Oregon/Washington Golf

[spud3]

Stick with the courses on the coast. Gearhart is a blast to play. Maybe look at Salishan. Not much on the East side of the Cascades will even be open, and nothing in the Willamette valley will likely be in very good shape. Certainly, anything you play after Bandon and before Chambers (in Oregon, anyway) will pale in comparison.

If you're set on playing some Portland public courses, Langdon Farms and Stone Creek are the best draining courses, and that is the single most important factor for you to consider from now until about May.

[DeNinny]

[quote name='Mr22putt' timestamp='1413474870' post='10299441']
[quote name='DeNinny' timestamp='1413435655' post='10297583']
I agree if you mean Ghost Creek, but Witch Hollow is a wicked course.
[/quote]
Witch = private
[/quote]

Thanks and I forgot to mention that. If anyone has the chance to play it, it should be taken up. I luckily have some work buddies that get me on every now and then. Witch Hollow will put the beat down on you if you are not playing well and smart.

[EdL]

[quote name='spud3' timestamp='1413612203' post='10308751']
Stick with the courses on the coast. Gearhart is a blast to play. Maybe look at Salishan. Not much on the East side of the Cascades will even be open, and nothing in the Willamette valley will likely be in very good shape. Certainly, anything you play after Bandon and before Chambers (in Oregon, anyway) will pale in comparison.

If you're set on playing some Portland public courses, Langdon Farms and Stone Creek are the best draining courses, and that is the single most important factor for you to consider from now until about May.
[/quote]

Had lots of rain (and more to come) in the Portland area over the last few weeks. Langdon, Stone Creek and Chehalem Glenn are the best draining courses in the area.

Beware of Chambers Bay. They may have a number of temporary greens up. I would advise calling ahead. Just got done playing a 3-day event at Gold Mountain Olympic Course, Home Course and Chambers Bay (10/17-19) and the greens were slow and bumpy at all 3 courses.

If you're in the Bend area, check out Brasada Ranch just east of Redmond. Beautiful views, fun golf course on par with the Nicklaus at Pronghorn. Should be open in November.

[allparz]

Salishan is a pretty good take heading up rt1 as is SandPines...

Salishan is neat mix of 9 holes links and 9 holes thru the forest. The resort/lodge is top notch - good food and wine (All of Oregon Pinot Noir's are very good, nod to Adelshiem)
SandPines is in the Sand Hills of the Oregon Coast - right next to the Oregon Dunes National Rec Area (very nice) - Florence is a nice town - don't miss the dungeness crab

[irvtrain]

[quote name='EdL' timestamp='1414525602' post='10363723']
[quote name='spud3' timestamp='1413612203' post='10308751']
Stick with the courses on the coast. Gearhart is a blast to play. Maybe look at Salishan. Not much on the East side of the Cascades will even be open, and nothing in the Willamette valley will likely be in very good shape. Certainly, anything you play after Bandon and before Chambers (in Oregon, anyway) will pale in comparison.

If you're set on playing some Portland public courses, Langdon Farms and Stone Creek are the best draining courses, and that is the single most important factor for you to consider from now until about May.
[/quote]

Had lots of rain (and more to come) in the Portland area over the last few weeks. Langdon, Stone Creek and Chehalem Glenn are the best draining courses in the area.

Beware of Chambers Bay. They may have a number of temporary greens up. I would advise calling ahead. Just got done playing a 3-day event at Gold Mountain Olympic Course, Home Course and Chambers Bay (10/17-19) and the greens were slow and bumpy at all 3 courses.

If you're in the Bend area, check out Brasada Ranch just east of Redmond. Beautiful views, fun golf course on par with the Nicklaus at Pronghorn. Should be open in November.
[/quote]

Thanks, I may need to push Washington golf to another day then. That is disappointing. I'm on the fence regarding Bend.

[irvtrain]

[quote name='allparz' timestamp='1414529266' post='10364089']
Salishan is a pretty good take heading up rt1 as is SandPines...

