spogan

FYI. I called the course. The maintenance will be complete on 9/21. So now I'm thinking about doing both! I can play both Crooked Cat and Panther Lake for about $30 more than just playing one Disney Course. Thanks for the replies.

Pumpkin Ridge was nice when we played it 2 years ago. Played it in the afternoon. It was cart path only so we decided to walk the course. My feet still hurt. The next day we left for Bandon. PR was nice though.

We have one day to play while in the Orlando area in Novermber. I'm leaning toward Crooked Cat but just wondering which is better? Any thoughts, reviews or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!

I'm in the process of looking into buying new irons for next year. The irons I have now are Lynx Black Cat with regular steel shafts. I've only just started my trek for finding new irons. I've hit the new Taylor Made 2.0 and really liked them. I'll be playing at Cog Hill on May 15th and they are having demo days that weekend, so after my round I plan on trying some brands out. I'm a 16 handicap if that's important for my choice. Thanks.

I was there last year. Played Pacific first, then Bandon and Trails the next day. The next day we played Bandon Crossing, which is down the road and not affiliated with Bandon Dunes. Really liked it (My blistered, on top on blistered feet LLLOOOOVVVVEEDDD having carts!!) We went in mid September and had great weather. We were lucky. Before I went people raved about Pacific and Bandon and were iffy on the Trails course, but I actually liked the Trails course very much. They are all great courses and I took a ton of pictures. Greatest golf trip I ever took. Have the steak sandwich at the Trails restaurant its incredible. Steakhouse was ok, expensive. Pub was good. Closed the Bunker Bar, I think that's the name. Not recommended if you have an early tee time!!!! Wear comfy shoes because your feet will thank you. I don't know how the caddies walk and carry two bags?? Have a great time and go low!!!

I played Arcadia Bluffs a couple of years ago and it was really great. Playing the new Harbor Shores course next Sunday. Hear great things about it. Half off greens fees as well. Think we're paying $75. I'll post when I get back.

I read an article about the Trail and it said that you get to play really nice courses for the money. My questions are: Being that there are a lot of courses that makeup the trail, what courses are not to be missed? Looking to play about 4 times in 3 days. Can we make a hotel the center point and play those four courses in the surrounding area? Flying in from Chicago, so what city would be best to fly into? If I think of anything else, I'll chime back in. Any info as always is very much appreciated. Thanks!

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.

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.

I'm in the market for a new sand wedge. I couldn't get over the amount of them on my last visit to Golfsmythe. I'm an 18 handicap. I hardly take any divots on my short irons. I've been reading about bounce, etc... I aslo want to use it around the greens. Hope I'm making sense???

I'm playing Cog Hill #4 (Dubsdread) in 3 weeks. I played #2 (Ravines) yesterday and they're already putting up the stands and tents around the course. So when we play it in a couple of weeks it should be pretty cool. Yesterday, for those of you who have ever played #2, they have a 19th hole (par 3) that runs along #18 on Dubs. They had the pin in the front with water on the left and sand and a landing area so small it was incredible. Can't wait to get out there!

When a female playing partner yells "that's huge" and she's not talking about my drive!!!!!!!

That's a no brainer..........FREE GOLF!!!!!!!!

If I could go from an 18 to an 8, I'd do it in a heartbeat! I only get to play about twice a month, so I'd do it in a second. Seems like it took me forever to go from a 23 to my current 18. I'd sure like to play more and practice more to do it on my own, but I just don't have the time. So yes, sign me up!!

What a place to go for your first golf trip! I've been reading a bunch of posts and trying to make this trip the best if can possibly be. 4 or us are flying into Portland the second week of September. We're playing Pumpkin Ridge the day we fly in at 3pm. Get up real early the next day and then drive to Bandon for an afternoon round at Pacific Dunes. 36 the next day starting with Bandon Dunes in the am and Bandon Trails in the afternoon. We then finish off the trip with an 8am round at Bandon Crossings before heading back to Portland for the night. I know the weather can vary, but I've read that Aug/Sept are the dryest months out there. Anyone been there in Sept? What can we expect? Do you think I'll need a caddie for all 3 rounds on the Bandon Resort courses? I hear the bars/restaurants close early at the resort. Any places in town that we should try? Any other tips from those of you who have been there would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to your responses and thanks!

I have a standing tee time at Cog Hill every Sunday. We rotate each week between Course 1, 2 and 3. 1 and 3 are nothing special. 2, The Ravines Course is a good test of golf. We've secured a tee time in late August to play Dubsdread (#4). They should be getting it ready for the BMW and I'm sure I'll have my hands full. After playing out there for many years, the changes they made are significant. All new greens that are so smooth they don't look real, more bunkers and bringing the lake out on #18 will make it a great finishing hole. It's $150 to play, but I'm looking forward to it.

My home course is Cog Hill in Lemont, IL. The website is coghillgolf.com.

I'm playing Pumpkin Ridge and then over to Bandon Dunes in September. I'm stocking up on balls as we speak!!! 1st golf trip ever. What a way to start!!