First Time to Bandon; what round to play at sunset?

the_coondog · July 14, 2018

Greetings all,

I am heading out west of anywhere left of Mobile, AL for the first time in my life in 10 days, going from Seattle to Bandon to San Fran.

I've got one day of play at Bandon scheduled with my opening round on Trails at 7am, then PacDunes at 1. Which third course would you all recommend as my final one as I intend on being able to get another full 18 in finishing right at sundown? I know Bandon Dunes is closest to the water, so odds are I for sure can finish 18, but on the fence about Old Mac and giving it a go too.

Next morning, planning on doing a bunch of practicing, Shorty's/Punchbowl before rolling out around noon to trek south.

My excitement level from reading threads nonstop on here is through the roof and I can't wait to get out there!

geauxtigers777 · July 14, 2018

Greetings all,

I am heading out west of anywhere left of Mobile, AL for the first time in my life in 10 days, going from Seattle to Bandon to San Fran.

I've got one day of play at Bandon scheduled with my opening round on Trails at 7am, then PacDunes at 1. Which third course would you all recommend as my final one as I intend on being able to get another full 18 in finishing right at sundown? I know Bandon Dunes is closest to the water, so odds are I for sure can finish 18, but on the fence about Old Mac and giving it a go too.

Next morning, planning on doing a bunch of practicing, Shorty's/Punchbowl before rolling out around noon to trek south.

My excitement level from reading threads nonstop on here is through the roof and I can't wait to get out there!

For the scenery, I would probably play Bandon at sunset (although it was my least favorite course). Old Mac is an awesome experience, but the views are just on one or two holes.

54 holes is very doable, but it will wear you down. It is much more possible if it's your only playing day because you can go for broke. Plan on taking extra socks. Get a caddie if possible (recommend Jarrod). Lastly, just enjoy it. Number 16 at sunset on Bandon is a beauty. See my thread for my recent report. I am also from the southeast, and I couldn't have had more fun.

mallrat · July 14, 2018

For sunset i’d Recommend Bandon or Pacific

Edaw68 · July 15, 2018

At sunset Bandon will have the best views, 15 through 18 all have clear views back to the ocean and the setting sun. Trails can be cool with the elevation on 18 to look out at the water, but the view is slightly obstructed by dunes. Pacific works it's way inland the last few, and 18 can actually get kinda dark. Old Mac the final two holes are on the east side of a large ridge, so you won't get the best view.

The preserve would actually be a really good choice. Multiple holes with good sunset views.

spud3 · July 15, 2018

Bandon, definitely. Catching the sunset around 16-18 is sublime.

Preserve is almost as good, and you may only have enough in the tank for that, depending on weather.

Any reason you can't sqeeze an early round on OM the last day?

the_coondog · July 15, 2018

Thanks for all of the suggestions y'all!

Geauxtigers, did peep your thread, loved seeing that so close to my own trip!

Spud, with a long trip still ahead, I have to save a bit of money as I go down the line. Trying to figure out courses to play near Santa Barbara and in the Bay Area.

Question: I think maybe doing the Preserve after my 36 might be the play, you can do that as a free replay? And if I have the time do you think its possible to play the back nine at Bandon as the sun goes down? Not sure of the logistics of locations of the property off the top of my head.

spud3 · July 15, 2018

Thanks for all of the suggestions y'all!

Geauxtigers, did peep your thread, loved seeing that so close to my own trip!

Spud, with a long trip still ahead, I have to save a bit of money as I go down the line. Trying to figure out courses to play near Santa Barbara and in the Bay Area.

Question: I think maybe doing the Preserve after my 36 might be the play, you can do that as a free replay? And if I have the time do you think its possible to play the back nine at Bandon as the sun goes down? Not sure of the logistics of locations of the property off the top of my head.