Salishan is neat mix of 9 holes links and 9 holes thru the forest. The resort/lodge is top notch - good food and wine (All of Oregon Pinot Noir's are very good, nod to Adelshiem)
SandPines is in the Sand Hills of the Oregon Coast - right next to the Oregon Dunes National Rec Area (very nice) - Florence is a nice town - don't miss the dungeness crab
[/quote]

Thanks, for all the respones.

I'm thinking Gearhart, Sandpines, Salishan, and Bandon with Langdon thrown in the day I land or the day I leave.

For Gearhart, Sandpines, and Salishan. I need to do two of these in one day. Which way should I go? best to be coming down from Gearhart or going up from Florence to Salishan? Keep in mind I'll probably do some site seeing the day I don't play 36.

[oregongolf]

[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1414556825' post='10366405']
[quote name='allparz' timestamp='1414529266' post='10364089']
Salishan is a pretty good take heading up rt1 as is SandPines...

Salishan is neat mix of 9 holes links and 9 holes thru the forest. The resort/lodge is top notch - good food and wine (All of Oregon Pinot Noir's are very good, nod to Adelshiem)
SandPines is in the Sand Hills of the Oregon Coast - right next to the Oregon Dunes National Rec Area (very nice) - Florence is a nice town - don't miss the dungeness crab
[/quote]

Thanks, for all the respones.

I'm thinking Gearhart, Sandpines, Salishan, and Bandon with Langdon thrown in the day I land or the day I leave.

For Gearhart, Sandpines, and Salishan. I need to do two of these in one day. Which way should I go? best to be coming down from Gearhart or going up from Florence to Salishan? Keep in mind I'll probably do some site seeing the day I don't play 36.
[/quote]

Honestly, I wouldn't play Langdon on the day you leave. You'll likely be pretty tired and it will absolutely be such a step down from Bandon... I wouldn't even say it's worth it, especially since it's not exactly a destination course (I don't even think it's the 3rd best public course in the area).

I would say play Gearhart and Sandpines in one day, but I don't think it will be possible. Again, just my opinion here, but I think Salishan is perhaps one of the most overrated golf courses in the whole state. I would skip it altogether and just hang out at the Resort and go crazy at the Shorty's, Punchbowl, and The Preserve if given the choice between the two.

My recommendation would be to play in Astoria and Gearhart. I know Astoria G&CC has limited public play if you stay at the Surfsand in Cannon Beach. I would strongly recommend staying there and playing Astoria and trying to squeeze in a second 18 at Gearhart. You play two of the best courses on the Northern Oregon coast and they're 10 minutes away from each other.

[Clintness]

[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1414556825' post='10366405']
[quote name='allparz' timestamp='1414529266' post='10364089']
Salishan is a pretty good take heading up rt1 as is SandPines...

Salishan is neat mix of 9 holes links and 9 holes thru the forest. The resort/lodge is top notch - good food and wine (All of Oregon Pinot Noir's are very good, nod to Adelshiem)
SandPines is in the Sand Hills of the Oregon Coast - right next to the Oregon Dunes National Rec Area (very nice) - Florence is a nice town - don't miss the dungeness crab
[/quote]

Thanks, for all the respones.

I'm thinking Gearhart, Sandpines, Salishan, and Bandon with Langdon thrown in the day I land or the day I leave.

For Gearhart, Sandpines, and Salishan. I need to do two of these in one day. Which way should I go? best to be coming down from Gearhart or going up from Florence to Salishan? Keep in mind I'll probably do some site seeing the day I don't play 36.
[/quote]
Take into consideration that most travel on the coast will be on 101, which moves at a snail's pace. Seaside (Gearhart), to Sahishan takes about 2.5 hours, and Salishan to Florance takes 1.5 hours, and those are the closest two of those three. There just simply isn't enough sunlight in one day for that. Gearhart and another local course in the Seaside/Astoria area are going to be your best bet.

[FairwayGolfUSA.com]

Pumpkin ridge is a fun course. The Reserve is near by and nice also. Chehalem Glenn is a great course but might be kind of far away from where your trying to travel.

