Random Bandon Thread

[rooski]

2 minutes ago, sbjinx said:

Had the fish and chips at the Broken Anchor and it was excellent. Thanks for the recommendation. 

 

Glad you enjoyed it! I'll definitely be going back when I make it back to Bandon

 

I can almost feel the high you're on right now the night before playing out there for the first time tomorrow, right after dinner in the town of Bandon. Enjoy the trip (although it would be hard not to). 

 

Also just to keep you excited, I think SR is the least inspired course out there and it's still wonderful so it only gets better from tomorrow

Edited September 19, 2021 by rooski

[thechief16]

On 9/17/2021 at 10:51 PM, spud3 said:

Tony's Crab Shack is our go-to for lunches and early dinner (they close around 6, if memory serves).  Edgewater is good, too.

 

On the way down, Sharkbite Cafe' in Coos Bay is stellar, and the only reason to stop in that town (sorry rooski!)

Another vote for Sharkbite Cafe. Sick fish tacos. 

[graveydellic]

Couple random questions...is there generally a "lull" at the resort around Christmas?  As in the days leading up to and the 4-5 days that follow?  I thought I recalled someone last year saying it was really quiet at that time of year.  

 

Secondly, given very short days at end of December, best hope for golf is to get in 27 holes, although 36 is probably theoretically possible if timed perfectly, does that sound right?  I was there first week of January so I should recall, but it escapes me right now.

 

Trying to rope my dad into a trip the day after Christmas...seems to be working.  

[Lefty_89]

2 minutes ago, graveydellic said:

Couple random questions...is there generally a "lull" at the resort around Christmas?  As in the days leading up to and the 4-5 days that follow?  I thought I recalled someone last year saying it was really quiet at that time of year.  

 

Secondly, given very short days at end of December, best hope for golf is to get in 27 holes, although 36 is probably theoretically possible if timed perfectly, does that sound right?  I was there first week of January so I should recall, but it escapes me right now.

 

Trying to rope my dad into a trip the day after Christmas...seems to be working.  

 

I'll be there in December - group trip a couple weeks before XMas and then I am staying a couple nights extra as a single. Leaving property on the 23rd.

 

It was incredibly easy for me to set-up my solo schedule. Although I will admit they have some course maintenance blocks; if I remember correctly Sheep was closed on the 22nd.

 

From what Reservations told me, daylight around that time ends around 4:45pm, so I booked accordingly. I am first group off on the 21st and 22nd with replays in the afternoon at 1PM (or sooner if I can get there quicker). 27 shouldn't be a problem but I'll definitely be pushing for 36.

 

Call the resort and make it happen!

 

[sbjinx]

Prob get flamed for this but the grandma’s meat loaf at the pub wasn't that good. 
 

The courses however is everything I expected and more. And sheep ranch is cool but prob my least favorite (and when we played there was zero wind). The views are nice and couple of great holes, but that’s about it. The other courses were way better in my opinion. 

 

[Lefty_89]

Thought the same thing about the meatloaf last year. I ordered it to go and chalked it up to that being the reason...

[MileHighGuye]

Just an FYI. Restaurant at Bandon trails is closed for dinner through October. Arrive next week and was told through reservations. 
 

all due to staffing shortages. 

Edited September 22, 2021 by bradleyguye

[VNutz]

In the end it's still meatloaf. If you grew up on hearty meals like that you'll understand, if you've not had it much before you'll be underwhelmed. I've enjoyed it both times I had it, and can't wait to try it again.

[dcmidnight]

16 minutes ago, VNutz said:

In the end it's still meatloaf. If you grew up on hearty meals like that you'll understand, if you've not had it much before you'll be underwhelmed. I've enjoyed it both times I had it, and can't wait to try it again.

 

Its just OK, didn't blow me away, its meatloaf.

 

[buzlin]

On 9/20/2021 at 8:16 PM, sbjinx said:

Prob get flamed for this but the grandma’s meat loaf at the pub wasn't that good. 
 

The courses however is everything I expected and more. And sheep ranch is cool but prob my least favorite (and when we played there was zero wind). The views are nice and couple of great holes, but that’s about it. The other courses were way better in my opinion. 

 

I think the prep of the meatloaf hasn't been great in the last few years.  I seems over worked, making it firm/tough.  And also like they prep a TON of them beforehand, so who knows how many days pass before yours gets reheated.  That said, I don't really know what I'm talking about, just nerding out and speculating.

 

I agree with you on SR.  Though I'm holding out judgement until the course matures.  To me, it felt unfinished.

