandon I am just as happy to play in 53 and rain. It beats sitting in the snow in Minneapolis in mid December. Even at that time of year when people should know what to expect, I have had times where the weather gets bad and courses clear out...great for me, I can play faster. I do find it odd though, like you book Bandon in the winter, and you get there and the weather stinks, and people cancel their tee times? You made the long journey to get there, get the rain gear on and enjoy!

When I first played Pacific Dunes in December the weather was shaping up poorly. Strong winds and heavy rain in the forecast for that morning. 7 golfers showed up and only one finished.

I'll always remember how I dressed for that day. Long underwear, turtleneck, sweater, ski cap and corduroy pants.

Walking down the 18th fairway I weighed 25 more pounds than when I went off the first tee. I was a sponge!

Ryan19jwu · September 11

8 hours ago, cer5059 said:

48 hours until departure, 72 hours until first ball in the air at SR

Wednesday 3pm at Preserve. Let’s goooooooo

hh2nd · September 12

On 8/19/2023 at 2:48 PM, hh2nd said:

I texted with our caddies a few days ago about this topic. Said that Old Mac is rolling great, but not as visually appealing as usual. There are a couple of spots on holes 3, 5, and 8 that aren’t great, but outside of those spots, they said Old Mac is good.

Sheep, on the other hand, they said is very slow. Completely different speeds than the rest of the courses. Their recommendation was to play it either first round or last round, so you can enjoy the views and not have to make multiple speed adjustments throughout the trip.

the bonus of the super slow greens at Sheep is that you can probably fire at about every pin without worrying your ball will finish 50 feet from the hole (my opinion).

Headed there on Tuesday and playing everything - some more than once. Will report back!

Ok - here’s the skinny. BD, PD, and Trails are in excellent shape. Even for late season play. Old Mac is great. There are a few spots on maybe two greens that aren’t fully healed yet. But that’s it. The rest of the course is dynamite. Sheep is slow. But it will be fantastic in two years. The greens are not anywhere close to the mud/dirt they were in late June early July. Almost all bear spots have healed and the fairways are in great shape. Take the opportunity to let it fly on Sheep - play in tennis shoes, stop for beer at every turnstand, soak in the views. Play more serious golf at the rest of the courses.

Play Trails more than once if you have the opportunity. It would be a top 10 course in the country if it weren’t at this golf resort. Seriously underrated.

hh2nd · September 12

On 9/5/2023 at 10:48 PM, cer5059 said:

Heading out there next week for the first time, can't wait. Unfortunately, this thread has hit a wall the past week. Reading all the comments helped get the excitement level higher, but it has been dead.

Been checking the forecast daily, looks like the weather has been great the past few weeks. Hopefully it holds for next week

Have a blast! DM me if you need the names of a few great caddies. I have been several times and know a few good ones.

jpdx · September 12

47 minutes ago, hh2nd said:

Ok - here’s the skinny. BD, PD, and Trails are in excellent shape. Even for late season play. Old Mac is great. There are a few spots on maybe two greens that aren’t fully healed yet. But that’s it. The rest of the course is dynamite. Sheep is slow. But it will be fantastic in two years. The greens are not anywhere close to the mud/dirt they were in late June early July. Almost all bear spots have healed and the fairways are in great shape. Take the opportunity to let it fly on Sheep - play in tennis shoes, stop for beer at every turnstand, soak in the views. Play more serious golf at the rest of the courses.

Play Trails more than once if you have the opportunity. It would be a top 10 course in the country if it weren’t at this golf resort. Seriously underrated.

I like trails, but a top 10 because its at bandon? Im not sure about that, in my humble opinion.

Do you think its underrated because of the other courses (like views swaying the opinion) at the resort? In other words, it was just on its own, it would be rated higher?

While good, id say for me it’s definitely the type (woods/parkland?) and i get that regularly, which is why I personally have it 4th on my list. I also prefer the actual course design better in my top 3.

hh2nd · September 12

Just now, jpdx said:

I like trails, but a top 10 because its at bandon? Im not sure about that, in my humble opinion.

Do you think its underrated because of the other courses (like views swaying the opinion) at the resort? In other words, it was just on its own, it would be rated higher?

