dmccrory

I've been to Bandon Dunes the last two Thanksgivings and plan on going back this year. We've had incredible weather and I'm hoping for more of the same. 2008 was sunny, no wind, and 60 degrees for 4 days. 2009 had heavy rain on Thanksgiving day, windy with some sprinkles on Friday, and sunny/warm/light winds on the weekend. Definitely play all 4 courses. Even in November, it is possible to get in 36 holes a day. You just need one of the first tee times of the day. The courses aren't that tough to walk, though dragging a push-cart through the sand dunes can be a pain. I'm looking forward to playing Old MacDonald for the first time. Bandon is my favorite with Pacific Dunes a close second. Bandon Trails isn't as strong as those two, but it is still one of the top 25 courses I've played. If you're driving to the north, Sandpines Golf Links in Florence is a nice course. I've also heard good things about Bandon Crossings, which is a few miles south of the town of Bandon. -Dave

Great Courses, but the drive from Bandon to Eastern Washington is the flaw in your plan. Spend more time at Bandon. You won't regret it. Save Palouse Ridge and Prospector (plus Apple Tree, Wine Valley, Coeur D'Alene, and Circling Raven) for another trip.

Desert Willow (Firecliff) is one of the better courses in the area. I thought Shadow Ridge was an average resort course...not worth their high green fees. Three of my favorite courses in the area are: La Quinta (Mountain) Indian Wells (Celebrity) Desert Dunes For reviews on these, and other Palm Springs courses, check out http://palmsprings.twoguyswhogolf.com/reviews/

1. Join the Northern California Golf Association ( http://www.ncga.org/ncga-services/join/?from=hometop ). If you belong to a golf club in your home state, you can get the "Association Membership" for $60. Pasatiempo, Pebble, Spy Glass, and Spanish Bay all have NCGA discounts and you will easily save the $60...probably on your first round. See the Special Offers and Member Advantage pages on the NCGA.org website for more information on the discounts. 2. Get a Caddy when you're at Pebble. It adds so much to the experience. If you're looking for a good one, ask for Chris Driels. He carried my bag twice last August. 3. Definitely play Poppy Hills when you're there. It also has the advantage of being the NCGA home course. Your membership will get you approximately 40% off greens fees there. -Dave

First, join the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA) if you're not already a member. You can become an "Associate" member for $25 if you belong to a participating club in your home state. This will give you great discounts at courses in the area. For more info, see http://www.ncga.org/about-ncga/member-benefits/ Poppy Hills is the NCGA home course, so you'll get a nice discount there. Pasatiempo, Spyglass, Spanish Bay, and Half Moon Bay Golf Links all had great discounts when I was there in August (call them for current availability). Even with the discounts, these courses aren't cheap. If you're on a budget, try the Pacific Grove Golf Links - a nice little Muni with some great ocean views.

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.

Assume it will take at least 5 hours for your round. I've played Chambers 8 or 9 times now and I've never gotten out of there in less. I also recommend you practice putting for at least 20 minutes before your tee time. The greens can be incredibly slow and it takes a while to get used to them.

Bend, Oregon (and surrounding area) Sunriver (Crosswater, Meadows, Woodlands) Aspen Lakes Widgi Creek Lost Tracks Tetherow Black Butte (Big Meadow, Glaze Meadow) Eagle Crest (Resort, Ridge)

It all depends how far you want to travel. In my opinion, the best courses in the area are across Puget Sound or south by Tacoma: Kitsap Penisula Gold Mountain - Bremerton Two courses. Olympic is the jewel. Cascade is fun. Highly recommend the Monday/Tuesday "Play-all-day" special Trophy Lake - Port Orchard Beautiful, challenging course McCormick Woods - Port Orchard Well reviewed, nice course Whitehorse - Kingston Extremely challenging, often frustrating. Tacoma Area Chambers Bay - University Place Must visit. Beautiful, unique course. Hosting the 2015 Open. The Home Course Great track. Nice views. Highly recommend. Seattle Area Washington National - Auburn A cut above. Really nice northwest course. Harbour Pointe - Mukilteo Challenging, under-rated course. West Seattle Muni Above average muni. Reasonable rates. Great views from the back nine. Go early or be prepared for a slow round