Just Flew in from Bandon Dunes, and Boy, are My Arms Tired (and My Feet are Killing Me)

[Argonne69]

I just got back from my (first) dream golf vacation, 2 1/2 days at Bandon Dunes Resort. I played all 5 courses: Old MacDonald, Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, and Bandon Preserve (13 hole Par 3). Other than the mosquitoes, it was darn near perfect. A bit pricey, but I highly recommend it to any serious golfer. The views along the Pacific are stunning. The courses are in fantastic shape, and very challenging, but not to the point of beating your brains in. Well, there were 2 holes that I found to be poorly designed, but that represents a small percentage of the holes. It's as close to true links golf as you're going to get in the U.S. I believe, especially the Old MacDonald course.

 

Back home, I walk ~50% of my rounds. I have no problem walking 18 holes, but I tell you, walking 36 in one day is a real workout, especially with the elevation changes. Walking 85 holes in 2 1/2 days was a real challenge. If you ever go, a) bring *good* socks, and b) bring at least 2 pairs each day, and change them between rounds. My poor feet are going to be blistered for weeks. I used a caddy for the morning rounds, and used a pull cart for the afternoon rounds. I think I was in bed by 8 pm every night. :-)

 

Does anyone else walk 4+ rounds in roughly 2 days? How do you do it? I've seen the pros walk 36 in a single day, but never back-to-back days as far as I recall.

 

On the way home I read a short article about four guys that played all four courses at Cog Hill in Lemont, IL, in a single day, June 21st. They tee'd off just before sunrise, and finished just after sunset. I don't know how they did it, frankly.

[rsj1360]

I just played there first week of July. I played Pacific Dunes the first day. Then Old Mac and Pacific Dunes the second day. Then Bandon Trails the third. (Dragged my cart each round.) I was actually the most tired on the first day. After that I was fine.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='rsj1360' timestamp='1377113967' post='7720716']
I just played there first week of July. I played Pacific Dunes the first day. Then Old Mac and Pacific Dunes the second day. Then Bandon Trails the third. (Dragged my cart each round.) I was actually the most tired on the first day. After that I was fine.
[/quote]

I played Bandon Trails on the afternoon of the 2nd day. I'm normally quite fast, but at that point I was dragging my heels. I actually let a single play through me on the 9th hole, which is a first. :-) I had a 3 hole head start.

Building up slowly might have been a better strategy. One round the first day, followed by a good night's sleep, and then two rounds the 2nd day.

[miket_81]

duct tape is your friend..

[soregongolfer]

The mosquitoes have been big news around here.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='miket_81' timestamp='1377117209' post='7720990']
duct tape is your friend..
[/quote]

Really? How is it used? Do you put a strip across ones mouth to muffle the screams of pain from the blisters? :-)

[Argonne69]

[quote name='soregongolfer' timestamp='1377117949' post='7721098']
The mosquitoes have been big news around here.
[/quote]

Yes, they were an unfortunately nuisance. The Preserve course was basically unplayable. I must have swallowed a dozen of those damn things. Since I had gobs of insect repellent on, I didn't get bit. However, they swarmed around my head like a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds". They weren't too bad in the PM after the winds picked up, or in the middle of the fairways. However, if one got too close to the tall grasses, ouch.

I assume that because they're so environmentally sensitive out there that they didn't spray them (with chemicals). I was told numerous times that they had applied some type of garlic treatment, but it sure didn't seem to help. However, it must have done something, because I didn't see a single vampire the whole time.

[kekoa]

Jealous. Any pics?

Hopefully I'll get out there next year.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1377118768' post='7721224']
Jealous. Any pics?

Hopefully I'll get out there next year.
[/quote]

Yes, I took over 100 pics. Of course, this didn't help with the pace of play. :-) I can see why Pebble Beach rounds last 6 hours.

I haven't uploaded the pics to the cloud yet. However, even with the decent camera in my phone, the pics just don't do the place justice. One would need a very wide angle lens to get a feel for the expansiveness of the place. There are a few higher vantage points where you can see dozens of surrounding holes. I told the caddy that they should install a rotating webcam on a pole near one of the tee boxes so everyone on the net can watch the course all day long.