While good, id say for me it’s definitely the type (woods/parkland?) and i get that regularly, which is why I personally have it 4th on my list. I also prefer the actual course design better in my top 3.

I mean that the course is underrated because it is at Bandon and is the non ocean course. You start with an ocean view, descend down the dunes to the meadow, play through the woods, have a whole property view, down elevation on 14 and back up on 16, then an excellent couple of finishing holes … back with an ocean view. I think it is the best course on the property. Sure the other courses have better holes. I mean, 16 at BD, 13 at PD, 7 at Old Mac… but entire layout- I think Trails wins.

mallrat · September 12

I honestly feel that Trails is the one course there you could pick up and put anywhere and it would be just as good. It doesn’t depend on views or coastline for holes (which there is nothing wrong with that). The fact that it is basically a parkland course that plays like a true links is so unique. IMO, it suffers from being at the resort.

eboettne · September 12

9 hours ago, mallrat said:

I honestly feel that Trails is the one course there you could pick up and put anywhere and it would be just as good. It doesn’t depend on views or coastline for holes (which there is nothing wrong with that). The fact that it is basically a parkland course that plays like a true links is so unique. IMO, it suffers from being at the resort.

Been saying this for so long, how many other courses in the country compare? Where else are you playing a dream routing through thick trees, elevation changes but also playing the ball along the ground?

graveydellic · September 12

4 hours ago, eboettne said:

Been saying this for so long, how many other courses in the country compare? Where else are you playing a dream routing through thick trees, elevation changes but also playing the ball along the ground?

I have played many of the revered private courses in this country, but if you gave me one course to play the rest of my life, Trails would be in consideration. I know it's not for everyone, and I know people want to be on the ocean at the resort, but it speaks to me. It's such an amazing walk. I've played it four times, and I have always played it solo. Spiritual for me, especially once I get to 9-13. 9 is probably not that interesting to most, but when I am walking up to that green that is tucked so neatly amongst the pines, I just feel something.

I don't have it on the itinerary for my trip in December as it's closed 1 day, but hopefully I can fit in a few holes. Staying at Round Lake so at least I'll be able to have some views.

jpdx · September 12

14 hours ago, mallrat said:

I honestly feel that Trails is the one course there you could pick up and put anywhere and it would be just as good. It doesn’t depend on views or coastline for holes (which there is nothing wrong with that). The fact that it is basically a parkland course that plays like a true links is so unique. IMO, it suffers from being at the resort.

Hey @mallrat. Hope youre doing well! I definitely agree that its unique. Parkland playing links is awesome - and though i prefer om/pd/bd to trails, to me part of the allure of differing golf courses HAS to include the beauty of the nature its in - whether its parkland, links, desert or whatever else. My personal top 10 have a mix of those. Top 5 or 6 have one common theme though - no houses along the course and beautiful nature (trails makes it in the top 6).

jrg75 · September 12

1 hour ago, graveydellic said:

I have played many of the revered private courses in this country, but if you gave me one course to play the rest of my life, Trails would be in consideration. I know it's not for everyone, and I know people want to be on the ocean at the resort, but it speaks to me. It's such an amazing walk. I've played it four times, and I have always played it solo. Spiritual for me, especially once I get to 9-13. 9 is probably not that interesting to most, but when I am walking up to that green that is tucked so neatly amongst the pines, I just feel something.

I don't have it on the itinerary for my trip in December as it's closed 1 day, but hopefully I can fit in a few holes. Staying at Round Lake so at least I'll be able to have some views.

Well said! Views at ocean courses are hard to beat but 9-13 at Trails are probably my favorite 5 holes anywhere.

eboettne · September 12

3 hours ago, graveydellic said:

I have played many of the revered private courses in this country, but if you gave me one course to play the rest of my life, Trails would be in consideration. I know it's not for everyone, and I know people want to be on the ocean at the resort, but it speaks to me. It's such an amazing walk. I've played it four times, and I have always played it solo. Spiritual for me, especially once I get to 9-13. 9 is probably not that interesting to most, but when I am walking up to that green that is tucked so neatly amongst the pines, I just feel something.

I don't have it on the itinerary for my trip in December as it's closed 1 day, but hopefully I can fit in a few holes. Staying at Round Lake so at least I'll be able to have some views.

