Bandon trip report - 4-6 Dec 2020

[spud3]

Been watching the weather pretty close for the last couple weeks, and Thursday afternoon I made the call to the resort to see what they had available for rooms and tee times.  I was especially hyped to play the Sheep Ranch.  They had some challenges getting tee times and only one single room (Forest King at the Inn) was available on Saturday.  There were very few tee time options, even for a single, that close to arrival.  The best I could do on SR was almost an hour past their guaranteed finish time.  The forecast for Friday was superb, though, so I booked it, rearranged some Friday work and honey-do weekend items and left early Friday morning.  Ended up with this schedule:

Friday - SR 12:40
Saturday - Trails 8:30 AM, open afternoon to replay
Sunday - OM 8 AM, SR 1:30 replay  

It was easy getting a room in town for Friday night.  The weekend was set, but I was already scheming on adjustments during the drive down, as I wanted to play SR as much as possible over the weekend.

Arrived at the Practice Center around 10 AM, which was just about the right amount of time to unfold myself out of the Subaru after the long drive and I spent about an hour loosening up, putting, chipping and range'ing.  About 11 I called the pro shop to see if they had any single slots open up before my scheduled time and was nearly laughed out of the place.  It was already warming into the low 50's, with no clouds and no wind at all.  The size of the crowd at the range told the full story - I've never seen so many people out there.  Those who had booked this weekend in advance truly hit the jackpot.

I dinked around at the range for a while longer, then hit the OM pro shop for a bratwurst on the way out to the SR.  The new clubhouse there is very cool, about twice as big as the OM shop, and there's a little driving range out there that was empty, so I hit a few more before my tee time.  Some notes about the SR in sunny, calm conditions:

 

• All fescue, all the time - greens, tees and fairways are all classic Bandon fescue.  
• The greens rolled very true, even though they are young (see 1st green photo).  
• Tee boxes are also young, and you can feel the rocky sub-strata when you stick your tee in the ground.
• Fairways run forever.
• Most of the course lays out in front of you, but there are a few holes where the target line off the tee is not obvious.
• The yardage books do a great job of lining you up on those holes. 
• The one hole I did not care for was 14, which has a blind tee shot and blind approach, with no discernable target for either. 
• 18 was underwhelming, as a finishing hole.
• Other than that, caddies are not an absolute requirement, but may help with green reading.
• It's an easy walk.
• Grass bunkers are generally playable (long, thick fescue), but you can still get some funky lies (see photo)
• Approach shots can be run up to essentially every green (even par 3's)
• Greens are not as rollicking as OM, but there is plenty of motion to them. 
• Played in benign conditions, the course is really gettable, if you are reading greens well.
• The views are friggin spectacular.
• There are a lot of views.

My group finished just before dark, and I headed in to town and got settled in my hotel.  Got myself a pizza from the brew pub (it was not spectacular, but good enough) and started looking over the plan for Saturday.  I was keen to play Trails, but the forecast was for a calm morning and a small storm to blow in Saturday afternoon and I wanted to see what SR would be like in (more typcal) weather.  I decided to check with the pro shop in the morning and see what could be done.

When I got onsite about 7 on Saturday, I went right to the Inn and let them know I was there and that I had heard they had some single rooms with a jetted tub.  I usually try to stay in the Lodge for the simple reason of quick access to the basement jacuzzi/sauna (still closed for Covid), but I thought an en suite version would be a good alternative.  The very friendly check in staff member told she would make a note and text me when my room was ready.  Fingers crossed for that, I stopped at the main pro shop on the way to the range and asked about available slots on SR for the afternoon.  As luck would have it, I was able to move my Sunday replay to Saturday on SR at 1:30, as they had had some cancellations due to the weather forecast.  I jumped on that, then changed my Sunday round from OM to BD, and a bit later.  As I've mentioned many times on here, going as a single gives you a lot more options for adjustments like that on the fly.  Even as a twosome, none of those would have been possible.  I spent about thirty minutes at the range warming up, grabbed a breakfast wrap (excellent) from the Trails clubhouse and teed off right on time with my group.

