# of Bandon Trips Thread

[spud3]

[quote name='oregongolf' timestamp='1421963718' post='10799555']
[quote name='mallrat' timestamp='1421961204' post='10799315']
Anyone going to be down there Feb. 22nd - 24th?
[/quote]

I'll be there Feb. 19-22 with a 12 man group.
[/quote]

I'm there Feb 27 - Mar 1, solo. If anyone's going to be there during that time, PM me.

[mallrat]

I'll be there solo also.

Oregongolf, are you playing the morning of the 22nd? I'm playing BD at 12:30

[cbbaron]

Going first week April first trip already counting the days

[WestCoastHacker]

Trip number 2 is coming up at the end of March. Can't wait.

[Edaw68]

Just got back from trip 2, 12 rounds total in the two trips (each big course 3 times total) plus a round at the preserve.

[ws6]

63 and sunny tomorrow is very tempting, but my wife would be quite unhappy if I went.

[oregongolf]

[quote name='mallrat' timestamp='1421986656' post='10801659']
I'll be there solo also.

Oregongolf, are you playing the morning of the 22nd? I'm playing BD at 12:30
[/quote]

We're playing on Sunday before we head out. It's probably going to be Old Mac.

[palmer55]

Played at Bandon in the middle of the month. 3 days golf, 2 nights lodging, and 90 holes. The weather was superb on January 16-18, 2015; we had a 30 minute frost delay on the 18th, but the temperature was mild (mid 50s) and there was little to no wind. This was my 2nd trip in 2 years; I am up to 180 holes at this fine place. I played Bandon Trails and Old Mac on Monday; Pac Dunes and Old Mac on Tuesday, and finished with 18 holes on Bandon Dunes on Wednesday. I am 62 years old and handled the walking with no problem (hint and brag: I am also a Appalachian Trail hiker). Getting there is some of the fun; I live in Columbia, SC and flew out of Charlotte on Southwest Airlines to Portand; it is a beautiful drive to Bandon. I go as a single each year and it gives me some flexibility on tee times. All the golfers I have met there are personable and a pleasure to play with. My order of favorites: Bandon Dunes, Bandon Trails, Pacific Dunes, and Old Mac, but that list can change as I sit here and think of each course. Bandon is a great place and thanks to Mike Keiser and Kemper for the off season rates for the "retail golfer".

[BigSky59]

Leaving for Bandon in 2 weeks. Will be my second week-long trip in the last 3 months. I'm spoiling myself, but I'm way behind most people on this thread.

[Flogolf]

Just returned from a big group trip up there...only my second trip there...played all four courses at least once, plus the Preserve, a total of 117 holes. The weather the first day was really good, warm and a very light wind. The next 3 days had some rain early then quit and was good for the rest of the day. I just love that place, it gets into your head and you can't get it out! The more you play any of the courses the more you figure out some of the nuances and you figure out how to putt from 40yds off the green! Sometimes you can't even figure out whether you're even on the green. The day we played Old Macdonald, as soon as we walked off of 18 we reloaded and played it again. Nobody else was out there, the weather was good...we were just pinching ourselves that we could be alone on arguably some of the best golf holes anywhere. Oh yeah, and to Palmer55, I'm 63 and am also a backpacker in the High Sierras in the summer so carrying a little old golf bag 30 miles is no big deal, stoked I can still do it.

[DeNinny]

[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423206945' post='10896917']
Just returned from a big group trip up there...only my second trip there...played all four courses at least once, plus the Preserve, a total of 117 holes. The weather the first day was really good, warm and a very light wind. The next 3 days had some rain early then quit and was good for the rest of the day. I just love that place, it gets into your head and you can't get it out! The more you play any of the courses the more you figure out some of the nuances and you figure out how to putt from 40yds off the green! Sometimes you can't even figure out whether you're even on the green. The day we played Old Macdonald, as soon as we walked off of 18 we reloaded and played it again. Nobody else was out there, the weather was good...we were just pinching ourselves that we could be alone on arguably some of the best golf holes anywhere. Oh yeah, and to Palmer55, I'm 63 and am also a backpacker in the High Sierras in the summer so carrying a little old golf bag 30 miles is no big deal, stoked I can still do it.
[/quote]

I just created an "Eldest Statesman" category on the leaderboard. And you're it. Old Mac is just soooo much fun for short game lovers.