Yes to all of this. I think hole 9 is a great hole. It's gettable but you have the fairway bunkers to deal with, on the 2nd the trees edging in on the right make a layup uncomfortable but going for the green requires a good swing too. I'm such a fan of holes 11-13. Of all the courses I've played it's up there with holes 6-8 at Pebble for my favorite 3 hole stretch.

pgetzen · September 14

On 9/12/2023 at 12:13 PM, graveydellic said:

I have played many of the revered private courses in this country, but if you gave me one course to play the rest of my life, Trails would be in consideration. I know it's not for everyone, and I know people want to be on the ocean at the resort, but it speaks to me. It's such an amazing walk. I've played it four times, and I have always played it solo. Spiritual for me, especially once I get to 9-13. 9 is probably not that interesting to most, but when I am walking up to that green that is tucked so neatly amongst the pines, I just feel something.

I don't have it on the itinerary for my trip in December as it's closed 1 day, but hopefully I can fit in a few holes. Staying at Round Lake so at least I'll be able to have some views.

Hey, jumping in on this, and had a question. I’ve played all the courses at Bandon except for Trails, and going to play it in early November. How would you say the difficulty of the walk is versus the other courses there? I have heard about one hole where you are walking straight uphill? Thanks

graveydellic · September 14

19 minutes ago, pgetzen said:

Hey, jumping in on this, and had a question. I’ve played all the courses at Bandon except for Trails, and going to play it in early November. How would you say the difficulty of the walk is versus the other courses there? I have heard about one hole where you are walking straight uphill? Thanks

People generally regard Trails as the toughest walk on property, but I still don't think it's that bad. You generally face less wind at Trails, which helps. There definitely seems like more elevation changes. The walk up the ridge after hole 13 can be tough (and then you get on the back of a pickup truck to take you to 14 tee which is further up). The hole you heard about is probably 16. It's legitimately a beast...long par 5 up a decent grade. You'll be winded at the top.

That said, nothing to be alarmed about. Immerse yourself in the walk that is Trails, stop and look around when you need a break, and enjoy the course.

VNutz · September 14

I think all the courses at Bandon are an easy walk, if you're used to walking. You have to plan it that way if you're not going to allow carts. I think Trails is an easy walk as well. It has some elevation changes, but from what I recall most are pretty gradual. #7 has a fairly long uphill to the green, but it's gentle. The climb from 13-14 can be a challenge, I'm surprised they don't have a different solution to that. Hole 16 the last 250-300 yards is fairly uphill. But beyond that most of the course is pretty flat. Just have a look at the course preview on the website and you can get a feel for all of it.

pgetzen · September 14

18 minutes ago, graveydellic said:

People generally regard Trails as the toughest walk on property, but I still don't think it's that bad. You generally face less wind at Trails, which helps. There definitely seems like more elevation changes. The walk up the ridge after hole 13 can be tough (and then you get on the back of a pickup truck to take you to 14 tee which is further up). The hole you heard about is probably 16. It's legitimately a beast...long par 5 up a decent grade. You'll be winded at the top.

That said, nothing to be alarmed about. Immerse yourself in the walk that is Trails, stop and look around when you need a break, and enjoy the course.

Thanks for that. I used to walk all my rounds, but when I moved to central Oregon, the course I joined doesn’t have many walking rounds. They allow it, but it’s not designed well for walking. So shouldn’t be an issue, but I did hear about that long uphill climb!

jvincent · September 14

2 hours ago, pgetzen said:

Hey, jumping in on this, and had a question. I’ve played all the courses at Bandon except for Trails, and going to play it in early November. How would you say the difficulty of the walk is versus the other courses there? I have heard about one hole where you are walking straight uphill? Thanks

Trails is the hardest walk on the property. That hole would be the 16th. Par 5, uphill all the way.

That being said, none of the Bandon courses are what I would consider a hard walk.