Had a very fun round on Trails, in calm conditions.  Had some questionable holes on the front, but really kicked it into gear on the back.  That included a birdie on 13, a very nearly missed a birdie putt on 14, birdied 15, parred 16 and 18 for a respectable final score.  Trails is such a great course.  I chatted a lot with the caddie for one of the group, who was the first one to tell me that SR was booked out a year for guaranteed finish times.  Some notes from this round:

 

• Greens at Trails were in the best condition I'd seen in years.
• My group played from the gold tees, and coincidentally I've been contemplating that move for a year or two, as I ain't getting any younger.
• I overshot a couple fairways as a result.
• Might play green/gold combo for a couple years before making the switch to gold full time.
• The Bandon Protein Balls are a killer way to fuel up mid-round.  Somewhere between peanut butter cookie dough and a chocolate chip Clif bar.  
• And I generally despise Clif bars...

 

I left Trails with just enough time for another hot dog on the way to SR.  When I got there at about 1:20, I checked in and the pro said "the tee box is yours."  Apparently, the group I was supposed to play with had not shown up (I just really can't imagine that).  

So I got to head out...solo.  By myself.  Alone.  On the best new golf course in the world.  Cool...

Weather was visibly approaching from the south (the course is so open you can't miss incoming weather), and the wind was already picking up when I teed off.  As I was walking up to the 2nd tee, there was a ranger standing there and he told me that I was the last one out for the day, and asked what my plan was, since there was weather coming and no way I'd finish 18.  I'm used to going out last on replays, as I never really need to finish 18 on a replay, and the rangers there keep tabs on the last guy out.  We chatted about short loop options, and I told him I knew the weather was coming and planned on getting through 11 and see how much daylight was left.  He was great, wished me luck and said he'd be checking in from time to time. 

I could not believe my luck.  As much as I love being here with my buddies, I do love playing solo.  So I spent the rest of the afternoon getting a full dose of the SR, in a stiff wind, some intense rain, playing multiple balls and putting from lots of different places to get a better feel for the greens.  About the 4th hole, the wind really picked up (maybe a steady 20 mph with bigger gusts) and I slipped on the rain gear just as the first raindrop hit my glasses.  The wall of water hit hard, starting with some sideways hail (which really hurts), then the steady rain came and lasted the rest of the time I was out.  Some notes from the session:

 

• SR is a completely different course in the wind.
• There are no trees or windbreaks of any kind.
• The ball MUST be played down into the wind.
• I understand now why there are no sand bunkers on the course.
• Wind will affect putts on every hole, as much or more than even the exposed greens on PD and BD (e.g. BD 15).
• With no trees (except the ghost trees they left for the visuals), you realize how much of the howling sound is actually just the wind itself.
• The views during a storm are hauntingly beautiful.

I finished up on 11, which comes back to the clubhouse, just as the rain was beginning to let up a bit and the light was fading.  I thought about adding in 12 and 13 (which also finishes near the house), but figured I'd gotten a good look at the course in both weather extremes, so I called it a day and headed for the Inn.  My new best friend behind the desk had come through for me and my Forest King single had a wonderful jetted bath tub, which I took full advantage of before ordering some meatloaf to be delivered to my room for dinner.

Sunday forecast was another bluebird, and I teed off around noon with another single after a (free) lunch from the Gallery.  When you check in, they are handing out vouchers for a free lunch from any of the main restaurants.  I had the pork belly BLT, which would have been okay, except it has tomato "jam" (i.e., really good ketchup) instead of real tomatoes.  The round started shaky, but the back nine I played great, including a near-ace on 15 after running up a shot off the left-side hill and clanking off the flagstick.  After making the tricky 4-foot birdie (woot!), we made our way to 16.  This tee shot can give me the willies when playing into the wind, but Sunday's wind had shifted to the northeast, and the green tees were up, so it was a relaxed 3-wood up over the chasm.  Chased a bumped 8-iron onto the green to about 8 feet and almost birdied that hole, too.  Finished up the round with a kick-in par on 18 and made a quick clothes change in the Lodge locker room before getting on the road home.  A few notes from Sunday's round:

