Bandon Dunes Playing Tips

[kaschreiber]

any recommendations on which course to play during which time of the day?

 

There's a lot of advice that echoes throughout most Bandon threads on here. I've only been once, playing each course once, but read enough of these reviews that I think it's safe to say, overarching:

1. Trails- afternoons/replay rounds. Can play a bit longer (timewise) so plan a replay accordingly, but with the trees and being off the cliffs, is the most protected from the wind, which tends to pick up later in the day on the other courses.

2. Old Mac- early. Opposite of Trails, super susceptible to the wind.

3. Bandon- Whenever. You don't go to Bandon and not want to get some wind; that's part of the experience. Playing 15/16 while the sun is going down is something everyone should experience once.

4. Pac Dunes- See Bandon, although a bit more susceptible to wind. You can play in the morning and replay on the same day and feel like you're playing two different, albeit both enjoyable, courses.

 

Preserve- Great first round to get introduced to the links style also a great way to end a trip on your last day. Or if you don't have gas in the tank for another 18th in the middle of your trip after a morning round. Really, fit it in when you can and don't skip it.

Punchbowl- Early evening as it starts to fill up, drinks start flowing, bets start getting settled. The energy there on a nice evening is as fun as anything else on the property.

 

Shortys- when you can, if you can. A "warm up course" is a pretty cool, novel ideal. You can skip it if you need to, but to even just play the 3 hole loop when its closed allows you to hit some wedges/short irons, chips, putts in prep for a round that day.

[bird206]

any recommendations on which course to play during which time of the day?

 

There's a lot of advice that echoes throughout most Bandon threads on here. I've only been once, playing each course once, but read enough of these reviews that I think it's safe to say, overarching:

1. Trails- afternoons/replay rounds. Can play a bit longer (timewise) so plan a replay accordingly, but with the trees and being off the cliffs, is the most protected from the wind, which tends to pick up later in the day on the other courses.

2. Old Mac- early. Opposite of Trails, super susceptible to the wind.

3. Bandon- Whenever. You don't go to Bandon and not want to get some wind; that's part of the experience. Playing 15/16 while the sun is going down is something everyone should experience once.

4. Pac Dunes- See Bandon, although a bit more susceptible to wind. You can play in the morning and replay on the same day and feel like you're playing two different, albeit both enjoyable, courses.

 

Preserve- Great first round to get introduced to the links style also a great way to end a trip on your last day. Or if you don't have gas in the tank for another 18th in the middle of your trip after a morning round. Really, fit it in when you can and don't skip it.

Punchbowl- Early evening as it starts to fill up, drinks start flowing, bets start getting settled. The energy there on a nice evening is as fun as anything else on the property.

 

Shortys- when you can, if you can. A "warm up course" is a pretty cool, novel ideal. You can skip it if you need to, but to even just play the 3 hole loop when its closed allows you to hit some wedges/short irons, chips, putts in prep for a round that day.

 

Nice summary.

 

Have you or anyone else played Trails at their 4th round on their second day? I'm scheduled to play Bandon then Pacific on my first day. Then Old Mac and the Trails on my second day. I typically walk most of my golf rounds and in somewhat good shape. I plan to have a caddy on all 4 of those Bandon rounds. Will having Trails as my 4th round on the my second day be too taxing? I've read that some folks have a hard time walking a 4th straight round.

[duffer987]

^No. Not sure what time of year you are going, but my only concern with Trails as the 2nd round of the day is daylight.

But if you are not going in the winter, then it's not a concern.

And 4 rounds in 2 days is fine IMHO, if you are used to it. We typically go 18/36/36/18(+ adhoc 18)/18 and no more tired at the end of the last round than say the end of the 5th round.

[kaschreiber]

any recommendations on which course to play during which time of the day?

 

There's a lot of advice that echoes throughout most Bandon threads on here. I've only been once, playing each course once, but read enough of these reviews that I think it's safe to say, overarching:

1. Trails- afternoons/replay rounds. Can play a bit longer (timewise) so plan a replay accordingly, but with the trees and being off the cliffs, is the most protected from the wind, which tends to pick up later in the day on the other courses.

