Going to the mecca of golf, in the US at least (another I'm going to Bandon thread)

murellus · March 5, 2014

Been stationed up in the PNW for 2 years now and transferring later this year. Everyone I've run across said I would be making a big mistake if I didn't go to Bandon while up here. Life on a submarine doesn't leave much time for golf but I booked a 3 day trip this weekend (3/8-10) at the last minute.

I know there have been some discussion on which wedges to take, but I feel like I have to throw this out there. Bag goes Driver, 3w, 17* hy, 21* hy, 4i. Wedges are PW (47*), 54*, 60*. I do have a 3i from an old set that would bridge the gap better between my 21* and 4i, but I feel like the 60* would be useful out of bunkers. Thoughts?

If there's any WRX'ers going to Bandon I'd love to meet up for a beer and talk golf (it never seems to get boring).

oregongolf · March 5, 2014

I wouldn't make this too complicated.. keep your normal setup. Being your first time there, just move the ball along the ground anywhere near the greens.

mringwelski · March 6, 2014

If you get the chance before you play the big courses head out to the range and see if Shorty's is open. Shorty's is the 9 hole par 3 course that is free of charge to resort guests. It also acts as the greens for the south range. It will give you a really good idea of how to play your approach shots if you're not familiar with links golf.

Swingem · March 6, 2014

I would keep your normal setup and not overthink it. Sometimes its best to not know what you cant do out there.

spud3 · March 7, 2014

Shorty's is a great way to finish off a range session before heading out to the course, or get a few extra practice swings for the short game misses from the round you just finished. Blog post from the Bandon site here:

[url="http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/blog/shortys"]http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/blog/shortys[/url]

It's "closed" Monday-Wed, but even when it's closed you can play holes 1,2 and 9. It's basically the same concept as the Preserve, but a lot less $, you can play as many balls as you want (as long as you're not holding anybody up) and it's much quieter. The Preserve can get something of a carnival atmosphere in the evening, when the boys have had a couple post-round/pre-dinner drinks and someone hits a spectacular/awful shot...

spud3 · March 7, 2014

And +1 on the advice not to change up your bag before you go. Play what is comfortable, adjust when things don't work. The course and conditions will let you know what won't work, very quickly.

It's like learning golf all over again, only this time you have some skill level to draw upon.

So much fun...

njlam · March 7, 2014

What courses are you playing?

If you can play the Preserve as a warmup to any of the 18 hole courses, that is always fun.

murellus · March 8, 2014

Trails on sat, Bandon Dunes sun, Old Mac on mon. Will most likely head out to Preserve after tomorrow's round (I'm trying to keep myself rested)

spud3 · March 8, 2014

Take the raingear. Enjoy the experience. Write up a trip report when you get back.

2putttom · March 8, 2014

Take lots of pics to remind yourself of the great time you had while cruisin under the ice. Thanks for your service for our saftey, take care.

murellus · March 11, 2014

Just got home and the only thought on my mind is that I should've just stayed another day to get a couple more rounds in. I'll be posting a trip report with pictures soon (didn't take as many as I would have liked), but I need to get some rest after that long drive. My only comment is that if you truly enjoy golf and haven't been out to Bandon, you're ****ing up at a high rate.

Chris_NH · March 11, 2014

[quote name='murellus' timestamp='1394513367' post='8845435']
Just got home and the only thought on my mind is that I should've just stayed another day to get a couple more rounds in. I'll be posting a trip report with pictures soon (didn't take as many as I would have liked), but I need to get some rest after that long drive. My only comment is that if you truly enjoy golf and haven't been out to Bandon, you're ****ing up at a high rate.
[/quote]

Glad to hear your comments - I couldn't agree more.

I leave Thursday night for my trip - first round is Old Mac on Friday afternoon. At least, if we can successfully get out of Boston on Thursday with the snowstorm coming :-(