2020: Bandon or Scotland

[philsRHman]

Thought you guys would have some perspective here, especially with our friends from Scotland making the trip. For a long time, St Andrews was No 1 on my bucket list and Bandon was a distant No. 2. Living in NJ the joke is accurate, I can get to the Old Course easier than to Old MAC. This March everything broke right and did Bandon and I am absolutely obsessed with the place now. Can’t stop thinking about returning. But how can I so easily cast aside Scotland? I am saving for another big trip in 2020 or 2021. I can’t imagine not returning to BD but shouldn’t I go see Scotland for the first time vs Bandon for the second?

I know it’s a tough one to crowd source but I’d love your perspectives. Much like my whirlwind BD planning when you guys convinced me it’s not impossible to get to and not insanely expensive, I value the opinions here greatly. Thanks in advance.

[Yank8823]

Finally was able to wrangle up a group of 8 and OFFICIALLY booked Bandon lodging for June 2020 today! Will be everyone's first time, and we couldn't be more excited! I think alot of it has to do with the great reviews, feedback and photos from fellow members that we've been reading. Scotland trip is tentatively a few years off for me, but couldn't be more excited about Bandon next year, already! In your case, it sounds like either would be an awesome experience, I may be slightly biased for new adventures.

[buzlin]

Phils,

For me, I'd think it comes down to two things 1) are you going to continue to make these epic "bucket list" trips, or are they really one and done? 2) How old are you?

If funds/time are going to limit the number of these types of trips, then you gotta get to Scotland. Or, if you're fighting father time, then you gotta go abroad in that case as well.

If you know you'll eventually get across the pond at some point, and Bandon has your attention, then scratch that itch. Over and over again.

[duffer987]

Go to Scotland.

I'm fortunate enough to do both and I don't think anyone here would doubt my fondness for Bandon, but really playing in the UK and Ireland is different gravy.

[puttnforthe8]

I have a couple of thoughts on this choice that would help me:

1. Bandon, while perfectly fine solo, is exponentially better with a group; while a Scotland (Ireland) trip can be done alone and will be wonderful.

2. Bandon is adding the 5th course soon, so you could wait until it is built out and open - post-2020 >> then you get 5 courses. :)

3. Scotland trips are more than golf, there is a lot to see and do; Bandon is golf!

4. Bandon has different options for a trip - PM me if you want more info; Scotland is more of needing a 'agency' or winging it

5. Scotland will have driving (not that is a negative) to get to the better courses; Bandon are all in the same place.

 

Personally, I would do Scotland first - you never know what changes can come about and never allow you to get to a different country; etc.

enjoy either way

[Edaw68]

As puttnforthe8 mentions, for me it would come down to pure golf vacation versus vacation with golf. Bandon is all about golf and that's really about it. My first Scotland trip is in 2 weeks, and while golf is the focus, there's other stuff on the agenda. The ease of travel is a big decision point. I'm in the opposite boat from you living in the NW, so it's not to arduous to get to Bandon, but getting to the UK requires a bunch of plane/airport time. So I've done a bunch of Bandon before Scotland.

[kaschreiber]

Echoing what everyone here said, in my mind it comes down to only one question- is this the last big trip you'll take (at least that's what you're telling yourself now?). If it is- go to Scotland so you never have to wonder "what if." In my mind, Scotland will be an amazing trip, even if it doesn't stack up to Bandon in your eyes. An amazing trip > "what if." I have the benefit of being a bit younger and not strapped down financially- as much as I have enjoyed Bandon, I still have Pinehurst, Sand Valley, Ireland/Scotland/UK on my to do list that will likely take precedent over a return to Bandon (after our second trip there this Oct).

[philsRHman]

All great input, thanks. I’m 41 so I like to think I have trips left in my. But I would say I’m on the back 9 of my peak playing days and would like to focus on the golf now while I can. I think in my 50s and 60s I’ll shift more toward golf as part of a vacation than the entire vacation. But who knows.

Funny to hear someone say Scotland alone would be better than Bandon. I was actually thinking the opposite. In Bandon I can just completely geek out on golf. I think Scotland would be much more enjoyable with at least one other person. I’d love to do the trip with my wife but I know she fears she would get on the way of my golf. I honestly think 5-6 days in St Andrews with a round on the Old and maybe trek to North Berwick (unsure what that drive is like) and those 2 experiences plus maybe one more would be enough if it meant exploring the town and all that. I’d almost worry that jamming in as much golf in Scotland as I would in Bandon would risk missing out on the Scottish culture and experience. But this is starting to drift toward a thread on the UK board.

[duffer987]

Eat - golf - eat - drink - sleep - repeat. A trip to Scotland doesn't need to be any different than Bandon, it would just be in more interesting surrounds on courses you may find more enjoyable and end up liking more.