[soregongolfer]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1377118742' post='7721222']
[quote name='soregongolfer' timestamp='1377117949' post='7721098']
The mosquitoes have been big news around here.
[/quote]

Yes, they were an unfortunately nuisance. The Preserve course was basically unplayable. I must have swallowed a dozen of those damn things. Since I had gobs of insect repellent on, I didn't get bit. However, they swarmed around my head like a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds". They weren't too bad in the PM after the winds picked up, or in the middle of the fairways. However, if one got too close to the tall grasses, ouch.

I assume that because they're so environmentally sensitive out there that they didn't spray them (with chemicals). I was told numerous times that they had applied some type of garlic treatment, but it sure didn't seem to help. However, it must have done something, because I didn't see a single vampire the whole time.
[/quote]

For whatever reason, it's been a terrible year for mosquitoes in Bandon. They think it's because Bandon has been damp this year which is weird because the rest of the state is having its driest spell in the past 117 years. But it's such a mystery and such a nuisance, they have scientists from Oregon State University on it. Kind of funny, but a nuisance for golfers like yourself who traveled from well outside the area.

[kekoa]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1377119039' post='7721242']
[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1377118768' post='7721224']
Jealous. Any pics?

Hopefully I'll get out there next year.
[/quote]

Yes, I took over 100 pics. Of course, this didn't help with the pace of play. :-) I can see why Pebble Beach rounds last 6 hours.

I haven't uploaded the pics to the cloud yet. However, even with the decent camera in my phone, the pics just don't do the place justice. One would need a very wide angle lens to get a feel for the expansiveness of the place. There are a few higher vantage points where you can see dozens of surrounding holes. I told the caddy that they should install a rotating webcam on a pole near one of the tee boxes so everyone on the net can watch the course all day long.
[/quote]

Awesome. When I go, I'll probably buy a camera just for this trip. Would be too cumbersome to lag my DSLR around there.

What was the pace of play like for you and what times did you tee off?

Yup, Pebble has that live webcam which i watched daily leading up to my play out there.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1377119349' post='7721278']
[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1377119039' post='7721242']
[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1377118768' post='7721224']
Jealous. Any pics?

Hopefully I'll get out there next year.
[/quote]

Yes, I took over 100 pics. Of course, this didn't help with the pace of play. :-) I can see why Pebble Beach rounds last 6 hours.

I haven't uploaded the pics to the cloud yet. However, even with the decent camera in my phone, the pics just don't do the place justice. One would need a very wide angle lens to get a feel for the expansiveness of the place. There are a few higher vantage points where you can see dozens of surrounding holes. I told the caddy that they should install a rotating webcam on a pole near one of the tee boxes so everyone on the net can watch the course all day long.
[/quote]

What was the pace of play like for you and what times did you tee off?

[/quote]

In the morning I tee'd off at 7:20 am and 8:00 am. The rounds last ~4:40, which wasn't terrible, but a bit slower than I would have liked. There are a few holes that have lengthier walks between the green and tee box, which contributed to the time. However, it's not like it's a boring walk. :-)

The afternoon rounds were pretty wide open. I played as a single on the Dunes course, and tee'd off at 1:15 pm, and finally caught the next group of 4 on the 10th tee box. I played through, and then hit a wall at the 15th hole. I believe I played in under 4 hours. The Trails course was wide open at 1:30 pm. I finished the round as a single in ~3.5 hours, but only because I was completely out of gas. Other than the single that played through me on the 9th, I didn't encounter another group. However, it may have been the skeeters that scared away the other players.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='soregongolfer' timestamp='1377119210' post='7721262']
[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1377118742' post='7721222']
[quote name='soregongolfer' timestamp='1377117949' post='7721098']
The mosquitoes have been big news around here.
[/quote]

Yes, they were an unfortunately nuisance. The Preserve course was basically unplayable. I must have swallowed a dozen of those damn things. Since I had gobs of insect repellent on, I didn't get bit. However, they swarmed around my head like a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds". They weren't too bad in the PM after the winds picked up, or in the middle of the fairways. However, if one got too close to the tall grasses, ouch.