[The Pearl]

Close to "Elder Statesman" status here. I am 52 and making my first trip up at the end of March. Planning on a week at the resort, so I am going for a mega trip. Two days by myself and than I drive back to Eugene to pick up the rest of my trip buddies for the last 5 days. 10 rounds for me, 8 for the rest of the group.

The trip has been bounced around since the middle of last summer so we all gave up the carts to finish out the year. I have been in training and walking 5 plus miles per day with daily hill work. I live in the perfect training grounds at the foot of the mountains here in northern Utah. We have a couple of seriously hilly courses that are on our rotation, 3 of which the Walking Golfer Society ranks as more difficult to walk than Bandon Trails. If I go out of my house and turn left, I have nearly a mile climb up the street covering about 370 vertical feet. The first time I tried it in July, I had to stop 4 times and about puked. I can zip right to the top now, but it is still quite a steady grade. I have gone from walking 9 holes and not being able to move the next day to easily completing 18 with no effort. 36 over a few days still keeps me up at night, however. But, I still have 5 weeks to go. I have dropped about 40lbs in the training process. I think I will be ready for the challenge. My two buddies are in fine shape, so at the start of this process I was far and beyond going to be the weak link.

I have also heard from fellow mountain region golfers that once they are at Bandon, the altitude change gave them a huge energy boost.

I am going to be fluid with my strategy. I may get a caddy for my first two rounds by myself, just to ease the load out of the gate and to experience playing with a caddy, which I have never done. If it works out, I may use the caddy for the second of the 36 hole days that includes OM and BT and/or to pitch in if I start to hit the wall.

I also have been playing with an 8 club configuration and a Ping Moonlite bag. Boy is that load fun and easy to carry around a course, so I might give that a try.

As my golfing buddy says, "We will make it, if we have to crawl around that place on our hands and knees."

[Swingem]

Leaving on 2/19 for annual trip #13. 6 rounds scheduled from the 20th-23rd.

[Edaw68]

[quote name='The Pearl' timestamp='1423236905' post='10898531']
Close to "Elder Statesman" status here. I am 52 and making my first trip up at the end of March. Planning on a week at the resort, so I am going for a mega trip. Two days by myself and than I drive back to Eugene to pick up the rest of my trip buddies for the last 5 days. 10 rounds for me, 8 for the rest of the group.

The trip has been bounced around since the middle of last summer so we all gave up the carts to finish out the year. I have been in training and walking 5 plus miles per day with daily hill work. I live in the perfect training grounds at the foot of the mountains here in northern Utah. We have a couple of seriously hilly courses that are on our rotation, 3 of which the Walking Golfer Society ranks as more difficult to walk than Bandon Trails. If I go out of my house and turn left, I have nearly a mile climb up the street covering about 370 vertical feet. The first time I tried it in July, I had to stop 4 times and about puked. I can zip right to the top now, but it is still quite a steady grade. I have gone from walking 9 holes and not being able to move the next day to easily completing 18 with no effort. 36 over a few days still keeps me up at night, however. But, I still have 5 weeks to go. I have dropped about 40lbs in the training process. I think I will be ready for the challenge. My two buddies are in fine shape, so at the start of this process I was far and beyond going to be the weak link.

I have also heard from fellow mountain region golfers that once they are at Bandon, the altitude change gave them a huge energy boost.

I am going to be fluid with my strategy. I may get a caddy for my first two rounds by myself, just to ease the load out of the gate and to experience playing with a caddy, which I have never done. If it works out, I may use the caddy for the second of the 36 hole days that includes OM and BT and/or to pitch in if I start to hit the wall.

I also have been playing with an 8 club configuration and a Ping Moonlite bag. Boy is that load fun and easy to carry around a course, so I might give that a try.

As my golfing buddy says, "We will make it, if we have to crawl around that place on our hands and knees."
[/quote]

Caddies are a good option, it is a difference walking 36 with and without a bag. And for your first trip, probably worth it just for the tour guide quality a lot of them bring.