[irvtrain]

[quote name='FairwayGolfUSA.com' timestamp='1415149903' post='10398373']
Pumpkin ridge is a fun course. The Reserve is near by and nice also. Chehalem Glenn is a great course but might be kind of far away from where your trying to travel.
[/quote]

Thanks, your the first to recommend Chehalem Glenn. Looked at the photos, looks to be a challenging course. This is where I need your guys added input. I'm landing in the morning on the 12th. After getting my bags and rental car, it'll be about 11-11:30. So should I try to get out on Pumpkin - Witch Hazel, The Reserve, Chehalem Glenn, or Langdon Farms? I may call both Pumpkin and Reserve to see if a cart and a wide open course could equate to 36.

Also, don't be shy with restaurant recommendations. Since I'll be on the coast, I'll probably be overloading myself with seafood.

Here are confirmed plans so far:

Fly in on the 12th. - open for golf
13th and 14th - Bandon 36 each day.
15th Sandpines and site seeing and probably stop off at the casino to try and pay for the trip...kidding but kinda hopeful - bad frame of mine when heading to a casino.
16th Gearhart and Astoria.
17th flyout early morning.

Also, don't be afraid to join me any day, just send me a pm for what time I'm shooting for at each course. The courses besides Bandon said they were wide open.

[oregongolf]

[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1415244480' post='10403909']
[quote name='FairwayGolfUSA.com' timestamp='1415149903' post='10398373']
Pumpkin ridge is a fun course. The Reserve is near by and nice also. Chehalem Glenn is a great course but might be kind of far away from where your trying to travel.
[/quote]

Thanks, your the first to recommend Chehalem Glenn. Looked at the photos, looks to be a challenging course. This is where I need your guys added input. I'm landing in the morning on the 12th. After getting my bags and rental car, it'll be about 11-11:30. So should I try to get out on Pumpkin - Witch Hazel, The Reserve, Chehalem Glenn, or Langdon Farms? I may call both Pumpkin and Reserve to see if a cart and a wide open course could equate to 36.

Also, don't be shy with restaurant recommendations. Since I'll be on the coast, I'll probably be overloading myself with seafood.

Here are confirmed plans so far:

Fly in on the 12th. - open for golf
13th and 14th - Bandon 36 each day.
15th Sandpines and site seeing and probably stop off at the casino to try and pay for the trip...kidding but kinda hopeful - bad frame of mine when heading to a casino.
16th Gearhart and Astoria.
17th flyout early morning.

Also, don't be afraid to join me any day, just send me a pm for what time I'm shooting for at each course. The courses besides Bandon said they were wide open.
[/quote]
Chehalem isn't a bad course, but not nearly in the same league as Pumpkin, The Reserve, or Langdon.

You should definitely play any of the three before Chehalem... although I would skip Pumpkin if it's wet. Great course (in the summer), not so great in the Winter or after rain... I've literally lost balls in the fairway there. I noticed you said Witch -- it is private, not impossible to get on, but I assume you have an in there?

I don't mind hosting at my club on Wednesday morning when you get here and it's fairly close to Langdon if you were sure you wanted to try for a second 18 (I personally don't think there's a chance in hell you'll get it at any course). Pumpkin and Reserve are good choices, but aren't really located close to the Airport. Langdon is a good choice since it's right off I-5.

Good choice on Gearhart and Astoria. Nice way to cap off your trip... not in the same league as Bandon, but it stacks your rounds at two fairly nice (and very very old) courses.

Also, don't be afraid to take some pictures... all of the courses are great and we all love the eye candy.

[irvtrain]

[quote name='oregongolf' timestamp='1415247389' post='10404103']
[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1415244480' post='10403909']
[quote name='FairwayGolfUSA.com' timestamp='1415149903' post='10398373']
Pumpkin ridge is a fun course. The Reserve is near by and nice also. Chehalem Glenn is a great course but might be kind of far away from where your trying to travel.
[/quote]

Thanks, your the first to recommend Chehalem Glenn. Looked at the photos, looks to be a challenging course. This is where I need your guys added input. I'm landing in the morning on the 12th. After getting my bags and rental car, it'll be about 11-11:30. So should I try to get out on Pumpkin - Witch Hazel, The Reserve, Chehalem Glenn, or Langdon Farms? I may call both Pumpkin and Reserve to see if a cart and a wide open course could equate to 36.