 

• Greens on BD were also in immaculate condition (see 2nd green photo).
• Shirtsleeves and sunscreen on two out of three days in December.  'Nuff said.
• The sign on the starter shack said pins were in position 1, but they were all over the place.
• I mentioned that to the pro shop after I finished and they laughed.  Said I was not the only one who noticed.
• You almost cannot be too far right on the tee shot on 9.
• The bump'n'run 8-iron remains my go-to shot at the resort.

Cannot wait for the regularly scheduled March trip with the guys.  SR will be our doubled-up course for a while.

 

Photos below:  first six are SR, last three are BD
 

Edited December 8, 2020 by spud3

[Edaw68]

Nice! I tried those snack balls the last trip, they are awesome.  How'd that ball hang on the grass bunker?

Edited December 8, 2020 by Edaw68

[duffer987]

Good stuff! 🙂

The greens really do look in fantastic shape.

That's the approach on SR#1 with the ghost tree?

Do you need to wait for a shuttle at OM or can you drive out to SR on your own?

I do like BD 15-12-4-5 view and OM 7 never gets old either 😉

 

[MileHighGuye]

Where did you end up staying in town? Any recommendations? I am looking at most likely doing this before the rest of the group arrives.

[spud3]

27 minutes ago, duffer987 said:

Good stuff! 🙂

The greens really do look in fantastic shape.

That's the approach on SR#1 with the ghost tree?

Do you need to wait for a shuttle at OM or can you drive out to SR on your own?

I do like BD 15-12-4-5 view and OM 7 never gets old either 😉

 

Yeah, I was really impressed with the greens on all three of the courses I played.  This is usually the time of year where they get a little scruffy, especially the greens on Trails out near the lake.  Those were all in perfect condition - no bald spots or dead sections.

 

Yes, that's the approach to SR #1.  The tee shot is blind, but well framed, then you walk over the edge and the hole lays out in front of you.  Great visual (one of dozens).

 

You can drive right out to SR.  The road that used to end at OM has been extended, parallels east of OM 17/18, crosses the road that goes down to the beach and winds its way to the SR clubhouse.  It's about a 5 minute drive from OM to SR, maybe 10 from the Trails parking lot (if you obey the 20 mph limit).

 

There are several vistas that are going to knock you out.  I had some idea of how good they are, having played the "raw" version of SR a few years ago, but I was really impressed.

 

@Edaw68: that ball was defying gravity, for sure.  Luckily, the hole was to the right, so I had something of a shot.

[spud3]

3 minutes ago, bradleyguye said:

Where did you end up staying in town? Any recommendations? I am looking at most likely doing this before the rest of the group arrives.

Bandon Inn.  Costs about the same as a single room at the resort.

 

There's also the Inn at Old Town, which is cheaper and a notch down in quality, but adequate for a place to sleep

[dcmidnight]

I cant imagine how awesome it must be to just be able to look at the weather a week ahead of time and drive down - as opposed to booking your trip 16+ months out LOL. Awesome pics!

[duffer987]

1 hour ago, spud3 said:

Yeah, I was really impressed with the greens on all three of the courses I played.  This is usually the time of year where they get a little scruffy, especially the greens on Trails out near the lake.  Those were all in perfect condition - no bald spots or dead sections.

 

Yes, that's the approach to SR #1.  The tee shot is blind, but well framed, then you walk over the edge and the hole lays out in front of you.  Great visual (one of dozens).

 

You can drive right out to SR.  The road that used to end at OM has been extended, parallels east of OM 17/18, crosses the road that goes down to the beach and winds its way to the SR clubhouse.  It's about a 5 minute drive from OM to SR, maybe 10 from the Trails parking lot (if you obey the 20 mph limit).