And from a peak playing days POV, Bandon can be played into your hackiest final days and the resort is set up excellently to handle that. I first played in the UK/Ireland when I was 25 and 20 years later am still enjoying each and every round there. The top drawer courses there are - on the whole - more of a golfing challenge than Bandon. I'd not want to tee it up over there in my mid-50s for the first time and then be kicking myself for not giving them a go when I could still break par, shoot in the 70s, or whatever your measure is.

[TerrapinGolfer]

Been to both and would choose Scotland every time. You get to travel the entire country golfing meeting locals after golf and golfing some amazing courses. Takes about the same time to get to both from Chicago. Scotland required larger pockets, but if i did it again I would be able to do it much cheaper. I didnt book it myself and just joined a larger group for the trip. But we went to Nairn and played a couple courses near there, st andrews, and Prestwick. Played 7 rounds of golf in 7 days. I would not add much more to the agenda than breakfast, golf, dinner, single malt whisky, sleep. Bandon is great without a doubt, except you are resort locked the entire time. It is an easier to plan trip and requires less planning once you are there. Scotland requires more logistics and planning, unless you go through a tour company(which is what i did but it came with a price).

[2putttom]

"bucket list " ...finish it b 4 you die.

[Clambake]

Life is about variety and having no regrets. If something happened that might prevent you from golf in the future, which would you regret more - not playing Scotland, or not visiting Bandon a second time?

 

Bandon is fantastic and I want to do a return trip too, but I did a Scotland trip about a year after Bandon and it was a whole different level of golf fun. Immersing yourself in the golf culture in St. Andrews will enhance your love of the game in ways that are hard to explain. Experiencing the wrath of Carnoustie, the sublime design of Royal Dornoch, or the wonderfully quirky features at the site of the first Opens (Prestwick) touch your heart and stirs your passion for the game. It is an emotional golf experience, not just a golf vacation.

 

Exploring the golf history in Scotland will also enrich your future golf experiences wherever they may be. The British Golf Museum has some wonderful displays on the history of the game, such as the old feathery balls (sewn by Old Tom Morris as an apprentice), the oldest golf clubs still in existence, the Challenge Belt and Claret Jug. In the US we know of the Donald Ross designs, but in Dornoch you’ll see where he grew up and was influenced by its design. Pete Dye didn’t invent using railroad ties, and at Prestwick you’ll see where Dye got his inspiration and enjoy the place that gave us the first dozen Open Championships, essentially the birthplace of the Majors.

 

I’m actually in St Andrews right now, part way into a 2 week return visit to this wonderful country. The people are so friendly and there are centuries of history everywhere you look. It is so much more than just a golf trip even if you are just focused on golf and don’t do a lot of time sightseeing. I’ll certainly return to Bandon in a year or two, but experiencing golf in Scotland is a special experience.

 

 

 

 

[dcmidnight]

You've already been to Bandon, this is a no brainer. I finally made the choice last summer to do Scotland instead of Bandon and dont regret it one bit. Spent 8 days in St Andrews and it couldnt have been easier to get to from the East Coast. 6.5 hour nonstop flight from DC and @ an hour shuttle to the hotel. 10p flight out of DC, we were golfing by noon.

[eboettne]

I love golfing at Bandon more than any other place I've ever been. Go to Scotland, it's a new adventure.

[truexbeliever]

Scotland, without a doubt. Three years ago I spent a week in Ireland with some friends and extended the trip solo in Scotland for an additional five days. Spent those five days in St. Andrews playing the Old Course (x2), New Course, and other courses within a 1 hour drive (Carnoustie, Kingsbarn, Crail, etc.). The walk from my bed and breakfast to the first tee of the Old Course at 4:15 in the morning, waiting in the queue, and the subsequent round of golf was on one of the most magical experiences I've ever had, golf related or otherwise.

 

I'm lucky enough to live in the NW and have taken more trips to Bandon than my wife would like to remember, but the experience of St. Andrews and walking those grounds is something I'll never forget. I've never been more nervous standing on a first tee and it has nothing to do with the difficulty of the tee shot!

 

My only problem with Scotland is that there are so many more courses that I didn't get to play and I need to figure out a second trip!

[philsRHman]

> @truexbeliever said:

> Scotland, without a doubt. Three years ago I spent a week in Ireland with some friends and extended the trip solo in Scotland for an additional five days. Spent those five days in St. Andrews playing the Old Course (x2), New Course, and other courses within a 1 hour drive (Carnoustie, Kingsbarn, Crail, etc.). The walk from my bed and breakfast to the first tee of the Old Course at 4:15 in the morning, waiting in the queue, and the subsequent round of golf was on one of the most magical experiences I've ever had, golf related or otherwise.

>

> I'm lucky enough to live in the NW and have taken more trips to Bandon than my wife would like to remember, but the experience of St. Andrews and walking those grounds is something I'll never forget. I've never been more nervous standing on a first tee and it has nothing to do with the difficulty of the tee shot!