Also, don't be shy with restaurant recommendations. Since I'll be on the coast, I'll probably be overloading myself with seafood.

Here are confirmed plans so far:

Fly in on the 12th. - open for golf
13th and 14th - Bandon 36 each day.
15th Sandpines and site seeing and probably stop off at the casino to try and pay for the trip...kidding but kinda hopeful - bad frame of mine when heading to a casino.
16th Gearhart and Astoria.
17th flyout early morning.

Also, don't be afraid to join me any day, just send me a pm for what time I'm shooting for at each course. The courses besides Bandon said they were wide open.
[/quote]
Chehalem isn't a bad course, but not nearly in the same league as Pumpkin, The Reserve, or Langdon.

You should definitely play any of the three before Chehalem... although I would skip Pumpkin if it's wet. Great course (in the summer), not so great in the Winter or after rain... I've literally lost balls in the fairway there. I noticed you said Witch -- it is private, not impossible to get on, but I assume you have an in there?

I don't mind hosting at my club on Wednesday morning when you get here and it's fairly close to Langdon if you were sure you wanted to try for a second 18 (I personally don't think there's a chance in hell you'll get it at any course). Pumpkin and Reserve are good choices, but aren't really located close to the Airport. Langdon is a good choice since it's right off I-5.

Good choice on Gearhart and Astoria. Nice way to cap off your trip... not in the same league as Bandon, but it stacks your rounds at two fairly nice (and very very old) courses.

Also, don't be afraid to take some pictures... all of the courses are great and we all love the eye candy.
[/quote]

Wouldn't mind coming to your club. Don't want to impose. Witch is private but looks like I could get on through boxgroove. 36 shouldn't be an issue if the courses are wide open and on the same property. 36 isn't a must. Just maybe the best 18 possible would be ideal.

I'll take plenty of photos!!

[spud3]

+1 on OregonGolf's assessment of courses. Pumpkin and both Reserve courses are swamp-ish and IMO unplayable during the wet season. Langdon is my recommendation. If you aren't starting until noon, there's no way you'll get 36 in. Sunset will be around 4:45, so you'll be doing well to get a full 18. A cart won't help, as just about everything here is cart-path only by now, and unless you are able to hit toward the path off each tee (generally not a good approach for scoring), you'll be walking more than if you were pulling a cart or carrying.

Depending on where you're staying Wednesday, you may want to consider the Blue course at Heron Lakes. It's very close to the airport and a great layout. Their drainage has improved in the past few years, but anywhere you play here will likely be moist, at best, unless we have a long dry stretch (not likely).

Another thing to consider is the travel time to Pumpkin or the Reserve. They are both located well east of Portland, and the route there is not known for it's expedience. You can luck out with hwy 26 once in a while, but most of the time, there's significant traffic. Langdon will be around 35-40 min from the airport, but it's located right off I-5.

I would forget Chehalem Glenn. If, for no other reason it's waaaay out of reach given your arrival. Newberg is an hour away from Portland, even on a good day. I'm not a fan of the course itself, but that's just me. Local knowledge is huge on that course, whereas Langdon lays out things pretty much right in front of you.

Again, anything here is going to pale compared to Bandon. Curious to hear your impressions of Gearhart after Bandon.

Have a great trip and post a full report!

[irvtrain]

[quote name='spud3' timestamp='1415250594' post='10404247']
+1 on OregonGolf's assessment of courses. Pumpkin and both Reserve courses are swamp-ish and IMO unplayable during the wet season. Langdon is my recommendation. If you aren't starting until noon, there's no way you'll get 36 in. Sunset will be around 4:45, so you'll be doing well to get a full 18. A cart won't help, as just about everything here is cart-path only by now, and unless you are able to hit toward the path off each tee (generally not a good approach for scoring), you'll be walking more than if you were pulling a cart or carrying.