 

There are several vistas that are going to knock you out.  I had some idea of how good they are, having played the "raw" version of SR a few years ago, but I was really impressed.

 

@Edaw68: that ball was defying gravity, for sure.  Luckily, the hole was to the right, so I had something of a shot.

Cool! When we booked our now defunct trip for this year a year ago, they weren't sure how complete that service road would be. Nice to hear it's done.

Is the rough up much anywhere? As you say without the wind, there's really nothing to defend it - more so than the other courses seemingly?

And the greens have that new green firmness I guess? Over and above being a links course.

[graveydellic]

Great report! Never get's old reading about people's experiences at Bandon.  I am expecting the worst of weather in a month when there, but you just never know.  Glad you got some sun! 

 

What was process on takeout?  You just call it in, they give you a pickup time and you go grab it?  Any takeout drinks?  Beer is one thing, but curious how they would do takeout cocktails or wine if that's even a thing.  

[spud3]

1 hour ago, duffer987 said:

Cool! When we booked our now defunct trip for this year a year ago, they weren't sure how complete that service road would be. Nice to hear it's done.

Is the rough up much anywhere? As you say without the wind, there's really nothing to defend it - more so than the other courses seemingly?

And the greens have that new green firmness I guess? Over and above being a links course.

The rough is bunchy and thick.  You can see a good example in the photo above the protein balls in the report post.  Mostly, the ball will stay on top of it and you have a spongy lie to take into account.  The ball can settle down into it, though, leaving something that you have to dig down into.

 

The wind is definitely the single biggest defense.  Imagine an entire course like BD 5, 6, 15, 16 and you get the idea.  If it's windy, it will not go well if you do not have a knock-down shot in the bag.  Nae wind, nae golf...

 

The greens are young and firm (somewhat avoiding the obvious double entendre), but it's so nice to be putting on pure fescue.  I did roll a couple off the putting surface by getting too aggressive.  I'd liken the green complex designs to BD, overall. 

[spud3]

10 hours ago, graveydellic said:

Great report! Never get's old reading about people's experiences at Bandon.  I am expecting the worst of weather in a month when there, but you just never know.  Glad you got some sun! 

 

What was process on takeout?  You just call it in, they give you a pickup time and you go grab it?  Any takeout drinks?  Beer is one thing, but curious how they would do takeout cocktails or wine if that's even a thing.  

Takeout process could not be easier.  Call up the restaurant, tell them what you want (including drinks) and it arrives at your room about 30-40 minutes later.  Gratuity is already added in.  I didn't order a cocktail, but I would assume you can order those as well.

 

My meatloaf dinner was reasonably hot, but certainly not as if I had just had it brought to my table in McKee's.  For lunches, you just call or walk up to the restaurant and order, and it's ready in about 10 minutes.  They have grab and go breakfast sandwiches available at most of the restaurants and turn stands.  There is a sheet in the room (and posted on the website) with all the details.  They have been doing the takeout thing for a while and have it down.

Edited December 9, 2020 by spud3

[toddnt]

Good review... Missing that place already!

[PNWBBBogeyMaster8977]

I am heading down there on Saturday (Dec 12th) evening for 5 nights with my first round at the Sheep R. on Sunday morning.  Sunday's forecast is looking intimidating with wind and rain :(     Oh well!  Then monday through thursday next week are looking like potential shower days too for each round..  Don't think I will be getting as lucky as last year, Dec 12-Dec 17 2019.  I played in shorts one morning at Pacific Dunes last year!  I'm sure (rain or shine) it will still be as memorable as my first trip last year!  It's too bad we didn't book the trip the first week of December!!!!!  Weather out here has been beautiful since the week of turkey day.  And I called this morning hoping to hear there might have been cancellations next week giving us flexibility to adjust tee times to avoid nastier weather.. Nope.. Resort still full!!!!!  

[PNWBBBogeyMaster8977]

And those photos of your trip, Spud3, look amazing!!!  Next year I will be ditching the crew and be booking on a whim during the winter months hoping for days like that!