I assume that because they're so environmentally sensitive out there that they didn't spray them (with chemicals). I was told numerous times that they had applied some type of garlic treatment, but it sure didn't seem to help. However, it must have done something, because I didn't see a single vampire the whole time.
[/quote]

For whatever reason, it's been a terrible year for mosquitoes in Bandon. They think it's because Bandon has been damp this year which is weird because the rest of the state is having its driest spell in the past 117 years. But it's such a mystery and such a nuisance, they have scientists from Oregon State University on it. Kind of funny, but a nuisance for golfers like yourself who traveled from well outside the area.
[/quote]

They should use surface-to-air missiles on the devils. (Note: this is an old, obscure Monty Python reference :-)

[potomacgolfer]

[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1377119349' post='7721278']
[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1377119039' post='7721242']
[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1377118768' post='7721224']
Jealous. Any pics?

Hopefully I'll get out there next year.
[/quote]

Yes, I took over 100 pics. Of course, this didn't help with the pace of play. :-) I can see why Pebble Beach rounds last 6 hours.

I haven't uploaded the pics to the cloud yet. However, even with the decent camera in my phone, the pics just don't do the place justice. One would need a very wide angle lens to get a feel for the expansiveness of the place. There are a few higher vantage points where you can see dozens of surrounding holes. I told the caddy that they should install a rotating webcam on a pole near one of the tee boxes so everyone on the net can watch the course all day long.
[/quote]

Awesome. When I go, I'll probably buy a camera just for this trip. Would be too cumbersome to lag my DSLR around there.

What was the pace of play like for you and what times did you tee off?

Yup, Pebble has that live webcam which i watched daily leading up to my play out there.
[/quote]

I did a Bandon trip in early July: 7 AM first-tee-time rounds just under 4 hrs in foursomes (paired up as a single), and then afternoon rounds easily under 3 hrs as a single. Great pace.

[Argonne69]

I got a chance to upload a few photos. Obviously, they don't do the place justice.

 

First round at Old MacDonald:

 

 

 

Old Mac:

 

 

Bandon Dunes:

 

 

 

Second morning at Pacific Dunes:

 

 

Pacific Dunes:

 

[Skaffa77]

[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1377118768' post='7721224']
Jealous. Any pics?

Hopefully I'll get out there next year.
[/quote]

Hopefully you don't have another "life event" planned!! LOL!

[DandyDon]

I leave in 4 weeks for Bandon....Can you reccommend the caddy you used....

[duffer987]

Firstly, it IS true links golf
I did 108 holes in 3 days and then drove the 8 hrs back home afterwards. I was not that alert the following day
As long as you get a solid 7hrs sleep and don't drink too much it's manageable if you are used to walking. I can see how folks who have gotten soft using carts all the time would be shattered.

Great to hear you enjoyed yourself - shame about the bugs. I've been there twice in the past year and am always tempted to go back.

@Soregongolfer: They'll all be dead by Thanksgiving though right? Surely too cold for them then... surely.

[kekoa]

Op looks like you had absolutely perfect weather. Not sure on the wind though

[dpark]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1377111865' post='7720528']
I just got back from my (first) dream golf vacation, 2 1/2 days at Bandon Dunes Resort. I played all 5 courses: Old MacDonald, Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, and Bandon Preserve (13 hole Par 3). Other than the mosquitoes, it was darn near perfect. A bit pricey, but I highly recommend it to any serious golfer. The views along the Pacific are stunning. The courses are in fantastic shape, and very challenging, but not to the point of beating your brains in. Well, there were 2 holes that I found to be poorly designed, but that represents a small percentage of the holes. It's as close to true links golf as you're going to get in the U.S. I believe, especially the Old MacDonald course.