Depends on how busy they are, but starting that late, you should be able to go out on the back at BD. I've done that a lot during winter trips, when there isn't enough light to get a full 18 in. Having said that, if you're trying to get the full Bandon Experience, playing the Preserve would really be a good idea. The views are nearly as good as BD, and it is apparently now included in the Third Round Free program (it was not in previous years, but there's been lots of reports here that mention it - call the resort to confirm). You can get around the Preserve in about an hour and a half, depending on how packed it is (and it can get really packed in the evenings).

Check with the PD pro shop after your round there. They can tell you how busy any of the courses are that afternoon. If you have a car, the PD clubhouse is all of three minutes drive from the lodge/BD starting area. If you're shuttling, add a couple minutes if there's no shuttle there. The Preserve starting shack is near the Trails clubhouse, about an extra minute's travel time from PD. They did a remarkable job in designing the resort itself. Nothing is very far away from anything else.

If it were me, I'd see how much energy I have left after the PD round, then check to see how full the Preserve and BD back nine are. If the Preserve is open, I'd take that one. If it's full, then I'd go for BD back nine. If there are too many groups making the turn, then I'd go for BD front nine.

The good news is that you cannot make a bad choice...

CMCSGolf · July 15, 2018

Interesting that people think Bandon is the go to. I agree it's a wonderful time, but 1-7 on Pacific are really nice and that puts you back on the punchbowl. With a bit more walking, you can squeeze in a few shots on 10 and 11 after playing 5. When I was there in April, we were the only ones out there and we spent on lot of time on 4 with sun setting.

Edaw68 · July 15, 2018

Interesting that people think Bandon is the go to. I agree it's a wonderful time, but 1-7 on Pacific are really nice and that puts you back on the punchbowl. With a bit more walking, you can squeeze in a few shots on 10 and 11 after playing 5. When I was there in April, we were the only ones out there and we spent on lot of time on 4 with sun setting.

I agree with the smaller loops on Pacific as ways to get more golf, and any of the ocean holes at sunset would be great. (#10 tee?) I answered based on the goal of ending a full round about sunset.

spud3 · July 16, 2018

Interesting that people think Bandon is the go to. I agree it's a wonderful time, but 1-7 on Pacific are really nice and that puts you back on the punchbowl. With a bit more walking, you can squeeze in a few shots on 10 and 11 after playing 5. When I was there in April, we were the only ones out there and we spent on lot of time on 4 with sun setting.
I agree with the smaller loops on Pacific as ways to get more golf, and any of the ocean holes at sunset would be great. (#10 tee?) I answered based on the goal of ending a full round about sunset.

And mine were based on the OP just coming off PD. Sure, you can turn right around and head back out on PD, but if it's your first trip to Bandon and you're only there for one full day, might as well see as many of the courses as possible. Like I said, you can't make a bad decision, even if you just walk up to the PD clubhouse and watch the sunset from the deck with a beer...

oregongolf · July 16, 2018

My opinion will forever be there isn't a better place at sunset on the southern Oregon coast than 16 at Bandon Dunes.

If you have a large group, Preserve is better. That is unless you can have the last tee time of the day at Bandon... Then we'll play 12-18 as an 8some.

the_coondog · July 16, 2018

Thanks for the input guys. Think Bandon is going to be the way to go.......... if I have enough steam! The Preserve will be a perfect alternative depending on how I feel. Definitely will find a way back to get to experience everything for a more planned trip outside of peak season for sure.

duffer987 · July 17, 2018

You cannot go wrong with Bandon, as folks say 15th green/16th/17th tee is an awesome place to be with the sun setting if you can get a full round in:

Bandon Dunes #16 by dkb123, on Flickr

But if not, Pac and looping combos of 5,6,9,10,11 is a great way to go, before coming in via 7:

Pacific Dunes #5 by dkb123, on Flickr

VNutz · July 17, 2018

Agreed with Bandon, I can't imagine how awesome those finishing holes would look at sunset on a clear day. Pacific is the more challenging course IMO, but there's a simplicity and beauty to Bandon that I really love.

Preserve is cool too and would be great for an awesome, laid back round to finish your trip, if that's what you want. You could also very easily play Preserve in the morning before you go, it doesn't take long. If you want true golf go for BD.