Depending on where you're staying Wednesday, you may want to consider the Blue course at Heron Lakes. It's very close to the airport and a great layout. Their drainage has improved in the past few years, but anywhere you play here will likely be moist, at best, unless we have a long dry stretch (not likely).

Another thing to consider is the travel time to Pumpkin or the Reserve. They are both located well east of Portland, and the route there is not known for it's expedience. You can luck out with hwy 26 once in a while, but most of the time, there's significant traffic. Langdon will be around 35-40 min from the airport, but it's located right off I-5.

I would forget Chehalem Glenn. If, for no other reason it's waaaay out of reach given your arrival. Newberg is an hour away from Portland, even on a good day. I'm not a fan of the course itself, but that's just me. Local knowledge is huge on that course, whereas Langdon lays out things pretty much right in front of you.

Again, anything here is going to pale compared to Bandon. Curious to hear your impressions of Gearhart after Bandon.

Have a great trip and post a full report!
[/quote]

Thanks, I'm thinking Langdon would be a good starter then. Seems everyone at least likes it, whereas the others, it seems to be a love/hate.

I'll put up a full review.

[DeNinny]

[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1415251557' post='10404269']
[quote name='spud3' timestamp='1415250594' post='10404247']
+1 on OregonGolf's assessment of courses. Pumpkin and both Reserve courses are swamp-ish and IMO unplayable during the wet season. Langdon is my recommendation. If you aren't starting until noon, there's no way you'll get 36 in. Sunset will be around 4:45, so you'll be doing well to get a full 18. A cart won't help, as just about everything here is cart-path only by now, and unless you are able to hit toward the path off each tee (generally not a good approach for scoring), you'll be walking more than if you were pulling a cart or carrying.

Depending on where you're staying Wednesday, you may want to consider the Blue course at Heron Lakes. It's very close to the airport and a great layout. Their drainage has improved in the past few years, but anywhere you play here will likely be moist, at best, unless we have a long dry stretch (not likely).

Another thing to consider is the travel time to Pumpkin or the Reserve. They are both located well east of Portland, and the route there is not known for it's expedience. You can luck out with hwy 26 once in a while, but most of the time, there's significant traffic. Langdon will be around 35-40 min from the airport, but it's located right off I-5.

I would forget Chehalem Glenn. If, for no other reason it's waaaay out of reach given your arrival. Newberg is an hour away from Portland, even on a good day. I'm not a fan of the course itself, but that's just me. Local knowledge is huge on that course, whereas Langdon lays out things pretty much right in front of you.

Again, anything here is going to pale compared to Bandon. Curious to hear your impressions of Gearhart after Bandon.

Have a great trip and post a full report!
[/quote]

Thanks, I'm thinking Langdon would be a good starter then. Seems everyone at least likes it, whereas the others, it seems to be a love/hate.

I'll put up a full review.
[/quote]

Langdon is very solid. Have fun on the 100 yard par 3. It's one of those either birdie or double bogey holes. Nothing in between. You will see.

[jhbangas]

[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1413414107' post='10295397']
[quote name='knock it close' timestamp='1413412846' post='10295231']
[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1413412717' post='10295217']
[quote name='oregongolf' timestamp='1413412558' post='10295195']
You have a great plan... for August.

Bend in November isn't going to be much fun (I'm not even sure Prong or Tetherow are even still open), unless you want to ski or something.
[/quote]

Thanks may need to scratch idea then.
[/quote] Yeah unfortunately novembers probably the worst time to be in Bend, likely not enough snow for skiing and most courses are probably closed.

I would say just go to Bend anyway because its an awesome place, but being that you're from Denver its nothing you haven't seen before.
[/quote]

Yeah, hate to be a ski snob but I didn't even know Oregon had skiing. Would love to check it out but looking to just golf on this trip. So stick to the coastal areas then?
[/quote]

If you're a ski snob that doesn't know Oregon has skiing, then you are not a ski snob.

