Riding Cart at Bandon

THeelGolfGuy · August 11, 2022

Unfortunately, I have developed disabling issues with my feet and can no longer walk playing golf. I have had a June 2023 trip to Bandon booked for several months now. I will have to contact them and request access to a cart. Has anyone used a cart there or been with someone who has used one? Wondering what the experience was like and whether or not I should try to cancel my trip. Thanks for any feedback.

Seamus_MacDuff · August 12, 2022

To use a cart at Bandon you have to provide proof of permanent disability at least 30 days in advance. If allowed a cart, you’ll have to pay for the cart and for a caddie to drive it for you.

Edaw68 · August 12, 2022

In addition to what Seamus said, I believe the carts only drive to certain spots and you’ll still have to walk a bit. I’ve only seen a golfer in a cart once in about 60 rounds at Bandon, but this is what I was told by a caddie who worked cart duty while recovering from his own knee surgery.

ND2005 · August 13, 2022

1 hour ago, Edaw68 said:

In addition to what Seamus said, I believe the carts only drive to certain spots and you’ll still have to walk a bit. I’ve only seen a golfer in a cart once in about 60 rounds at Bandon, but this is what I was told by a caddie who worked cart duty while recovering from his own knee surgery.

Yup that's why the caddies have to be your driver even with a cart. Very limited areas on the course where they are allowed to go. Still ends up being quite a bit of walking.

THeelGolfGuy · August 17, 2022

Thank you all for the responses. Hopefully I can have a prosthetic that protects what remains of my foot to do the walking required and enjoy this trip with my boys.

Jeff58 · August 17, 2022

Sorry for the late response.

There are several things you might do to optimize your visit.

Some courses are more friendly for carts than others, Sheep Ranch being an example, and BD being much more challenging. If you haven’t already, contact the professional who works with such things. It is likely [email protected] . If you want to play BD anyway, consider just playing the shots/holes that you can. The caddy you use will be able to discuss and provide input. To me, the idea of having a “good score” is irrelevant for the most part anyway. It’s the experience.

There are other courses nearby that have normal cart setups. Crossings is the obvious one, but there are several others if you’re willing to leave the Bandon area.

THeelGolfGuy · August 17, 2022

Jeff, thank you for taking the time to respond. Our group has 5 days of 36 holes reserved. Before my injury, I was already thinking that was going to be too much walking for me and would selectively delete some rounds. How would you rank the courses from easiest to get around in a cart to hardest? Thank you for the contact person as well. I called and left a message several days ago for the person who is supposed to line up carts.

Abh159 · August 17, 2022

@THeelGolfGuy like the others have mentioned with a cart you'll still end up having to walk more compared to what you would have to do for "normal" courses due to limited access. My best guess is you'd be looking at walking 0.5 - 1 mile each round even with a cart (significantly less than without a cart but still a decent distance).

I hate to say this, but if you don't feel like you'd be able to walk that far each day it might be best to cancel or postpone your trip. I'd hate for you to go and pay all that money only to be able to play a portion of the golf you had planned.

All that being said... I still think it's best to talk to someone at Bandon who can better help you understand the situation. Explain your circumstances, tell them how far you realistically believe you could walk each day, and they should give you an honest answer on whether or not it's doable.

THeelGolfGuy · August 17, 2022

Abh159, thanks for the advice. I just returned from a trip to England/Scotland where I injured my foot. I saw many more carts than I can recall from previous trips and even on the Old Course, carts were pulling up next to the greens so I had not considered that Bandon would be much different. Once I am healed and determine how much I can walk I will call them. Thanks again, appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Jeff58 · August 18, 2022

12 hours ago, THeelGolfGuy said:

Jeff, thank you for taking the time to respond. Our group has 5 days of 36 holes reserved. Before my injury, I was already thinking that was going to be too much walking for me and would selectively delete some rounds. How would you rank the courses from easiest to get around in a cart to hardest? Thank you for the contact person as well. I called and left a message several days ago for the person who is supposed to line up carts.

Sheep Ranch and Old McDonald are probably the easiest, though I’ve not played and had any real consideration in that regard. Trails and BD have got to be quite limited/difficult and Pacific has a few places where I don’t recall any cart access, and many points that walking is rather challenging itself.

Whatever you decide, best of luck.