Bandon as a single?

[Seattle_Maslow]

So my much-planned Arizona trip is screwed up because my friend got stuck in Hurricane Sandy travel hell. As I'm in Seattle, i'm considering driving to Bandon instead (somehow 8 hours of driving to Bandon seems less insane than flying to Arizona...maybe?) Anyway, has anyone else ever played there as a single? Experience good/bad? This would be my 4th trip there, but first since 2003, so Trails/Preserve would be new to me...

[Fourmyle of Ceres]

It was my understanding when researching a possible solo trip of my own that, at least during prime season (I was looking into a September trip) a solo traveler will almost certainly be playing with other groups rather than playing alone. I was assured that the whole process works fine for solo visitors.

[Seattle_Maslow]

Thanks. They did tell me I'd be paired with other groups for sure. I was just more curious if they cater much to singles. Pinehurst, for example, did a great job of this. Bandon's a bit tougher to get to, so I'm just wondering how single-friendly the whole experience would be.

[profsmitty]

I played as a single several years ago. What put with a group of three people. None of us knew each other but it was a great experience. I was impressed with every aspect of my trip, even the other three people I was with. Something about the place seems to do that to you.

[vintage golfer]

Got to agree with the previous post. These folks seem to deliver in every area, and I can't think of any reason they would fall down in terms of accomodating a single traveler. Let us know as I am about an eight hour drive and also have more flexibility than my usual partners.

[Seattle_Maslow]

The trip is booked. I head down tomorrow afternoon. They were out of single rooms, but gave me a break on price for a double room (one rep told me $170 yesterday, but today it was $190...snooze you lose). Over three nights and with the discounted golf it ends up being about $135 more than staying offsite--and they don't pre-charge my card, etc. Fingers crossed on the weather. Looks like it may be OK.

Here's the plan:

Friday: Bandon Dunes/Old mac
Sat: Trails/Bandon Dunes
Sun: Pac Dunes/Pac Dunes

[profsmitty]

Have a wonderful round.

[mallrat]

I go as a single every year and it's great. Eat when you want and spend as much time golfing on the range as you desire.

Got hooked up with some great groups too.

[soregongolfer]

8 hour drive? You need to drive a little faster Even driving the speed limit the whole way, you should make it in 7 hours easily unless you take 101.

Of course I see I'm a day late with my advice, but if you drove from Seattle to Roseburg (my hometown) and cut over to Bandon on Highway 42, you're looking at 6.5-7 hours.

[Seattle_Maslow]

Thanks. I went 5 to 38 to 101 and did it in 6:40. It looks like going 42 is way longer...

[cooper13]

How was the trip? I've gone as a single and it was awesome.

[Seattle_Maslow]

As everyone suggested, the trip was amazing. We had rain for 18.5 holes of golf (18th on Bandon and most of Old Mac) on Friday afternoon, but otherwise, weather was great. Saturday was overcast and about 62, Sunday started sunny and 65ish and ended in a heavy blanket of fog. Luckily my playing partner had a caddy to point us in the right direction, but it was literally aiming 20 feet in front of the box and hoping. For some reason, I played the best in these conditions, with a 39 on the back at Pac Dunes, birdieing the 18th to go home really happy. The wind was far less of a factor than it was during my summer visits 10 years ago, so this was a decent time of year to go. I hurt my back (torn rhomboid, found that out yesterday) on Saturday, but kept chugging through, so it was a grind, but the experience was too good to pack it in and go home.

I got paired with some really great folks and ended up playing multiple rounds with the same people. I wouldn't hesitate to go again as a single. As for the courses, I still love Pac Dunes the most, then it's really close between Bandon Dunes and Trails. Trails is just a lot of fun with some great risk/reward decisions (drove the green on 8, then 3 putted for par, argh).

This is such an amazing place, I feel really lucky to be within (albeit long) driving distance.

[soregongolfer]

[quote name='Seattle_Maslow' timestamp='1352004387' post='5888751']
Thanks. I went 5 to 38 to 101 and did it in 6:40. It looks like going 42 is way longer...
[/quote]

Not if you have a good road map

[Chris_NH]

Glad to hear that your trip was a success.

I thought Bandon Trails was closed for a while? I'm going at the end of March and I was told that it will be re-opening shortly before my visit. Has it re-opened way early, or has it not closed yet?

[njlam]

[quote name='Seattle_Maslow' timestamp='1352568804' post='5916139']
As for the courses, I still love Pac Dunes the most, then it's really close between Bandon Dunes and Trails. Trails is just a lot of fun with some great risk/reward decisions (drove the green on 8, then 3 putted for par, argh).

[/quote]

Where do you rank Old Mac? It is my 2nd favorite after Bandon....

Did you play the new Preserve? Played it twice last weekend, the more wind, the more fun....

[Seattle_Maslow]

[quote name='njlam' timestamp='1353539018' post='5963801']
[quote name='Seattle_Maslow' timestamp='1352568804' post='5916139']
As for the courses, I still love Pac Dunes the most, then it's really close between Bandon Dunes and Trails. Trails is just a lot of fun with some great risk/reward decisions (drove the green on 8, then 3 putted for par, argh).

[/quote]

Where do you rank Old Mac? It is my 2nd favorite after Bandon....

Did you play the new Preserve? Played it twice last weekend, the more wind, the more fun....
[/quote]

I rank Old Mac fourth. Didn't play preserve. I might change my vote after playing old Mac again, but it didn't leap out to me like the others did