[irvtrain]

Had a blast guys! Thanks! Really appreciate the recommendation to skip Washington as my playing partners were from Seattle and they said all the courses were in bad shape with Chambers having temporary greens. Staying to the coast made all the difference and not something I would necessarily have done without you guys. I made it to Langdon on day one. Bandon for two days. Played Sandpines and made it up to Salishan with plenty of time to play it but they were closed [u]ALL DAY DUE TO FROST!! [/u] So I played the Chinook Winds Golf Course...Should have hit the Ocean Dunes Course in Florence instead, but oh well. Rounded it out with Gearhart and Astoria. Will do a quick write up of each course with some pics.

Some miscellaneous things:

Had some great seafood along the coast. One of the stops for fish and chips in Lincoln City had a very dirty/greasy kitchen which almost always means they have good food, and it was. The owner said they have an hour and half wait in the summers. Which makes me glad I didn't make this trip in the summer as I tend to haggle motel owners on their price.

Bandon and Florence were nice beach towns. Lincoln City was okay but I don't think it would be much of a city without the casino. Seaside was great as they had a wine walk the Saturday I stayed there.

Loved all the cool little coffee huts and coffee shops throughout the state.

Portland is doing a good job at keeping itself weird or maybe it was the bars I ended up at on a late Sunday night/Monday morning waiting for my flight. But I think this scene from Crocodile Dundee might be a necessary test if you were looking to meet a lady.

[media=]http://youtu.be/ecxh4QHWmqg[/media]

[irvtrain]

Langdon Farms. This course was a great start to my trip. It was only 41* and windy when I teed off but that was 100x better than the -2* and snowing when I took off from Denver at 8:30 that morning. It was 60* in Denver the morning before. Anyway, this would definitely be the type of course in my regular rotation if I lived in the area. I felt like this course is a very good course to score well on as quite a few of the par 4s were birdie holes, which I'm not always used too. I think 3-4 birdies in a round would be what I'd expect. Is that a reasonable expectation for you regulars? Anyway, I birdied hole #1, great start to my trip!!.......I didn't have another birdie until 17 at Old McDonald....my 3rd round at Bandon!! I'll use weather as an excuse there instead of poor play. Shot a disappointing 82.

Overall, a very cool golf course that lays out well in front of you. Bunkers are very well placed and course was in very good condition. #4, #8, #9, #11, and #18 stick out as very memorable holes. Was very lucky to play that day as I think it snowed the next day.

Flew over Mt. Hood on the way in.[attachment=2510127:20141112_120635.jpg]
Hole 1
[attachment=2510087:20141112_133316.jpg]
Greenside bunker protecting #2 which was kind of hidden green even from the fairway. [attachment=2510089:20141112_134331.jpg]
#6 Short par 3. This is where my tee ball ended up after landing about 1ft too far right on the green. Decent chip but missed the 6 footer for par.
[attachment=2510091:20141112_141113.jpg]
Picture of church pew bunkers between #8 and #9 looking back at the clubhouse from #8 fairway. [attachment=2510093:20141112_142903.jpg]
#9
[attachment=2510097:20141112_144108.jpg]
#10 another shot at birdie on this shorty but no dice.
[attachment=2510099:20141112_144812.jpg]
#18
[attachment=2510105:20141112_155433.jpg][attachment=2510101:20141112_155346.jpg]
Not a bad start
[attachment=2510109:20141112_160909.jpg]

[irvtrain]

Nothing really prepares you for what you can expect at Bandon Dunes Resort. I've played a lot of great courses in my golfing life. This place is in a world all it's own. Once you've stepped into this other world where only golf matters and the courses are nothing short of extraordinary, the everyday grind of life seems to be put on hold and even forgotten while you are there. Every hole has a wow factor to it.