[sbjinx]

On 9/14/2021 at 9:02 PM, rooski said:

 

Coos Golf Club is the course I grew up on for 15 years and was my high school's golf course, you should play it and let me know what you think 🙂

 

It's no Bandon but it's a really special little track and the new ownership has made it even better. Coastal wetlands, some uniquely interesting holes

 

Couple of my favorite holes out there

 

 

 

Coos Golf club was so much fun. The walk up #5 through the woods onto the tee box was really cool, and loved the par 3 #7 and #13. For anyone looking for a filler round highly recommend it. And on the way out we stopped by the Boat Fish Chips. The Shepherd pie at McKee’s was my fav meal of the trip but the fish at Boat is #2. 
 

thanks everyone for the tips, recommendations, etc. Once I get back I’ll prob post a new thread with my thoughts etc but the trip was amazing and can’t wait to go back

 

[MileHighGuye]

Does anyone know where you can buy Bandon Pale Ale outside of the resort? Trying to stock up on my arrival. Assuming they sell them outside of the resort..

[MongoSmash]

That’s why America is great…SR is my favorite! Also, my playing partner ranked it #1. 
infinity green par 3s, holes RIGHT ON the ocean. Just love it. 👍

[duffer987]

17 hours ago, bradleyguye said:

Does anyone know where you can buy Bandon Pale Ale outside of the resort? Trying to stock up on my arrival. Assuming they sell them outside of the resort..

I'm pretty sure I've seen it in Rays in town.

It's brewed by these guys out of Eugene https://www.hopvalleybrewing.com/beers/more-beers/ who will be in all the stores as they are a pretty big regional player, of course Bandon pale is not one of their regular ones as such. They have a brewpub just off I5 in Eugene/Springfield to stop at if passing through.

Edited September 23, 2021 by duffer987

[ucmike11]

These courses have no match...it was the worst feeling in the world driving away from the resort.

[blink3665]

On 9/9/2021 at 8:47 AM, dcmidnight said:

 

Do you use your 60 a lot at home? Bring what you use at home and you'll be just fine. I heard "leave your lob wedge at home" over and over again - I think its got to be on a Top 5 list of bad or overrated Bandon advice. I use my 62 all the time at home and I used it a lot at BD. Bring what you've always used. Did I putt a lot from off the green - absolutely. But there was still a ton of opportunity to use it around the greens.

 

And if you have a driving iron you dont use at home - dont think its just going to start working for you just bc you are out there LOL.

 

Although this was already decided, I wanted to give my $0.02. I agree that you should bring and play the clubs that you normally play. I brought an extra driving iron, and an extra low bounce wedge. I dont normally play either of those clubs. Guess what? They both stayed in the room. I wanted to play with the clubs that I am most comfortable with, and had the highest chance of success in my incapable hands. Changing to a different club while playing these bucket list courses didnt seem like a good idea for me. What if I mishit the "new" club? What if I have a shot I know would perfectly suit my normal clubs, and I dont have them? So many what-ifs, that I figured I would dance with the one that brought me.

 

On 9/22/2021 at 4:48 PM, MongoSmash said:

That’s why America is great…SR is my favorite! Also, my playing partner ranked it #1. 
infinity green par 3s, holes RIGHT ON the ocean. Just love it. 👍

 

I loved SR. I think it was my favorite course. I agree that some of the holes can feel a little crowded, but the payoff on all the ocean holes is a worthwhile trade. That being said, I also agree that the course is not mature, and could change over the next years.

 

3 hours ago, ucmike11 said:

These courses have no match...it was the worst feeling in the world driving away from the resort.

 

 

Right? As we drove out, I found myself wondering about liquidating all my assets, homeschooling the kids, and moving to Bandon. As we took the left off the property and onto the highway I just couldnt believe the trip was over. I dont get many multi night golf trips, so I knew that the next time I made it out was going to MANY years. Downright sickening feeling driving away. LOL

[ucmike11]

34 minutes ago, blink3665 said:

 

Although this was already decided, I wanted to give my $0.02. I agree that you should bring and play the clubs that you normally play. I brought an extra driving iron, and an extra low bounce wedge. I dont normally play either of those clubs. Guess what? They both stayed in the room. I wanted to play with the clubs that I am most comfortable with, and had the highest chance of success in my incapable hands. Changing to a different club while playing these bucket list courses didnt seem like a good idea for me. What if I mishit the "new" club? What if I have a shot I know would perfectly suit my normal clubs, and I dont have them? So many what-ifs, that I figured I would dance with the one that brought me.

 

 

I loved SR. I think it was my favorite course. I agree that some of the holes can feel a little crowded, but the payoff on all the ocean holes is a worthwhile trade. That being said, I also agree that the course is not mature, and could change over the next years.