Another option is the ricksha carts they have at the resort. Takes the weight off your shoulders and feet. If you go that route, one caution is Pacific Dunes. A lot of the caddies, and I'm in their camp after trying both ways, recommend just carrying there due to some paths where the carts have difficulty.

[The Pearl]

[quote name='Edaw68' timestamp='1423242940' post='10899405']
[quote name='The Pearl' timestamp='1423236905' post='10898531']
Close to "Elder Statesman" status here. I am 52 and making my first trip up at the end of March. Planning on a week at the resort, so I am going for a mega trip. Two days by myself and than I drive back to Eugene to pick up the rest of my trip buddies for the last 5 days. 10 rounds for me, 8 for the rest of the group.

The trip has been bounced around since the middle of last summer so we all gave up the carts to finish out the year. I have been in training and walking 5 plus miles per day with daily hill work. I live in the perfect training grounds at the foot of the mountains here in northern Utah. We have a couple of seriously hilly courses that are on our rotation, 3 of which the Walking Golfer Society ranks as more difficult to walk than Bandon Trails. If I go out of my house and turn left, I have nearly a mile climb up the street covering about 370 vertical feet. The first time I tried it in July, I had to stop 4 times and about puked. I can zip right to the top now, but it is still quite a steady grade. I have gone from walking 9 holes and not being able to move the next day to easily completing 18 with no effort. 36 over a few days still keeps me up at night, however. But, I still have 5 weeks to go. I have dropped about 40lbs in the training process. I think I will be ready for the challenge. My two buddies are in fine shape, so at the start of this process I was far and beyond going to be the weak link.

I have also heard from fellow mountain region golfers that once they are at Bandon, the altitude change gave them a huge energy boost.

I am going to be fluid with my strategy. I may get a caddy for my first two rounds by myself, just to ease the load out of the gate and to experience playing with a caddy, which I have never done. If it works out, I may use the caddy for the second of the 36 hole days that includes OM and BT and/or to pitch in if I start to hit the wall.

I also have been playing with an 8 club configuration and a Ping Moonlite bag. Boy is that load fun and easy to carry around a course, so I might give that a try.

As my golfing buddy says, "We will make it, if we have to crawl around that place on our hands and knees."
[/quote]

Caddies are a good option, it is a difference walking 36 with and without a bag. And for your first trip, probably worth it just for the tour guide quality a lot of them bring.

Another option is the ricksha carts they have at the resort. Takes the weight off your shoulders and feet. If you go that route, one caution is Pacific Dunes. A lot of the caddies, and I'm in their camp after trying both ways, recommend just carrying there due to some paths where the carts have difficulty.
[/quote]

Good tip, Edaw.

I use a push cart, much easier than carrying, unless it is the Moonlite bag which I like to drape across the front of me. It is light and efficient and might be a good option for PD.

[Flogolf]

Thanks for the 'Elder Statesman' recognition but I have to defer to our local club pro who put this trip together...he's 77, walked and carried his bag all 4 rounds, shot 74 on the first day at BD. He's my inspiration for sure. But I do appreciate the recognition, I'll be 64 going on 20 in a month. I just wish I could still hit it as far as I did when I was 20! Especially at Bandon Dunes...

[palmer55]

[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423206945' post='10896917']
Just returned from a big group trip up there...only my second trip there...played all four courses at least once, plus the Preserve, a total of 117 holes. The weather the first day was really good, warm and a very light wind. The next 3 days had some rain early then quit and was good for the rest of the day. I just love that place, it gets into your head and you can't get it out! The more you play any of the courses the more you figure out some of the nuances and you figure out how to putt from 40yds off the green! Sometimes you can't even figure out whether you're even on the green. The day we played Old Macdonald, as soon as we walked off of 18 we reloaded and played it again. Nobody else was out there, the weather was good...we were just pinching ourselves that we could be alone on arguably some of the best golf holes anywhere. Oh yeah, and to Palmer55, I'm 63 and am also a backpacker in the High Sierras in the summer so carrying a little old golf bag 30 miles is no big deal, stoked I can still do it.
[/quote]Walking a golf course is the only way to play. I love the fact that everyone walks, there are no cart paths, and no pressure to rent a cart.

