Bandon on a budget

[OregonHack]

After numerous people I meet make comments like "Ya I'd go to Bandon if I were rich" comments, I thought I'd share my group's Bandon plan to help those that feel it's out of reach or just a few that would like to save a buck.

 

Golf: We go in Nov-Dec to pay bottom rate, which is now $100 (and appears to be steadily rising). We play 2 rounds. On arrival date, we get to the resort (drive from Portland) by 10 AM. Often our room is ready and we are able to unload before heading to the practice center. After hitting the range and putting area, we spend the majority of the afternoon on Shortys, which is an absolute blast. It is free, but a donation is encouraged on the 1st tee, which we do. Our group plays variations of stroke/match/best ball/scramble/alternate shot. We generally play 27 or 36 holes and finish at Punchbowl as daylight allows. The following two days we play one of the big 4 courses. A few guys in the past have done the Preserve when daylight and weather permits.

 

Lodging: We cram four in a Lily Pond. Yes, it is a little crowded and not ideal but with some organization it is tolerable. Standard Lily Pond rooms run $200 plus $20 for each guy beyond two, making it $240 per night. We have done the Inn, but feel the extra room in the Lily Pond is worth the money.

 

Food/Drink: Generally we enjoy one dinner at McKees and taxi (we drink a lot) into Bandon for dinner and drinks after at the sports pub (forgot name). Every guy is responsible for bringing some snacks to contribute to the room that can serve as an on-course "lunch" if you will as well as munchies. We have had up and down experiences with breakfast in year's past. A few years ago we decided to start bringing Costco muffins, yogurt, granola, and fruit to eat before the tee time. Saves money and allows for a little later wake-up call. The taxi into Bandon is very reasonable.

 

We rarely buy drinks on the resort, generally only at dinner at McKees. Each man brings beer to contribute to the room. Each man also brings a hard drink and mixer/fixings to contribute (Bloody Mary, Rum, Margarita, etc). This is a major $ saver.

 

In total, golf and lodging run each man $320 (plus hotel tax). We are able to enjoy a "Dream Golf" weekend most years for under $500 all said and done.

 

This post may sound "cheap" or be annoying to some, but I hate having such a great place seem out of reach to many. Also, if anyone has any other "tips," please share!

[tobybear]

There is nothing wrong with being a bit frugal.

 

I know when we played cabot link and cliffs, we couldn't avoid the greens fees in peak summer but we stayed near by at reasonable B&B's instead of the resort ( if was just my wife and I ) had breakfast before had dinner and a couple drinks after and all in all very reasonable. Its all about planning. Bring some water and a few snacks because that can add up quick.

 

I prefer to splurge on the golf and the experience rather than the frills, but I also believe that if on vacation don't deny yourself something if you really want it or if it will add significant enjoyment to the experience - its only money and you cant take it with you.

[spud3]

Good thrifty trip planning. It certainly doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, especially if you live within a few hours drive of the resort. Oregon residents pay the same green fees as resort guests. You could save even more by staying at one of the small motels in Bandon (Inn At Old Town is $60/night for a queen double).

 

It is a roll of the dice, weather-wise, if you book in advance that time of year. But it's also pretty easy to wait and watch the weather and look for a good weekend and go with short notice.

[eboettne]

Going to Bandon in late November and fly into Eugene using miles, playing(if light allows) 36 holes per day for 3 days and The Preserve the 1st day we get in. Including our room(2 people splitting a dunes single), rental car, 6 rounds of golf, and 1 round at the par 3, we will be able to do it for under $1k per person.

[wxworkoff]

Appreciate this thread, and the other like it. I myself had always circled the edges of a trip to Bandon, but always it was too remote and would be too expensive. But honestly, I think this community has changed that. Fellow members are so forthcoming with information, willing to answer questions and share advice that Bandon has become exponentially more approachable. You can really get a feel to where to stay, what to play, where you can trade frills for value, etc. Because of that, my stepfather is going to get to cross Bandon off his bucket list when I bring him this October. So, to all of you who have participated in the endless Bandon threads here, thank you! I’m not sure you realize how much your sharing of info is read and utilized by other members.

 

On the heels of that, (and I apologize for hijacking the OPs original thread)—is there a place (maybe guest services?) that you can leave your clubs overnight between rounds? Maybe I’m lazy...but we’re staying at a chrome loft, and I’d think it’d easier to leave your clubs at a central location and get them in the morning, rather then shuttle them back to the loft, haul them upstairs, then haul them back downstairs and back on the shuttle the next morning.

 

[ryu123]

Wxworkoff, Guest Services (near the Lodge) is very helpful with shipping & also holding travel bags, & often stores golf bags for large groups.

[duffer987]

$150/36 holes is cracking value :)

It was $115/36 holes back when first started going in 2012. Does anyone remember what their Thanksgiving to Feb rates were back when they first had all 5 courses open for play?