Caveat #1, I walk and carry all my rounds at home. Caveat #2, I played the Solstice this year and carried my first two rounds (Trails and Old Mac) and was fine.

spud3 · September 14

Been reading the comments about Trails. I just got back from a few days at Pinehurst (longer write up is coming), and one of the the first things that came to mind as I was going around #2 was how much the design felt like Trails. I'll chalk a lot of that up to C&C's paying very close attention to Donald Ross' works. I think that speaks to the comment about picking up Trails and placing it anywhere else on its own and it would rate much higher in the eyes of the golf course raters. The shot values at Trails compare very well with the shot values and strategies around #2 (and Fazio's #8, for that matter). Setting aside that the resort experiences are vastly different at the two places, I'll take any Bandon course over anything that PH has to offer. Which is not to say that I disliked any of the courses there. They were all great. But mallrat's comments about the uniqueness of playing a parkland course on the ground is spot on.

jimwgt26 · September 15

Heading to Bandon next month for my second trip. I have six rounds plus The Preserve scheduled on all the courses. This might sound weird, but I would love to only play Old Mac and Pacific. I think getting to know specific courses really is intriguing. I played Trails last time, It's beautiful and amazing. However, this trip, I'm not feeling it. Having said all that, once I'm there and looking to get in as many holes as I can, I'm sure this will override my OM/ PD sentiment.

ALo314 · September 15

Just got back last night. Will give a full break down later on. Have a ton of work to get caught back on. Here's a few of the thousands of pics we got.

2bGood · September 17

On 9/14/2023 at 11:10 AM, pgetzen said:

Hey, jumping in on this, and had a question. I’ve played all the courses at Bandon except for Trails, and going to play it in early November. How would you say the difficulty of the walk is versus the other courses there? I have heard about one hole where you are walking straight uphill? Thanks

I will take a crack at this and hope others will add and refine. The courses ranked by difficulty walking it from easiest to hardest.

Bandon Dunes (easy) base line

Pacifics Dunes (easy) 1% harder than BD

Sheep Ranch (easy) 2% harder than BD

Old McDonald (easy) 5% harder than BD

Trails (easy) - 10% harder than BD

I am sure my placement of SR will start some conversation. But basically every course is easy in my view, but some have the odd hole that will take moderate effort.

The "Walking Golfer" that rates courses does put Trails in the "moderate" category, while all other easy.

Edited September 18 by 2bGood

eboettne · September 17

Hole 16 at Trails into a driving rain was the worst walk I've had there and I was still laughing as I walked up the hill backwards.

jpdx · September 18

On 9/17/2023 at 4:38 PM, 2bGood said:

I will take a crack at this and hope others will add and refine. The courses ranked by difficulty walking it from easiest to hardest.

Bandon Dunes (easy) base line

Pacifics Dunes (easy) 1% harder than BD

Sheep Ranch (easy) 2% harder than BD

Old McDonald (easy) 5% harder than BD

Trails (easy) - 10% harder than BD

I am sure my placement of SR will start some conversation. But basically every course is easy in my view, but some have the odd hole that will take moderate effort.

The "Walking Golfer" that rates courses does put Trails in the "moderate" category, while all other easy.

Absolutely agree with that ranking. I wont try to place a percentage difference though. I will say that if youve got wind and rain, old mac and sheep can get taxing and i would argue, a harder walk.

cer5059 · September 18

Got in at 2 this morning after being out there since Wednesday afternoon. All I can saw is, wow. The trip was an all-time trip. The views and the golf were amazing. We played each course once and the Preserve twice. We hit up the range Wednesday afternoon to hit a few balls and then grabbed some beers and played the PB. What a great way to start off the trip. Our first round of the trip was Thursday morning at Sheep Ranch followed by 18 at Old Mac. I was a bit skeptical going in with everyone talking about the greens, but when we were on the putting green I heard one worker say to another how much better the greens have gotten since June and that they are rolling good, and that kind of made all the worries go away. The tee shot on 1 is definitely in the top 5 of shots with a view on the property and it being our very first hole made it that much better. I'm not sure what happened to me during this round, perhaps it was the rush of finally being here combined with an absolutely perfect morning, sun out, very little wind, but I had an incredible round. Ended up making 5 birdies on the round, holes 1, 3, 13, 15 and 18 and shot a 73.