[2putttom]

[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423206945' post='10896917']
Just returned from a big group trip up there...only my second trip there...played all four courses at least once, plus the Preserve, a total of 117 holes. The weather the first day was really good, warm and a very light wind. The next 3 days had some rain early then quit and was good for the rest of the day. I just love that place, it gets into your head and you can't get it out! The more you play any of the courses the more you figure out some of the nuances and you figure out how to putt from 40yds off the green! Sometimes you can't even figure out whether you're even on the green. The day we played Old Macdonald, as soon as we walked off of 18 we reloaded and played it again. Nobody else was out there, the weather was good...we were just pinching ourselves that we could be alone on arguably some of the best golf holes anywhere. Oh yeah, and to Palmer55, I'm 63 and am also a backpacker in the High Sierras in the summer so carrying a little old golf bag 30 miles is no big deal, stoked I can still do it.
[/quote]
[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423251953' post='10900729']
Thanks for the 'Elder Statesman' recognition but I have to defer to our local club pro who put this trip together...he's 77, walked and carried his bag all 4 rounds, shot 74 on the first day at BD. He's my inspiration for sure. But I do appreciate the recognition, I'll be 64 going on 20 in a month. I just wish I could still hit it as far as I did when I was 20! Especially at Bandon Dunes...
[/quote]
[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423251953' post='10900729']
Thanks for the 'Elder Statesman' recognition but I have to defer to our local club pro who put this trip together...he's 77, walked and carried his bag all 4 rounds, shot 74 on the first day at BD. He's my inspiration for sure. But I do appreciate the recognition, I'll be 64 going on 20 in a month. I just wish I could still hit it as far as I did when I was 20! Especially at Bandon Dunes...
[/quote]Would that be the teaching pro @ Beau Pre? How was the pace of play this year?

[DeNinny]

[quote name='Swingem' timestamp='1423242323' post='10899265']
Leaving on 2/19 for annual trip #13. 6 rounds scheduled from the 20th-23rd.
[/quote]

And the out of state leader continues to pull away from the pack. I'll update the leaderboard when you get back.

Have a great THIRTEENTH trip!

[DeNinny]

[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423251953' post='10900729']
Thanks for the 'Elder Statesman' recognition but I have to defer to our local club pro who put this trip together...he's 77, walked and carried his bag all 4 rounds, shot 74 on the first day at BD. He's my inspiration for sure. But I do appreciate the recognition, I'll be 64 going on 20 in a month. I just wish I could still hit it as far as I did when I was 20! Especially at Bandon Dunes...
[/quote]
He's gotta post here if he's going to supplant you on the leaderboard. I'm seriously inspired and impressed with all you elder statesmen (> 60) playing multiple rounds. I can tell you that a double round in one day completely wiped out my 70 year old father during our first trip. The last round was on Bandon Dunes and I was carrying both of our bags for the last three holes. With the wind and everything the walk and entire round will wear you down more than most other courses.

64 going on 20. Love it. You're only as old as you act, right?

[Flogolf]