 

 

Right? As we drove out, I found myself wondering about liquidating all my assets, homeschooling the kids, and moving to Bandon. As we took the left off the property and onto the highway I just couldnt believe the trip was over. I dont get many multi night golf trips, so I knew that the next time I made it out was going to MANY years. Downright sickening feeling driving away. LOL

 

After asking about the 60 degree wedge, I ended up keeping it in the bag, I only used it once over the whole trip 🏌️‍♀️ I also only used my 20* hybrid on two shots, so I could have left that in the room too!

 

 

 

Edited September 29, 2021 by ucmike11

[Lefty_89]

Man I love those benches...

[Edaw68]

That almost black and white photo of Trails#5 is phenomenal.

[Jeffrey Krauss]

Hey all!  Thanks for all the great info in this thread - it has been wonderful to read and learn about the area.

 

It is looking like I might be in the general vicinity in the middle of December this year and I'm thinking of trying to add on a visit to Bandon for a few days.  I'm going to call tomorrow to see if there is any lodging available but I'm expecting things are booked up so I wanted to check my understanding of how things work for staying offsite.  

 

First off, it seems like Bandon Inn or the Inn at Old Town are the recommended lodging for a basic place to stay - any other recommendations?

 

Next, for tee times, I can call and get them 21 days before I arrive - will I have any challenges getting times as a single at that time of year?  I'm assuming not but before booking flights and stuff I wanted to check.

 

Thanks!

-Jeff

[shackmangolf]

I called the resort a month ago to book a couple trips. The entire summer of 2022 is sold out. 100% booked. Its going to be crazy next year and I don't know how they can keep the courses in good shape. SR is already is horrible shape. 

[duffer987]

2 hours ago, shackmangolf said:

I called the resort a month ago to book a couple trips. The entire summer of 2022 is sold out. 100% booked. Its going to be crazy next year and I don't know how they can keep the courses in good shape. SR is already is horrible shape. 

When did you last play it and what makes the conditions horrible?

[Seamus_MacDuff]

2 hours ago, shackmangolf said:

I called the resort a month ago to book a couple trips. The entire summer of 2022 is sold out. 100% booked. Its going to be crazy next year and I don't know how they can keep the courses in good shape. SR is already is horrible shape. 

It's not that Sheep Ranch is *already* in horrible shape, it's just that the course opened before the turf had a chance to completely grow-in and properly establish itself. Conditions should be better next year with another growing season under its belt.

[2bGood]

21 hours ago, ucmike11 said:

 

After asking about the 60 degree wedge, I ended up keeping it in the bag, I only used it once over the whole trip 🏌️‍♀️ I also only used my 20* hybrid on two shots, so I could have left that in the room too!

 

 

 

 

I find  I carry around 11 clubs at Bandon typically. Over the years I find I don't need my 52* or 56* (I play my 60* out of the sand) I also find I don't need my 3 wood. I hit driver off the tee just about everywhere and I find the 3wood rarely is needed or wanted from the fairway. The slightly lighter bag on back helps with the 36. 

 

10 hours ago, Jeffrey Krauss said:

Hey all!  Thanks for all the great info in this thread - it has been wonderful to read and learn about the area.

 

It is looking like I might be in the general vicinity in the middle of December this year and I'm thinking of trying to add on a visit to Bandon for a few days.  I'm going to call tomorrow to see if there is any lodging available but I'm expecting things are booked up so I wanted to check my understanding of how things work for staying offsite.  

 

First off, it seems like Bandon Inn or the Inn at Old Town are the recommended lodging for a basic place to stay - any other recommendations?

 

Next, for tee times, I can call and get them 21 days before I arrive - will I have any challenges getting times as a single at that time of year?  I'm assuming not but before booking flights and stuff I wanted to check.

 

Thanks!

-Jeff

 

Singles should be fine.

 

3 hours ago, shackmangolf said:

I called the resort a month ago to book a couple trips. The entire summer of 2022 is sold out. 100% booked. Its going to be crazy next year and I don't know how they can keep the courses in good shape. SR is already is horrible shape. 

 

Bandon has been booked up for years. The turf is tough and holds up very well. They also regularly rotate one of the course out of play (like every week on course gets down most of the year). I think it will be fine.

 

SR is new and not mature yet. 

[T2GRNN2]

Bandon's online shop has Christmas ornaments at $48/ea for each of the courses.  Website says they are handmade with 24K gold plating.  Does anyone know if they have less expensive ones in the proshops?  I will be there in late November and was hoping to get one for each course, but not at $48/ea.

[2bGood]

39 minutes ago, T2GRNN2 said:

Bandon's online shop has Christmas ornaments at $48/ea for each of the courses.  Website says they are handmade with 24K gold plating.  Does anyone know if they have less expensive ones in the proshops?  I will be there in late November and was hoping to get one for each course, but not at $48/ea.

