Back from Bandon Dunes

[spogan]

Just got back yesterday from an incredible 4 day golf vacation to Portland and Bandon Dunes. We played 5 rounds in those 4 days. Trip began last week Wednesday at Pumpkin Ridge in North Plains just outside of Portland. Really nice golf course. Was a little disappointed it was cart path only so we decided to walk w/pull carts. Man were we tired after that round as the course is pretty hilly.

Stayed the night in Portland, woke up early and drove 4.5 hours to Bandon Dunes for our 12:40pm tee time at Pacific Dunes. Didn't know that I had to reserve caddies, but we were able to get two really nice guys (Travis & Jesse) They were both from Coos Bay and they really earned their money with our group. I cannot put into words just how awesome Pacific Dunes is. We played in a 25-30mph wind, so it did take it's toll. Went out 54-45, that included 3 birdies (6,12 & 18). I probably averaged 5-8 pictures on every hole. It was truly the most amazing golf course I've ever played.

3 of us proceeded to close the Bunker Bar that night and stumbled our way back to our room at around 2am. What a wonderful thing to do with starting a 36 hole journey that began with Bandon Dunes at 7:20am and then an afternoon round at Bandon Trails at 1:50pm. Really liked both of these courses. We were luck to have little to no wind that day, but the night before really took a toll on my body. Also, I had blisters on top of blisters which didn't help either. At about the 12th hole at the Trails I was ready to pack it in, but I made it through the round. Don't know how the caddies do it carrying 2 bags?? I actually like the Trails course a little bit better than the Dunes. The last 4 holes at the Trails course are very challenging. Lucky we didn't have much wind. Although the last 2 holes we played in a fog and that was tough. One thing about all the courses is the terrain. If you're thinking you will be playing in perfectly manicured fairways, you won't. My friend who played in Ireland 2 yrs ago said it was as close as you'll get to Ireland without being there. We were so lucky with the weather. Sunny and 70-75 the both days we were there.

Saturday, our last day we played Bandon Crossings. All I can say is that I'm glad they had carts because there was no way I was walking! I'm glad we decided to play here because it was a really nice golf course. Greens and fairways were more like we were used to here in the Midwest. Very scenic course with trees and mountain views as well. Would definitely play it again.

I would love to go back here everyear, but don't know if that's possible. I will say that everyone should go here and play. It's an unbelievable golfing experience for those of you who really love golf. If anyone has any questions, I'll be glad to answer them.

[Big_M]

sounds absolutely awesome... please post some good pics

If you can't go back every year... just hit up some of the Midwest's best links / seaside courses...
1) Arcadia Bluffs (MI)
2) Bay Harbor (MI)
3) Whistling Straits and the Irish (WI)
4) Forrest Dunes (MI)

[mattrice]

I've been dreaming of going to Bandon Dunes for years now. I'm going to take an epic golf journey next year and golf 100 courses across the US. I'm scheduled to hit Bandon in early November. I don't care if it's raining and howling, I'll be smiling the whole time I'm there!

[Clambake]

..... I'm scheduled to hit Bandon in early November. I

Going in November you're pretty much guaranteed to have it doing both! But it still looks like a blast of a trip - have a great time!

[GolfinGQ]

how much did your journey cost.....golf wise that is.

[spogan]

Pumpkin Ridge - $90 (twilight rate w/pull cart)

Bandon Dunes trip booked through Flanigan Tours - $1047

Included:
1 round Pacific Dunes
1 round Bandon Dunes
1 round Bandon Trails
1 round Bandon Crossings (golf w/cart)

2 nights stay at the Inn at Bandon Dunes

Didn't include caddies which were $55 plus $25 tip. Took caddies at Pacific, Dunes & Trails courses.

[dmccrory]

I spent last Thanksgiving weekend at Bandon Dunes. The weather was absolutely perfect everyday - 60+ degrees, sunny, and no wind.

Even with typical November/December days, it's a great time of year to go. The greens fees are 1/3 the summer price and the course is still in great shape.

[Dub]

That sounds like a great trip. Glad you had fun and also made a few birdies while you were there.

[Bogey317]

Sounds like a good time, need to practice more and save up first!

[EightBlue]

is there much for the non-golfer to do around bandon dunes/coos bay area?

[apex53]

That is awesome, good stuff! Sounds like a great price too for that level of golf courses... I've been wanting to go to Bandon since I read Dream Golf... Yes, please post some pics!

[bogeyhitter25]

That's awesome. That's probably #3 on the golf-trip list. With #1 being Pebble Beach, and #2 being a trip to Scotland.

[FLOG4]

Hitting Bandon in August with 8 guys. Got house on cliff just north of Bandon Dunes. Bandon just amended policy regarding teetimes and staying at Resort. They surcharge but staying there is the killer. Rooms are so overpriced. Really looking forward playing the new Old Macdonald...But if you like Links Golf. Best place in USA....What a rotation of gems.

[uttexas]

is there much for the non-golfer to do around bandon dunes/coos bay area?

I went up to Oregon six years ago. I golfed, fished, and snowboarded.

fishing near coos bay http://www.coos-bay.net/fishing.html http://www.fishingcoosbay.com/ There is a nice wildlife safari nearby http://www.wildlifesafari.net/

[terry]

I own a Beach house in Bandon and I have a lot of golfers stay. From what I understand they save quite a bit. October and November usually is great weather and prices drop on beach rentals

[sabram]

Originally Posted by Big_M

sounds absolutely awesome... please post some good pics

Bandon is Awesome. Here's a link to my Bandon Dunes trip report from Septmeber. There are lots of Pix and descriptions of the holes  if you scroll down.

http://golfcourses.weebly.com/bandon-dunes-resort-bandon-oregon.html