[quote name='2putttom' timestamp='1423272238' post='10902829']
[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423206945' post='10896917']
Just returned from a big group trip up there...only my second trip there...played all four courses at least once, plus the Preserve, a total of 117 holes. The weather the first day was really good, warm and a very light wind. The next 3 days had some rain early then quit and was good for the rest of the day. I just love that place, it gets into your head and you can't get it out! The more you play any of the courses the more you figure out some of the nuances and you figure out how to putt from 40yds off the green! Sometimes you can't even figure out whether you're even on the green. The day we played Old Macdonald, as soon as we walked off of 18 we reloaded and played it again. Nobody else was out there, the weather was good...we were just pinching ourselves that we could be alone on arguably some of the best golf holes anywhere. Oh yeah, and to Palmer55, I'm 63 and am also a backpacker in the High Sierras in the summer so carrying a little old golf bag 30 miles is no big deal, stoked I can still do it.
[/quote]
[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423251953' post='10900729']
Thanks for the 'Elder Statesman' recognition but I have to defer to our local club pro who put this trip together...he's 77, walked and carried his bag all 4 rounds, shot 74 on the first day at BD. He's my inspiration for sure. But I do appreciate the recognition, I'll be 64 going on 20 in a month. I just wish I could still hit it as far as I did when I was 20! Especially at Bandon Dunes...
[/quote]
[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423251953' post='10900729']
Thanks for the 'Elder Statesman' recognition but I have to defer to our local club pro who put this trip together...he's 77, walked and carried his bag all 4 rounds, shot 74 on the first day at BD. He's my inspiration for sure. But I do appreciate the recognition, I'll be 64 going on 20 in a month. I just wish I could still hit it as far as I did when I was 20! Especially at Bandon Dunes...
[/quote]Would that be the teaching pro @ Beau Pre? How was the pace of play this year?
[/quote]That would be Rex from Beau Pre...pace of play was good I thought...the only real slow times we had was when we were on our second rounds late in the afternoon when they don't really seem to have marshalls out there...we didn't mind though, nobody was behind us so we just stayed on the green while the group in front teed off and practiced all kinds of putts, big boy punchbowl kinda stuff, really fun.

[ws6]

I have played four 1pm or later rounds since December. I have found if it is a sunny afternoon, rounds take a little more than 4 hours. If it is overcast or light mist rain, you can easily play in less than 3 hours.

[2putttom]

[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423411611' post='10911125']
[quote name='2putttom' timestamp='1423272238' post='10902829']
[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423206945' post='10896917']
Just returned from a big group trip up there...only my second trip there...played all four courses at least once, plus the Preserve, a total of 117 holes. The weather the first day was really good, warm and a very light wind. The next 3 days had some rain early then quit and was good for the rest of the day. I just love that place, it gets into your head and you can't get it out! The more you play any of the courses the more you figure out some of the nuances and you figure out how to putt from 40yds off the green! Sometimes you can't even figure out whether you're even on the green. The day we played Old Macdonald, as soon as we walked off of 18 we reloaded and played it again. Nobody else was out there, the weather was good...we were just pinching ourselves that we could be alone on arguably some of the best golf holes anywhere. Oh yeah, and to Palmer55, I'm 63 and am also a backpacker in the High Sierras in the summer so carrying a little old golf bag 30 miles is no big deal, stoked I can still do it.
[/quote]
[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423251953' post='10900729']
Thanks for the 'Elder Statesman' recognition but I have to defer to our local club pro who put this trip together...he's 77, walked and carried his bag all 4 rounds, shot 74 on the first day at BD. He's my inspiration for sure. But I do appreciate the recognition, I'll be 64 going on 20 in a month. I just wish I could still hit it as far as I did when I was 20! Especially at Bandon Dunes...
[/quote]
[quote name='Flogolf' timestamp='1423251953' post='10900729']
Thanks for the 'Elder Statesman' recognition but I have to defer to our local club pro who put this trip together...he's 77, walked and carried his bag all 4 rounds, shot 74 on the first day at BD. He's my inspiration for sure. But I do appreciate the recognition, I'll be 64 going on 20 in a month. I just wish I could still hit it as far as I did when I was 20! Especially at Bandon Dunes...
[/quote]Would that be the teaching pro @ Beau Pre? How was the pace of play this year?
[/quote]That would be Rex from Beau Pre...pace of play was good I thought...the only real slow times we had was when we were on our second rounds late in the afternoon when they don't really seem to have marshalls out there...we didn't mind though, nobody was behind us so we just stayed on the green while the group in front teed off and practiced all kinds of putts, big boy punchbowl kinda stuff, really fun.
[/quote]My nick name for Rex is "Scooter" He walks faster then twenty year olds. Did you take a camera this trip?

[Flogolf]

Well, I brought a camera but the first day at BD, the day with the best weather for picture-taking, I was rushed 'cause they changed my tee time without telling me so I had to start on 5 so I forgot the camera. The other days started out rainy so I didn't even think about taking pictures. Oh well, now I have another excuse for going back!