I played Bandon Dunes first. We teed off at 7:40 and it was a very pleasant 60* and no rain with a steady 20-30mph wind. Well the rain at least held off until hole 5 but it was more a sprinkling for 5-10min and then no rain. I only needed my rain jacket and rain bucket hat here and there. I don't think distinguishing one hole from the other as being more memorable would be justifiable. The pictures don't do this course justice. I was hoping to break 80 but I don't think too many good golfers do that in the best of conditions. Finished with what I felt was respectable 85. There were two groups of 30+ guys there for a tournament and best score posted was a 79 at Bandon Trails.

Overall, I left with Bandon Dunes as my favorite. I think this has more to do with this being the first course I played there. A good analogy would be like having a first love where you are so emotionally involved that you still compare her to your next 3 girlfriends and still long for one more shot with her even though everybody tells you the other 3 were better looking and better for you.

Pics are of BD

[oregongolf]

Great pictures, sounds like you had a great time!

[irvtrain]

[quote name='oregongolf' timestamp='1416812390' post='10495315']
Great pictures, sounds like you had a great time!
[/quote]

It was great. Will post some more pics and write ups about the rest of the courses.

[irvtrain]

Teed off in the afternoon at Pacific Dunes and it is brutally tough. For most of the round the rain was coming down pretty hard with the 30-40mph gusts. Which brings to mind what I think makes this place so special: the starter said they had a really rough day weather wise a couple weeks back and there were 85 guys on the tee sheet and 85 guys teed off with 2 additional walk ups. No one cancels their tee times at this place and for the most part, no one walks off because the conditions are too brutal. If you're there, you're a die hard golfer and you have nothing to do other than chasing the white ball!!

I think this was not my favorite because the 9 holes (felt like more) into the wind played a good 800 yards longer than the stated yardage. The other issue I had, is the bunkers are over the top penal. It didn't help the sand was sludge due to the rain. Other than that, the views are breathtaking and the course is extraordinary. I can understand why this course gets the most recognition.

I felt the need to take a selfy of myself getting dumped on....

[irvtrain]

Old McDonald was another great one. I think this one would have been my favorite had it not been for the blind tee shot on #3 and the blind approach on #16. #16, the blind shot was just too much guessing and then to come around the corner and see a massive bunker in front as well as the left side of the green is a severe sloping hill kicking everything away as the pin was on the left. Anyway, another day of getting rained on...which I think adds to the overall experience. Felt the need to show how much we were getting dumped on in the pics. The most amazing thing is there was almost no standing water anywhere from the rain and the greens are still very firm.

Fortunately, the two guys I played with for 3 of the 4 rounds and I didn't four putt any of these greens and I was finally able to get my first birdie on the grounds, on 17!! Yeah me! The starter said most the employees feel this one is the toughest course due to the greens. I thought it was the easiest because it is almost impossible to lose a ball on this course, lol. I think if you have a decent short game and a decent putter, you'll find this one to be the easier of the 4....which is just splitting hairs.

[irvtrain]

Bandon Trails reminded me of great mountain courses here in Colorado. It was a great experience getting lost back there in the trees and feeling like no one else is out there playing on the course. It also was amazing how the rain was less intense and more of a sprinkle/mist back there and the wind was only 10-15mph. Which was good because the guys I played with for this round didn't bring rain gear and had to change clothes in between rounds. By the end of the round it was no longer raining and there was no wind. Due to the conditions, I thought for sure this is where I'd break 80. I was even 1 under through 6 but then Trails kicked back. Some lost balls and poor play, it was just not meant to be. Oh well these courses are an absolute blast no matter what you shoot.

I really liked #12-#16 stretch of holes. Very well thought out and one of the guys I was playing with was a developer, and he remarked how remarkable it was for someone to look at this dense/lush forest and come up with the course design. I couldn't agree more. While this course doesn't get much in the way of notoriety over the others, this one had to be the most difficult for the architect to design and most difficult constructing.

My phone was dead so I didn't get to take any pics except one.

[oregongolf]

Nice Bandon recap... I'm heading down in February and I'm jonesing for some links golf bad right now.

On another note, who goes to Bandon without rain gear? I noticed you're all GOREd up, so I'm sure you were dry, but the other guys? No rain gear... really!?