2. Old Mac- early. Opposite of Trails, super susceptible to the wind.

3. Bandon- Whenever. You don't go to Bandon and not want to get some wind; that's part of the experience. Playing 15/16 while the sun is going down is something everyone should experience once.

4. Pac Dunes- See Bandon, although a bit more susceptible to wind. You can play in the morning and replay on the same day and feel like you're playing two different, albeit both enjoyable, courses.

 

Preserve- Great first round to get introduced to the links style also a great way to end a trip on your last day. Or if you don't have gas in the tank for another 18th in the middle of your trip after a morning round. Really, fit it in when you can and don't skip it.

Punchbowl- Early evening as it starts to fill up, drinks start flowing, bets start getting settled. The energy there on a nice evening is as fun as anything else on the property.

 

Shortys- when you can, if you can. A "warm up course" is a pretty cool, novel ideal. You can skip it if you need to, but to even just play the 3 hole loop when its closed allows you to hit some wedges/short irons, chips, putts in prep for a round that day.

 

Nice summary.

 

Have you or anyone else played Trails at their 4th round on their second day? I'm scheduled to play Bandon then Pacific on my first day. Then Old Mac and the Trails on my second day. I typically walk most of my golf rounds and in somewhat good shape. I plan to have a caddy on all 4 of those Bandon rounds. Will having Trails as my 4th round on the my second day be too taxing? I've read that some folks have a hard time walking a 4th straight round.

 

With a caddy, you'll be fine. My dad walked 36, 18, 18, with Trails being the final round, on a ruptured ACL and half a dozen other knee surgeries and he never walks golf courses. All that while pushing his clubs in a rickshaw all weekend and he was fine. Agree with Duffer- daylight should be your only concern.

[bird206]

^No. Not sure what time of year you are going, but my only concern with Trails as the 2nd round of the day is daylight.

But if you are not going in the winter, then it's not a concern.

And 4 rounds in 2 days is fine IMHO, if you are used to it. We typically go 18/36/36/18(+ adhoc 18)/18 and no more tired at the end of the last round than say the end of the 5th round.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

Going in end of April so I should be good as far as daylight.

[mallrat]

I always try and schedule an afternoon round on Bandon. Pacific is good at sunset but there something about 16 at sunset and then looking back after 18 and just sitting down in a chair behind the putting green that settle me.

[ChunkAndRun2]

low ball

bump and run

don't be afraid to putt from 100 yards

eat the meatloaf

 

Ditto on the meatloaf. The other stuff too i guess, but the meatloaf!

[ChunkAndRun2]

I realize the OP has probably already gone, but here are a few thoughts:

 

1. The little equipment dryer contraptions in the rooms are magical. They are your new best friend.

2. I highly highly recommend scheduling a links tune up lesson with Grant Rogers. I remembered Ginella talking about this in the past and for $50 a pop it was a great tutorial for practicing shots you will use during the visit. Also really helps to get used to the turf if you come from a parkland/non-fescue place.

3. We did this without planning to, but take one evening, grab a drink and just spend some time out on the Punchbowl. It is hands down the most fun I have ever had with a golf club in my hand. Made you feel like a kid again routing crazy putting contests.

[spud3]

+1 on the Links Lesson with Grant. Makes a huge difference

[ebrasmus21]

I realize the OP has probably already gone, but here are a few thoughts:

 

1. The little equipment dryer contraptions in the rooms are magical. They are your new best friend.

2. I highly highly recommend scheduling a links tune up lesson with Grant Rogers. I remembered Ginella talking about this in the past and for $50 a pop it was a great tutorial for practicing shots you will use during the visit. Also really helps to get used to the turf if you come from a parkland/non-fescue place.

3. We did this without planning to, but take one evening, grab a drink and just spend some time out on the Punchbowl. It is hands down the most fun I have ever had with a golf club in my hand. Made you feel like a kid again routing crazy putting contests.

 

Wish we spent more time at the Punchbowl.

