Bandon 4 courses in one day End of July is it Possible?

BushwoodBlaster · June 30, 2023

Going solo as driving from Idaho to CA. Not overly worried about the physical demand of trying to walk the 4 courses (I know the 4th round would turn into a sprint/jog) in a single day but would love suggestions or ways to do it to see if it's even possible. I was thinking of trying to book Old Mac as the first slot out, then Pacific Dunes or Bandon if scheduling doesn't work, then Bandon Trails as I hear it's a bit more open than the other courses and if I catch a window I might be able to jam and then playing PD or BD late and just trying to put the pedal down. Any thoughts from those that have done it or know the courses/situation there well, things you did to make it more comfortable? Was considering hiring a caddie for the 1st two rounds (maybe even more if I get a suggestion for a guy that enjoys moving at an extremely quick pace late in the day). I'll have a three wheel bag boy with me, a box of crustables, and lotion for the b-hole. I'm guessing Saturday would be no shot but a Sunday or Monday possibly? Any suggestions appreciated. Needles welcome as well.

Edited June 30, 2023 by BushwoodBlaster

tatertot · June 30, 2023

It they take first tee time at 7 am ... dark 8:30 ... you've got 13 1/2 hours ... that's less than 3.5 hours per round ... what's the traffic like on the courses? Is that doable, especially on a Sunday?

jvincent · June 30, 2023

The problems you are going to run into are other golfer traffic and booking restrictions.

Advanced bookings require 5 hours between tee times, which means you won't be able to pre-book your rounds and get all four in.

Having said that, the Bandon folks are quite flexible about moving tee times. So, let's say you get out at 7AM and finish at 10:30. If you head straight to the pro-shop they should be able to tell you the next available tee time on every course and you can book it right then. Hop in your car (to avoid having to wait for a shuttle), head to the course, and repeat the process.

To give you an idea of what it takes, my group in the Solstice teed off at 6AM and we finished our last round at 7:35 PM. Our playing times were 2:47, 3:00, 3:10, and 3:30. We shuttled between the courses but the shuttles were right there and waiting and this was a scenario where there was nobody else on the courses except for other Solstice players.

VNutz · June 30, 2023

Love the idea, but I don't think it's feasible due to others pace of play. It works for the Solstice because everybody on every course has the same goal, to play quickly. You'll run into 4somes moving slowly and it will stop you really fast. Being a Sunday when many are leaving you might have some more openings for afternoon rounds to make up for it, but that 2nd round might be a killer.

2bGood · June 30, 2023

First tee time of the day is required. Figure on 2 hoursish to finish (that is what we play our first round of marathon day in as twosome). Then you have 9am-9pm to play three rounds. You will be at the 'will' of the pace of the course for the last three rounds. You wont realistically have a chance but you will have a good shot at 63 holes.

Edited June 30, 2023 by 2bGood

spud3 · June 30, 2023

As has been said, 4 rounds is not going to happen, mainly due to the pace of other groups, and that's even assuming you can go out as a single on each round (also not going to happen).

If you can get into the first group off on the first round (that alone will be a challenge, given the time of year and booking restrictions), you have a realistic shot at getting in three rounds + some extra holes. And everything after the second full round is free, so there's that...

Have you been to Bandon? Any particular reason for trying to jam in that many rounds? You won't really be able to take in the vibe of each course if you're moving that fast. When we played the Solstice last year, there were several people that we met who were there for the first time and I can't imagine that event as the introduction to the resort. Each course has so much to take in; if it is your first time there, IMO you're better off scheduling two of the courses and taking some time to really appreciate the designs, then add a short loop on another course in the evening.

Edited June 30, 2023 by spud3

jvincent · June 30, 2023

13 minutes ago, spud3 said:

Have you been to Bandon? Any particular reason for trying to jam in that many rounds? You won't really be able to take in the vibe of each course if you're moving that fast. When we played the Solstice last year, there were several people that we met who were there for the first time and I can't imagine that event as the introduction to the resort. Each course has so much to take in; if it is your first time there, IMO you're better off scheduling two of the courses and taking some time to really appreciate the designs, then add a short loop on another course in the evening.

I will echo this.

My original partner for the Solstice decided to back out for exactly the reasons stated above. I've been several times before so it wasn't a big deal for me to play fast and not take it in but as a first timer you want to be able to soak it all in.