>

> My only problem with Scotland is that there are so many more courses that I didn't get to play and I need to figure out a second trip!

 

Thanks for the response. You raised a point I haven’t wanted to ask. I feel like I would want to play the Old Course at least twice, knowing the first round will likely be an awe-induced fog. I think being a single will help a ton but will I also hamstring myself for the rest of the trip (planning purposes)? Would I have to leave too many days up in the air and pray? Or would the overnight arrivals be too disruptive to the trip? If I’ve done my homework you line up overnight and then get a tee time when they hand them out at dawn (unless I’m confusing TOC and bethpage). I’d build my entire trip around maximizing my chances to get out there, and then fill in the gaps. Sounds like North Berwick would be my only other must-play, knowing I’ll enjoy 3-4 others that I could almost pick out of a hat based on location, timing, etc.

[truexbeliever]

> @philsRHman said:

>

> Thanks for the response. You raised a point I haven’t wanted to ask. I feel like I would want to play the Old Course at least twice, knowing the first round will likely be an awe-induced fog. I think being a single will help a ton but will I also hamstring myself for the rest of the trip (planning purposes)? Would I have to leave too many days up in the air and pray? Or would the overnight arrivals be too disruptive to the trip? If I’ve done my homework you line up overnight and then get a tee time when they hand them out at dawn (unless I’m confusing TOC and bethpage). I’d build my entire trip around maximizing my chances to get out there, and then fill in the gaps. Sounds like North Berwick would be my only other must-play, knowing I’ll enjoy 3-4 others that I could almost pick out of a hat based on location, timing, etc.

 

I only have my one data point, so take this with a grain of salt / see if there is a different perspective in the UK forum. My trip was in mid-May, so time of the year may have some impact too.

 

I tried to get tee times on the Old during the annual lottery, but didn't have any success. The additional draw that happens two(?) nights prior is for foursomes, so that was out. My first full day in St. Andrews I woke up super early (3:30 or 4am) and headed out to stand in the queue at the starter house. I was 4th or 5th in line and didn't have any trouble getting a tee time when the starter showed up around 7am. By the time the starter showed, there were probably 12 people in line total. I was able to get out early in the morning which was great for two reasons: 1) almost everyone takes their own caddie and a lot of the holes are close to each other, so by the mid-afternoon there are a TON of people on the course; and 2) it allowed me to play the New in the afternoon. I didn't have any trouble getting a tee time on the New course after my round on the Old and have heard similar stories for the other St. Andrews courses if you're trying to play 36. If I hadn't gotten a tee time on the old, I would have played one of the other St. Andrews courses instead and tried the queue again my last day in town.

 

I had tee times booked the next two days at Kingsbarn, Crail, and Carnoustie, but ended up meeting another single during my round on the New who wanted to join me for those rounds. We were able to call the courses and move around the tee times for him to join me. Makes me think that getting out as a single wouldn't be hard if you don't book tee times in advance. The main thing I'd check is to ensure other courses you want to play don't have tournaments or other events while you're in town.

 

I was planning on playing North Berwick on my last day in town, but ended up opting for a second round on the Old instead. Similar experience to the first round on the Old in terms of waking up early and sitting in the queue. I didn't book a tee time at North Berwick in advance because you can book via their website and there was a ton of availability on the day I was going to play. North Berwick is almost a two hour drive from St. Andrews, so I was planning on playing there and then staying near the airport before flying home.

 

Hope this helps!

[chrndwg]

Having done both and absolutely loving Bandon, I would also recommend Scotland - you won't be disappointed. I've played the Old Course 4 times - each time through the ballot done a few days early (unless something has changed in the past two years, I've done it as a twosome each time, so it doesn't have to be a foursome). While you're there, I would definitely check out the New Course as well. I'm also happy to see you mentioned North Berwick - it's my favorite course I've ever played, and is such a cool mix of beautiful / quirky / classic holes! The other courses mentioned are great, and I would add on Gullane near North Berwick as an option as well (there are 2 courses there, both worth playing). We also played a round at Elie, which I really enjoyed, and it could be another good back up for a day if you don't get on the old course.

 

If you can make it over to the west coast, Prestwick is another one worth playing - it has tons of history and some really awesome holes, and on the way east to west you could stop by Gleneagles for a few parkland courses Scottish style.

 

Last thing - while you're in that part of the world, if you can swing a trip to Ireland to get on Royal County Down you should do so. There's a reason it's #1 in the world, as it's about as close to a perfect golf course that I've ever seen, and is absolutely worth the detour while you're already in the area (relatively...)

 

No matter where you end up playing, I'm sure you'll love it. If you like links golf, then Scotland is one of those places where you can literally pull into a random course off the side of the road and love it.