This post would utterly confuse any golfer that read it from 10 years or more ago. 

[Serenity Now]

I leave my 60, gap wedge & 3 wood home when I go. Hit knock downs with PW on in between shots. I find that the down wind holes are reachable with a 7 wood and the headwind holes are 3 shot'rs no matter how hard you swing.  I love the challenge of having to flight the ball. A small ultra light bag with only 11 clubs is ideal for 36 (I have carried for as many as 67 in one day)

 

I have been several times as a single (even in high season) and you can always get out earlier than the time they assign you. Just ask them to look at tee sheet in BD pro shop upon arrival and they should be able to take care of you. 

 

I am going next month with my best friend of 45 years. His first trip after hearing me rave for the last 8 years. Will be interesting to hear what his favorites are. My list changes every trip. Now I  don't rank them 1-6, I theme them and even that changes every trip

 

Pacific-Best Test  (You must stay focused the entire round or it will bite you)

Trails-Most Authentic ( I think it is the finest golf course I have ever played and it doesn't need to be on beach)

Old Mac-Most Imagination ( Sometimes gets a bad rap. This is the golf course that truly made me fall in love with links golf. )

Sheep-Most Scoreable (If you catch it on a day with no wind, you can shoot a good score & the views are not too bad)

BD-Best Experience (My favorite golf course in the world)

Preserve-Most joy (play this with your buddies and tell me you have had more fun on a golf course...ever!)

 

 

[ucmike11]

10 hours ago, Serenity Now said:

I leave my 60, gap wedge & 3 wood home when I go. Hit knock downs with PW on in between shots. I find that the down wind holes are reachable with a 7 wood and the headwind holes are 3 shot'rs no matter how hard you swing.  I love the challenge of having to flight the ball. A small ultra light bag with only 11 clubs is ideal for 36 (I have carried for as many as 67 in one day)

 

 

 

 

I hit the best stinger 3 wood of my life on Pacific's par 5 12th hole into a crazy wind.  On a normal day, I would be over the green chipping back on.  But with the gusts blowing, I was still 70 yards short haha.  I didnt try to make Par 5's in 2 much after that!

[dutz]

Played in the Barstool Qualifier at Erin Hills with a buddy of mine that had never been on a golf only trip.  We went to SV for a few days before playing at Erin two days in a row.  He was hooked when we drove onto the property.  He never really understood what all my fuss was about when I talked about Bandon, but on the first day at SV he said I have to go.   
 

About 10 days ago, after we talked about it for a month, I called out to the resort and booked 3 days at the end of March 2022.  The last 3 years I have been with my family, but schedules didn’t work out for the winter/spring so my buddy and I are going to go.   We are currently on the wait list for one additional night on either side of the booked dates, but we were able to get two different types of rooms for both nights.  
 

This was the first time I had difficulty booking tee times.  We are all over the map.  The reservations department was very confident in it all working out based upon their experiences, and I am too with a couple visits under my belt.  Here is the initial itinerary:

 

March 2022:

26th - fly to Eugene early, hoping to get an afternoon tee time, need a room. 
27th - 10:40 Old Mac - round lake room. Hoping to get an earlier time, throw in a PM round. 
28th - 9:10 Trails, 2:30 Dunes, round lake room.

29th - 9:20 Sheep Ranch, 2:50 Pacific, drive back to Eugene. 
30th - fly home

 

Ideally, a room in the 26th would be great, moving Old Mac up on the 27th, and adding a time on Pacific and Bandon the 26th and 27th would be perfect scenario for me.  The last guaranteed to finish time is 2:30.  Pacific will be close, but by the end of the 7th round we will be limping in anyway.   
 

Those times work out in a good way if it wasn’t to change, ease into the experience and get to see all the tracks once.  I’ve posted about it before, I’m not a big fan of Old Mac or Sheep, but being his first time he has to see them all to make up his own mind. We left OM off the itinerary when I was in March of ‘21, and talked about leaving SR the next time we go.  Just keeping the 3 course loop of BT, BD, and PD to maximize the courses we like. 

 

No formal times booked on the preserve, we will throw it in at the end of one of the days to be the free third round.  This is how we did it this past March, it was the first week of March, so this being the last we have plenty of daylight.   May be too much go, go, go, for some folks, but that’s what I’m out there to do! 

[duffer987]

23 hours ago, 2bGood said:

This post would utterly confuse any golfer that read it from 10 years or more ago. 

Indeed. Back in the day... well OK only 8 or 9 years ago we joked with a mate who was in sports merch at the time he was missing a trick - imagine all the Bandon-branded tat you could sell?!

They are definitely making up for lost time.

I like me some headwear, but really that's about the only thing I've been consistently buying the past 10yrs.