[mallrat]

21 minutes ago, PNWBBBogeyMaster8977 said:

I am heading down there on Saturday (Dec 12th) evening for 5 nights with my first round at the Sheep R. on Sunday morning.  Sunday's forecast is looking intimidating with wind and rain 😞    Oh well!  Then monday through thursday next week are looking like potential shower days too for each round..  Don't think I will be getting as lucky as last year, Dec 12-Dec 17 2019.  I played in shorts one morning at Pacific Dunes last year!  I'm sure (rain or shine) it will still be as memorable as my first trip last year!  It's too bad we didn't book the trip the first week of December!!!!!  Weather out here has been beautiful since the week of turkey day.  And I called this morning hoping to hear there might have been cancellations next week giving us flexibility to adjust tee times to avoid nastier weather.. Nope.. Resort still full!!!!!  

I’m heading down on Sunday. Weather can change in a minute. 

[spud3]

1 hour ago, PNWBBBogeyMaster8977 said:

I am heading down there on Saturday (Dec 12th) evening for 5 nights with my first round at the Sheep R. on Sunday morning.  Sunday's forecast is looking intimidating with wind and rain 😞    Oh well!  Then monday through thursday next week are looking like potential shower days too for each round..  Don't think I will be getting as lucky as last year, Dec 12-Dec 17 2019.  I played in shorts one morning at Pacific Dunes last year!  I'm sure (rain or shine) it will still be as memorable as my first trip last year!  It's too bad we didn't book the trip the first week of December!!!!!  Weather out here has been beautiful since the week of turkey day.  And I called this morning hoping to hear there might have been cancellations next week giving us flexibility to adjust tee times to avoid nastier weather.. Nope.. Resort still full!!!!!  

As mallrat said, the weather can change (either way) quickly.  Bring all the rain gear.  I played with several guys on Friday and Sunday who were wearing shorts.  Fine until the sun gets near the horizon, and the temp drops about 15 degrees in 15 minutes.

 

Looks like you might get the full experience on the SR...

[philsRHman]

On 12/8/2020 at 2:58 AM, spud3 said:

About the 4th hole, the wind really picked up (maybe a steady 20 mph with bigger gusts) and I slipped on the rain gear just as the first raindrop hit my glasses.  The wall of water hit hard, starting with some sideways hail (which really hurts), then the steady rain came and lasted the rest of the time I was out.

 

I love this. Not, "so I ran for cover." I have casual golf friends and they are just astounded by the weather I'm willing to play through, and that's on a run of the mill muni, let alone Bandon. It's one reason I'll never even think about bringing them on a trip other than something like Myrtle Beach, where golf is just an excuse for them to get away.

[spud3]

Heh.  Well, to be fair, there is no cover on SR...

 

The simple fact that one is willing to even go to Bandon in December implies that one is prepared to play in gnarly weather.  The day before I left, the forecast was for two and a half days of sunshine, and an afternoon with a slight chance of some showers.  That afternoon devolved into a three-hour monsoon, followed by six more hours of steady rain.

 

As we say in Oregon, "there's no bad weather, just bad gear..."

[Lefty_89]

Great report, spud!

 

Also, what a story to say you got to go off on Sheep as a solo! I felt so lucky to be able to play BD as a single with my wife walking with me; so much fun and an incredible memory.

 

Now, I've got to ask...where does Sheep fall in your personal rankings?

 

 

Edited December 9, 2020 by Lefty_89

[PNWBBBogeyMaster8977]

Yup!  I am mentally prepared and have played in plenty of rain out here in the portland area.  I played a very rainy afternoon at the end of september (when the fires cleared) and november to get a little practice with two FootJoy rain gloves and with the umbrella in the car!  Just took it the entire four hour downpour.  It's my brother in law (arriving from AZ) and brother (So CAL) i'm concerned for...  They are looking at the forecast in fear!  I will admit, I am beginning to question my own rain gear for what looks like a substantial amount of rain starting Sunday.  I have the right shoes (Nike Lunar Bandon shoes) but my cheap sets of water-resistant jackets and pants may not cut it.  I may be out there with rain pants below a pair of rain paints 🙄   Either way, i'm trying to convince my brother and in law that you just have to leave the umbrella at home and block the rain out..  As soon as you try and hide from the rain..  kiss your golf game good bye..  You will be focused on staying dry and not golfing..  You've got to just ignore it and focus on golf..  A little bourbon helps too 🤪

[spud3]

17 minutes ago, Lefty_89 said:

Great report, spud!