 

I realize the OP has probably already gone, but here are a few thoughts:

 

1. The little equipment dryer contraptions in the rooms are magical. They are your new best friend.

2. I highly highly recommend scheduling a links tune up lesson with Grant Rogers. I remembered Ginella talking about this in the past and for $50 a pop it was a great tutorial for practicing shots you will use during the visit. Also really helps to get used to the turf if you come from a parkland/non-fescue place.

3. We did this without planning to, but take one evening, grab a drink and just spend some time out on the Punchbowl. It is hands down the most fun I have ever had with a golf club in my hand. Made you feel like a kid again routing crazy putting contests.

 

Wish we spent more time at the Punchbowl.

[rtraudt]

+1 on the Links Lesson with Grant. Makes a huge difference

 

How does one go about booking that?

[ChunkAndRun2]

+1 on the Links Lesson with Grant. Makes a huge difference

 

How does one go about booking that?

 

Just give Grant a call and set it up. You can see the info here: https://www.bandondunesgolf.com/instruction

[rtraudt]

+1 on the Links Lesson with Grant. Makes a huge difference

 

How does one go about booking that?

 

Just give Grant a call and set it up. You can see the info here: https://www.bandondunesgolf.com/instruction

 

Well that’s not very hard! Now I feel stupid for asking...

[ChunkAndRun2]

+1 on the Links Lesson with Grant. Makes a huge difference

 

How does one go about booking that?

 

Just give Grant a call and set it up. You can see the info here: https://www.bandondu...com/instruction

 

Well that’s not very hard! Now I feel stupid for asking...

No worries! Honestly, for the value you get from the lesson, I am surprised more people don't do this. Have a blast!

[spud3]

I did mine 1:1, and it cost the same as a hour long lesson. If you go with a buddy or three, it's much less.

 

Even paying full boat it was way worth it, if only to hang out with Grant for an hour. He's a very interesting guy.

 

I wrote up a post on it a couple years ago, which should come up if you search 'Grant Rogers' in this forum.

 

Edit: here's the link:

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/1290516-bandon-feb-2016/page__hl__%20bandon%20%20feb%20%202016

[bird206]

Crazy wind footage at Pacific Dunes. 70mph!

[ebrasmus21]

Crazy wind footage at Pacific Dunes. 70mph!

 

That video really hits home for me. Cannot get over how UNBELIEVABLY spoiled we were during our time at BD. It was 75 degrees, sunny and hardly breezy whilst we were there. Can’t imagine trying to play in those conditions.

[duffer987]

Crazy wind footage at Pacific Dunes. 70mph!

https://www.instagra...d=1xr30dgy7agl3

 

That video really hits home for me. Cannot get over how UNBELIEVABLY spoiled we were during our time at BD. It was 75 degrees, sunny and hardly breezy whilst we were there. Can’t imagine trying to play in those conditions.

Sadly, my first thought is - ooh what hole is that? 8 on Pacific.

We've played in some crazy crazy wind, but not sure if we've been swinging a club during a 70mph gust.

[ebrasmus21]

Crazy wind footage at Pacific Dunes. 70mph!

https://www.instagra...d=1xr30dgy7agl3

 

That video really hits home for me. Cannot get over how UNBELIEVABLY spoiled we were during our time at BD. It was 75 degrees, sunny and hardly breezy whilst we were there. Can’t imagine trying to play in those conditions.

Sadly, my first thought is - ooh what hole is that? 8 on Pacific.

We've played in some crazy crazy wind, but not sure if we've been swinging a club during a 70mph gust.

 

Could I even make contact in that wind?

[duffer987]

Crazy wind footage at Pacific Dunes. 70mph!

https://www.instagra...d=1xr30dgy7agl3

 

That video really hits home for me. Cannot get over how UNBELIEVABLY spoiled we were during our time at BD. It was 75 degrees, sunny and hardly breezy whilst we were there. Can’t imagine trying to play in those conditions.

Sadly, my first thought is - ooh what hole is that? 8 on Pacific.

We've played in some crazy crazy wind, but not sure if we've been swinging a club during a 70mph gust.

 

Could I even make contact in that wind?

It depends on the direction of the wind. When it's really bonkers windy, I've found cross winds easier to tee off in, than wind directly into or downwind.