Back home, I walk ~50% of my rounds. I have no problem walking 18 holes, but I tell you, walking 36 in one day is a real workout, especially with the elevation changes. Walking 85 holes in 2 1/2 days was a [b]real [/b]challenge. If you ever go, a) bring *good* socks, and b) bring at least 2 pairs each day, and change them between rounds. My poor feet are going to be blistered for weeks. I used a caddy for the morning rounds, and used a pull cart for the afternoon rounds. I think I was in bed by 8 pm every night. :-)

Does anyone else walk 4+ rounds in roughly 2 days? How do you do it? I've seen the pros walk 36 in a single day, but never back-to-back days as far as I recall.

On the way home I read a short article about four guys that played all four courses at Cog Hill in Lemont, IL, in a single day, June 21st. They tee'd off just before sunrise, and finished just after sunset. I don't know how they did it, frankly.
[/quote]

When we go for our annual trip, we do 18/36/36/18, driving down at 6am on Thursday and driving back after our round on Sunday. We carry and walk all rounds and none of us are spring chickens (most in late 40s or early 50s), but it isn't a problem.

It's what you are used to, our golfing group walks all the time, every weekend and sometimes during the week in the summer when playing after work.

Also if you have good golf shoes and good socks, you should never get blisters. If you are on a golf cart, shoes don't make much of a difference as long as you have fresh spikes. But if you are walking a lot, good shoes are a must.

[miket_81]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1377118445' post='7721168']
[quote name='miket_81' timestamp='1377117209' post='7720990']
duct tape is your friend..
[/quote]

Really? How is it used? Do you put a strip across ones mouth to muffle the screams of pain from the blisters? :-)
[/quote]

I tend to get blisters on my heels especially on certain shoes if walking long distances. (I have a weird shaped heel)

Before I start the round I will just put a strip across the area that is affected or was affected the day before. Also works good on fingers that get a blister.
If you are going to put it on a blister in the middle of a round get a wet towel and clean all the sweat off and dry well so the tape will stick..

I learned to use D-T back in my Motocross racing days.. The tape acts as a thick 2nd skin to absorb all of the friction and rubbing..

[Argonne69]

[quote name='DandyDon' timestamp='1377235716' post='7729998']
I leave in 4 weeks for Bandon....Can you reccommend the caddy you used....
[/quote]

My caddy was Tom. Unfortunately, I did not catch his last name. Overall, I'd say that all the caddies I met were very professional.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1377242694' post='7730148']
Op looks like you had absolutely perfect weather. Not sure on the wind though
[/quote]

Yes, I couldn't argue with that. The original forecast was for clouds all three days, and tempts in the mid 60's, but I was very happy to get sunny days for the first two with afternoon temperatures reaching the low 70's. The 3rd day was overcast in the morning while I played the Preserve.

The winds were light. Almost too light, actually. Given that the courses are links layout, I would have liked a bit more of a challenge with windy conditions, at least for one round. :-) Also, more wind would have kept the skeeters at bay.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='dpark' timestamp='1377243727' post='7730172']
When we go for our annual trip, we do 18/36/36/18, driving down at 6am on Thursday and driving back after our round on Sunday. We carry and walk all rounds and none of us are spring chickens (most in late 40s or early 50s), but it isn't a problem.

It's what you are used to, our golfing group walks all the time, every weekend and sometimes during the week in the summer when playing after work.

Also if you have good golf shoes and good socks, you should never get blisters. If you are on a golf cart, shoes don't make much of a difference as long as you have fresh spikes. But if you are walking a lot, good shoes are a must.
[/quote]

That sounds awesome. Can I join you? ;-)

I think it was my socks that caused the biggest problem. They're OK for walking 18 on the relatively flat terrain around Chicago. I need to pick up some good hiking socks with lots of cushion. Putting on a fresh pair between rounds couldn't hurt, either.

[johnnylongball]

I've seen several posts on the forum today about blisters. I used to have this problem. Then I got a tip about these socks. They are used by runners and guaranteed to prevent blisters. You're welcome.