 

Also, what a story to say you got to go off on Sheep as a solo! I felt so lucky to be able to play BD as a single with my wife walking with me; so much fun and an incredible memory.

 

Now, I've got to ask...where does Sheep fall in your personal rankings?

 

 

SR is number 1, but only because I've played the other courses a bunch and know them reasonably well.  SR is a new mystery to decode.

 

And the views.....

 

But I was asked by everyone I played with over the weekend which course is my favorite, and I gave my stock answer: "Whichever one I'm playing"

[Lefty_89]

7 minutes ago, spud3 said:

SR is number 1, but only because I've played the other courses a bunch and know them reasonably well.  SR is a new mystery to decode.

 

And the views.....

 

But I was asked by everyone I played with over the weekend which course is my favorite, and I gave my stock answer: "Whichever one I'm playing"

 

Hot take: the walk from tee to green on 9 might be my favorite walk on the course

[VNutz]

26 minutes ago, PNWBBBogeyMaster8977 said:

Yup!  I am mentally prepared and have played in plenty of rain out here in the portland area.  I played a very rainy afternoon at the end of september (when the fires cleared) and november to get a little practice with two FootJoy rain gloves and with the umbrella in the car!  Just took it the entire four hour downpour.  It's my brother in law (arriving from AZ) and brother (So CAL) i'm concerned for...  They are looking at the forecast in fear!  I will admit, I am beginning to question my own rain gear for what looks like a substantial amount of rain starting Sunday.  I have the right shoes (Nike Lunar Bandon shoes) but my cheap sets of water-resistant jackets and pants may not cut it.  I may be out there with rain pants below a pair of rain paints 🙄   Either way, i'm trying to convince my brother and in law that you just have to leave the umbrella at home and block the rain out..  As soon as you try and hide from the rain..  kiss your golf game good bye..  You will be focused on staying dry and not golfing..  You've got to just ignore it and focus on golf..  A little bourbon helps too 🤪

Yeah, you're gonna want to upgrade your gear. My group has something of a running joke from the first year they went, in which one guy trusted his "water resistant" gear.

[philsRHman]

34 minutes ago, Lefty_89 said:

Great report, spud!

 

Also, what a story to say you got to go off on Sheep as a solo! I felt so lucky to be able to play BD as a single with my wife walking with me; so much fun and an incredible memory.

 

Now, I've got to ask...where does Sheep fall in your personal rankings?

 

 

There is something special about a solo walk. My near dark loop bonus 9 around OM, complete with some time to sit on the back side of No. 7 to contemplate life with a flask in hand, with the sun going down was mystical, magical, spiritual, any of those words. 

[spud3]

On 12/9/2020 at 10:46 AM, PNWBBBogeyMaster8977 said:

Yup!  I am mentally prepared and have played in plenty of rain out here in the portland area.  I played a very rainy afternoon at the end of september (when the fires cleared) and november to get a little practice with two FootJoy rain gloves and with the umbrella in the car!  Just took it the entire four hour downpour.  It's my brother in law (arriving from AZ) and brother (So CAL) i'm concerned for...  They are looking at the forecast in fear!  I will admit, I am beginning to question my own rain gear for what looks like a substantial amount of rain starting Sunday.  I have the right shoes (Nike Lunar Bandon shoes) but my cheap sets of water-resistant jackets and pants may not cut it.  I may be out there with rain pants below a pair of rain paints 🙄   Either way, i'm trying to convince my brother and in law that you just have to leave the umbrella at home and block the rain out..  As soon as you try and hide from the rain..  kiss your golf game good bye..  You will be focused on staying dry and not golfing..  You've got to just ignore it and focus on golf..  A little bourbon helps too 🤪

