Visit to Bandon Dunes

[golfnut_rlv]

Hello everyone. I am taking a trip with 15 members from my club to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon this January.

I know a bit about the resort, but have never been.

Anyone who has been there know any secrets, or things I should know for the trip?

Thanks in advance.

[gogolfing]

Golf Digest had an excellent article this year (sorry I can't remember which month, but will go through the ones I have and see if I haven't recycled it yet) about playing Bandon in February. Had tips about weather, places to eat, along with the general experience of it. You should look for it off their website. I live in B.C. and after reading it have thought about planning a February trip there sometime.

[erova]

i was just out there last month for two nights, three rounds (one on each of the courses there).

most of the resort is pretty straightforward and I can't really think of too many suggestions for what you'll do once you're there. if you find yourself in the town of bandon (about a 5 minute drive away), check out the Wheelhouse Restaurant and Crow's Nest for dinner and a few drinks. The owners are great to talk to (though with a crew of 15 you probably won't be looking for smalltalk as I ventured there as a single), and they have some great Oregon microbrews and Pacific Northwest wines on the menu.

I walked over to Lloyd's Bar because I had read about it on a few web sites and the book (Dream Golf: The Making of Bandon Dunes), but it wasn't anything special. Again, with 15 people taking up the back corner I'm sure it could be fun, but saddling up to the bar wasn't really worth it.

Regarding the golf, don't ever say "nice shot" to your playing partners until the ball arrives at a dead stop and you're positive it won't move again. I saw a ton of shots that started out terrible that finished next to the cup and vice versa.

Check out the Flickr link in my signature if you want to see some of the photos from the courses. Weather was completely different in the two playing days (70 and sunny one day, 50 and mild rain the next).

Enjoy the trip--it's a fantastic place to play golf and get away from everything else.

[nevets88]

I went just once during the fall, but I would recommend taking the coastal route if you're driving there from Portland. The interstate is faster, but of course, the Oregon coast offers alot to admire. Many photo ops.

Other than that, they make a good cheeseburger.

[golfnut_rlv]

Hey, thanks everyone for the tips. Looking forward to the trip like crazy.

[gogolfing]

Found the article in Golf Digest. It is in the May 2007 issue, and called something like "The 2 seasons of Bandon Dunes". More than likely it would be on the Golf Digest Website.

Have fun and let us know how it goes.

[Rusterson]

3 THINGS...

1. Prepare for at least a 3-club wind.
2. Get a caddie.
3. Get the meatloaf at the clubhouse restaurant. It's fantastic.

[golfnut_rlv]

What did the caddie end up costing you? My rep at Bandon said $55 per round plus tip.

Thanks,

[erova]

What did the caddie end up costing you? My rep at Bandon said $55 per round plus tip.

That's accurate. I tipped out about a fifty each day (so about a hundo each round for two rounds--I didn't use a caddie on Trails)--a little less the second day because I just didn't have the cash and there were a few things that irked me a bit the second round.

Keep in mind that Bandon assigns you a caddie for your entire stay. If you're uncomfortable with your caddie the first round, speak up because he'll be there ready to go the very next round too.

[flash]

Hello everyone. I am taking a trip with 15 members from my club to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon this January.

Hi,PLEASE tell us when you get back what your trip to B.D. was like! I'm planning a trip there myself in March and any info you could provide would be much appreciated.

thanks

[golfnut_rlv]

I will keep this thread updated. I will post some pictures when I get back as well.

Thanks to all of you for your suggestion!

Much appreciated.

[golfnut_rlv]

Hey another question for you Bandon veterans. How hard are the courses to either walk and carry, or walk and use a pull cart?

Still trying to justify whether to use the caddie or not.

Thanks

[nevets88]

I found Bandon to be an easy walk, but I'm in better shape than most golfers since I run and bike. I only remember one or two uphill holes. I didn't take a caddie, but the caddies in my group were friendly and helped me out.

In retrospect, if I were playing a course there for the first time, I'd take a caddie. After that, I'd go solo.

[erova]

It's definitely an easy walk since it's so flat (relatively speaking).

The caddies did have some great insight on the greens--there were a few reads that I certainly wouldn't have found by myself and I don't think I'm a complete jerk on the greens.

I don't even recall seeing pullcarts out there, so you may not have that option.

When I played 36 on the first day (Pac Dunes and Trails) I was glad I only carried my own bag for one loop.

[rstyle]

My wife and I are planning to go at the end of July 2008.
Anybody know what the weather is like?
Going to Vancouver to visit family and decided, since we live in Florida and traveling a long way, to fly to Portland afterwards and travel the Oregon Coast. Never been in the Northwest

[tjy355]

...

Ask for Sasha.