[url="http://www.rei.com/product/805643/wrightsock-coolmesh-ii-double-layer-lo-socks"]http://www.rei.com/product/805643/wrightsock-coolmesh-ii-double-layer-lo-socks[/url]

[soregongolfer]

[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1377236876' post='7730022']
Firstly, it IS true links golf
I did 108 holes in 3 days and then drove the 8 hrs back home afterwards. I was not that alert the following day
As long as you get a solid 7hrs sleep and don't drink too much it's manageable if you are used to walking. I can see how folks who have gotten soft using carts all the time would be shattered.

Great to hear you enjoyed yourself - shame about the bugs. I've been there twice in the past year and am always tempted to go back.

@Soregongolfer: They'll all be dead by Thanksgiving though right? Surely too cold for them then... surely.
[/quote]

Hahahaha, gosh I would think so. It's just some weird occurrence. Then again, they're probably around because we had such a mild and wet winter

[wdm50]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1377111865' post='7720528']
I just got back from my (first) dream golf vacation, 2 1/2 days at Bandon Dunes Resort. I played all 5 courses: Old MacDonald, Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, and Bandon Preserve (13 hole Par 3). Other than the mosquitoes, it was darn near perfect. A bit pricey, but I highly recommend it to any serious golfer. The views along the Pacific are stunning. The courses are in fantastic shape, and very challenging, but not to the point of beating your brains in. Well, there were 2 holes that I found to be poorly designed, but that represents a small percentage of the holes. It's as close to true links golf as you're going to get in the U.S. I believe, especially the Old MacDonald course.

Back home, I walk ~50% of my rounds. I have no problem walking 18 holes, but I tell you, walking 36 in one day is a real workout, especially with the elevation changes. Walking 85 holes in 2 1/2 days was a [b]real [/b]challenge. If you ever go, a) bring *good* socks, and b) bring at least 2 pairs each day, and change them between rounds. My poor feet are going to be blistered for weeks. I used a caddy for the morning rounds, and used a pull cart for the afternoon rounds. I think I was in bed by 8 pm every night. :-)

Does anyone else walk 4+ rounds in roughly 2 days? How do you do it? I've seen the pros walk 36 in a single day, but never back-to-back days as far as I recall.

On the way home I read a short article about four guys that played all four courses at Cog Hill in Lemont, IL, in a single day, June 21st. They tee'd off just before sunrise, and finished just after sunset. I don't know how they did it, frankly.
[/quote]I experienced the same thing as you , I was there August 21-22 We did 36 a day, and I was done also, no blisters but my ankle's and calf's were very sore. I think it is because the ground is so much harder than where I live and I consider myself in great shape, It had to be the ground.

[joesho]

My friends and I call this "dune walk". It is definitely because the ground is so hard. It's funny to go into town and be able to spot the golfers just by how they're walking.

Try playing your afternoon rounds in tennis/running shoes next time if there is no moisture.

[njlam]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1377111865' post='7720528'] Well, there were 2 holes that I found to be poorly designed, but that represents a small percentage of the holes.
[/quote]

Which 2 holes did you not like?

For me it is #13 and #14 on Trails, but I love all the courses....

[duffer987]

^None! Noooooooooooooooooooooooone!
Kidding aside if I had to pick the least good hole on each course I'd go with the following, although it is kind of like picking least good SI swimsuit model:

BD #8 - looks neat enough, but the cross bunkers are really there for show and with that massive fairway it's hard to get a bad lie. You can leave your approach short right or long and avoid the trouble around the green.

PD #15 - about as straight away a hole as you get on Pacific, also coming after one of the most wonderful stretches in golf from #4 to #14, something had to eventually be less good.

OM #9 - After the engaging Biarritz hole, 9 just feels like a something they put over some dead, swampy ground to get golfers to the 10th tee, which starts a stretch of three long, tough holes.

BT TBD - only played the abbreviated course during closure

Ya I don't spend anytime whatsoever thinking about Bandon