If you're questioning your rain gear after a Portland rain, then you'll most likely find it painfully inadequate down there.  Some years ago, I went down with a brand new (non-Gore Tex) Mizuno rain suit that had passed a shakedown round during a Portland rain with flying colors, only to have it fail spectacularly on hole 12 of a monsoon round on BD.  Most miserable 90 minutes of my life.  

 

Bourbon helps a lot.

Edited December 12, 2020 by spud3

[PNWBBBogeyMaster8977]

jesus.. ok i'm going to give REI a look tonight and Redtail to see what they've got in stock....  I convinced my wife to let me throw down some serious dough for an outfit..  And out of curiosity, did the Sheep Ranch feel tight?  As in..  did you ever feel yourself saying "jesus if I miss this green slightly left (or right) I may nail the s*** out of the group standing on the next tee box?!  Haha..  i'm a bit of a head case when I see people in close proximity..  Sheep Ranch looks like it is built on a smaller property than the others..  I recall not seeing very many other golfers around last year when I played the other 4 courses last December..  It felt like we had the course to ourselves being such large courses..

[spud3]

Just make sure it's Gore Tex and you'll be fine.  Top it off with a bucket hat from the Bandon pro shop (with your choice of course logo) and you're good to go.

 

If it works in the drive schedule, make a stop at Fiddlers Green outside of Eugene. They've got a great selection of golf rain gear from the top brands and arguably the best prices in the NW.

 

If all else fails, the pro shop(s) at the resort have tons of rain gear, but you'll pay a premium there.

[spud3]

I was surprised at how open SR felt while playing.  It is on the smallest piece of land, but Bill Coore did a masterful job in the routing.  I never felt like I had to be aware of anyone playing adjacent holes, much less that anyone was in danger.  Several of the tee areas are in the same place, but you're aiming different directions.  There is one shared green complex (3 & 16), but it's huge, and you'd really have to badly over-club your approach to end up on the other green.  It's amazing routing.  Plus, if you're playing in the wind, you'll need to keep the ball down anyway.

 

Overall course length did feel smaller, kinda like PD - a couple of my buddies will likely be playing SR from the back tees (if I have anything to say about it, anyway).  We play green tees on the other courses and that's plenty long.

[Lefty_89]

5 minutes ago, spud3 said:

I was surprised at how open SR felt while playing.  It is on the smallest piece of land, but Bill Coore did a masterful job in the routing.  I never felt like I had to be aware of anyone playing adjacent holes, much less that anyone was in danger.  Several of the tee areas are in the same place, but you're aiming different directions.  There is one shared green complex (3 & 16), but it's huge, and you'd really have to badly over-club your approach to end up on the other green.  It's amazing routing.  Plus, if you're playing in the wind, you'll need to keep the ball down anyway.

 

Overall course length did feel smaller, kinda like PD - a couple of my buddies will likely be playing SR from the back tees (if I have anything to say about it, anyway).  We play green tees on the other courses and that's plenty long.

 

Great point - I know that 6 and 10 sort of run along each other, but you feel like you have the course to yourself most times.

 

You really have to be spraying the ball to miss the fairway (or an adjacent fairway) on most holes too. I think I hit 12/14 fairways the first round I played it.

[PNWBBBogeyMaster8977]

Glad to hear!  I originally had the group playing Sheep Ranch Day 1 and Day 6.  Once I saw some videos of the course I thought it looked a bit tighter... so I changed Day 6 (departing day) to Pacific Dunes from the original planned SR.  At this point it is impossible, so I've been told, to find a sheep ranch tee time for next week for 4.. so there's no going back. Either way.. I really enjoyed PD last year.. so playing it twice won't upset anybody.. at least it shouldn't!