[irvtrain]

Played Sandpines in Florence the next morning. Again I thought the course was great, except it does not drain very well at all. The course was still drenched with standing water everywhere from the rain over the previous two days. When I got there, there was short frost delay as the temps were in the low 40s. No worries though, as every group that went out was a fast playing twosome and then myself. Played in a brisk 3 hours.

Felt this course was well designed that utilized water hazards very well on some holes and the way it utilized the forest on others.

[DeNinny]

irvtrain those were awesome write ups and pictures. Excellent work!

[irvtrain]

[quote name='oregongolf' timestamp='1416884799' post='10499625']
Nice Bandon recap... I'm heading down in February and I'm jonesing for some links golf bad right now.

On another note, who goes to Bandon without rain gear? I noticed you're all GOREd up, so I'm sure you were dry, but the other guys? No rain gear... really!?
[/quote]

Yeah I bought my rain gear a month before the trip as I didn't have very good rain gear. Gore-Tex is amazing stuff and got some good deals off the bay. I was really impressed with how sharp looking the Galvin Green jackets are. I even bought the H2NO bag from Sun Mountain and that is made out of gore-tex I believe..which may have been overkill but I don't think I'll buy another bag for a few years. Even the two guys I played with the first 3 rounds had rain gear but they said their clothes were soaked after Pacific the day before. So I guess it's gore or nothing. Anyway, with that much rain, water still found ways to get my shirt wet in spots. Through the neck, up the lower back when I'd pick up the bag. I even bought the Nike Bandon Boot from Smitty's in Portland but that leaked on day one. Which reminds me, I need to call them to see if I can mail in an exchange, lol. My other shoes, True Stealths, held up well on day two.

I was really surprised to see those two come to the first tee at trails with a winter gear look versus rain gear look. But they still had a blast.

February is a long way off...one cannot help but get a little stir crazy.

[irvtrain]

Made it to Salishan after Sandpines with plenty of time to play it but they decided to stay closed all day due to frost. Which was disappionting to say the least. I'm sure they have their reasons but if you played Gearhart the next day with me, you'd call that decision by Salishan a bit ridiculous. Anyway, I hit maybe 10 balls out a range bucket and took off as the range is mats all year and the balls are rocks.

Got to Chinook Winds Golf Course a little later. Won't bother with much of a write up. Probably a course to avoid unless you need to chase the white ball whenever you can like me. #10 was the only hole that was unique in that it had a fun/quirky/stupid design all at the same time. Its a 440 yard par 5 and plays true to a par 5. You need to hit a 210-220 yard drive on the left of the fairway but right of the water. Good design so far....You then can risk trying to hit a postage stamp green from 200-210 yards out or lay up to a ridiculously narrow layup area next to the hazard. Lol.

Anyway, the Casino was a good time.

[irvtrain]

Played Gearhart first on my last day. Teed off about 20 mins before a mens club and had the entire course to myself. It was low 40s to start the round and the ground was completely frozen. I couldn't get a tee in ground on #1, so I hit a hybrid off the deck...I was so glad they have a "if you want to play, go play" attitude. Which makes my Salishan experience even more aggravating. Anyway, Gearhart is a true gem. The pro shop guy told me they removed over 400 trees the year before and are still doing some work out there. #4 green was being redone and #5 & #8 tee boxes were being added. Also love the fact there is no driving range here. The obvious concern on this course is errant golf balls from other holes.

It's a course that has stood the test of time. It reminds me of a couple of Donald Ross's courses here in Denver where you really appreciate the fact the course can still have its challenges despite technology surpassing the original design. By no means is this course short, but it does allow for golfers to have choices off the tee which is always nice. The back nine was a little difficult holding a fairway with elephant humps kicking balls out of the fairway and where this course could get tough if they decide to grow the rough out a little more. Also, the smaller quicker greens will give golfers some fits. Wouldn't mind coming back and playing this one again. The pro shop guy was super friendly and walked me out to the first tee to give me a quick history of the course and offered some small chit chat. Very awesome experience playing the oldest course west of the Mississippi.