Old Mac was beautiful. Started off by birding the first hole again, but unlike the morning round, this would be the only birdie for the round. Once you make the little climb up the third hole and pass the tree, it's like you've entered another world. The undulation of the course and especially the greens sure is something. The views looking out over PD and all of the bunkers on the course is amazing. Being the second round of the day and a bit tired from the travel the day before, I faded down the stretch. Holes 15, 16 and 17 kicked my butt. The restaurant on 18 is going to be a great addition. Sitting there, drinking a beer after 36, watching people finish on 18, it'll be very nice.

Friday we play PD in the morning, grabbed some lunch, played 9 on the PB and then made our way over to the Preserve for evening of fun. Being able to play as an 8some made for some great entertainment. The view on the 9th hole here might be one of the best on the entire property, especially playing it at sunset.

Saturday we finished with Dunes in the morning with Trails in the afternoon, followed by an emergency 13 at the Preserve to cap off the trip. I definitely struggled this day as all the walking finally caught up. My knees were aching and I am not sure how I was able to go 13 more, but it was all worth it. I played my worst at Trails, which is unfortunate, as I think this was my favorite course. Even though you don't get those ocean views that you get at the other courses, the scenery and wilderness views you do get are just as good. If I return, and I am going to do my best to make it happen, I wouldn't save this course for last. I want to be able to play it when I have a bit more energy and have a chance to score better.

The trip was 100/10 and I hope I can make it back. The weather was great, wore shorts all 3 days and didn't need the rain gear. The food was delicious, ate at McKee's three nights and The Forge one night then had lunch at Pacific Grill and Trails End. Hospitality was great and the place never felt crowded.

My final course ranking:

Trails

Bandon/Pacific/Sheep

Old Mac

Edited September 18 by cer5059

007iron · September 19

Great report! First timer recaps are the best!

Where'd you travel from (where's home)? What airport did you fly into (if you flew)? And where on property did you stay for lodging?

cer5059 · September 19

4 hours ago, 007iron said:

Great report! First timer recaps are the best!

Where'd you travel from (where's home)? What airport did you fly into (if you flew)? And where on property did you stay for lodging?

I traveled from PHL->SFO->OTH then we had a round trip shuttle service pick us up and bring us to and from the resort.

We stayed in Lilly Pond, which is perfect, as long as you don't mind sharing a room with someone. With how little we were in the room, I dont see the point in spending more money on accomodations, if you don't need to. It was a perfect location in that we could walk to the main lodge for breakfast. I'd definitely stay here again

ALo314 · September 20

Day 1 - The Preserve + Old Mac

As we drove down the coastline, the excitement continued to build. The Ford Expedition was jam packed with 6 of us and all the belongings we figured we needed for our voyage to the Oregon coast mecca.

As we pulled in, the butterflies were scrambling as we all piled out and started to unpack our clubs. We walked up the hill, bags strapped to our back, ready to take on the Preserve as a gentle welcome to Bandon golf.

What a perfect start to what would be a fantastic trip. The par 3 helped with learning the turf interaction of the clubs, how the ball moves on the poa, and how the wind can swirl on various holes. What a fun walk to stretch our legs as we got ready for the next few days.

After we finished our 13 hole loop, we drove straight to Old Mac. We met our caddies for the afternoon and paced around as we were too excited to relax as we waited the 45 minutes to our tee time.

We strolled to the the first tee after we watched the group in front of us tee off. We spun a tee and determined our order. I was the lucky soul who got to send our first official ball downrange at Bandon. A rush of excitement and emotion swept over me as I stood over the ball.

The first two holes at Mac are a gentle handshake from Doak and Urbina, and the last time you'll be somewhat sheltered from the coastal breezes until you get to the 16th green. After you hit your blind tee shot on 3 (deathly afraid not to hit the iconic ghost tree that's a literal "tower of Pisa" at this point) you drop down into the huge bowl of sand dunes for the next 13 holes.

The tribute to CB Macdonald is more than a mere nod. The mammoth greens and myriad of bunkers make each shot one that would be difficult to replicate until you've played Old Mac countless times.

My most memorable holes here were #8 (the biarritz), the stretch from 14-16 (par 4-5-4), and the finishing hole with the punchbowl green.

As I walked off of the 18th green, with the soon to open Ghost Tree Grill a mere flip wedge away, I knew that this property, this trip, was going to be as special as I imagined.

I am truly blessed to have such incredible friends to bring me along with them on this journey. It doesn't hurt that they are professional photographers 😍