Bandon Tips for High Handicap

[Nikoleezy]

Hey guys. I've just picked up golf a few years ago but am really diving into it the last 18 months. I honestly love the game and can't wait to get out there every weekend. I've got a bunch of buddies who have been playing for years which are awesome to go out with and hone my budding skills on the course. I got an invite to join a group of guys who have been doing a yearly Bandon trip and I'm excited to see and experience all that Bandon has to offer. I’m not a “frustrated” golfer and generally don’t mind taking a few extra swings than the rest of my group, but I'm a little worried that my 27 handicap will hinder my experience playing with a dozen single-digit handicaps. Any tips to help out the overall experience and keep up with the group?

[scottc25]

Play fast and nobody will care about anything else. Just be ready when it's your turn.

[dutz]

Don’t take 7 practice swings before every shot and be ready when it’s your turn.  If you hit it in the junk, off the cliff or in the gorse don’t spend all day looking for it.  But the biggest one, have a good attitude, enjoy every minute of it and not worry about them so much. You are paying a lot of money to go out there, enjoy it.

[Abh159]

I agree with what the previous two posters said. I'm a low handicapper and I couldn't care less if the person I'm playing with is any good or not. As long as they are good company, don't slam clubs after a bad shot, and don't slow down play it doesn't matter to me if they shoot 65 or 110.

 

 

 

[Chanceman]

I am inbetween but I WAS a high handicapper. People were always great. No-one commented on my tops or my shanks or my 4 putts as long as I kept up - and now I can go around with others like that and be happy that they are doing what I did. It's a great game and a lifetime of enjoyment ahead of you. Go for it. Especially at Bandon. You will be able to go back in future years and recall your struggles!!

[Slippin_Jimmy]

Nikoleezy, you are going to have a blast. Lots of good suggestions/advice above. I was shooting 100+ on my first trip to Bandon and had a great time.

 

My suggestion would be to work on your irons and hybrids off of tight/bare lies beforehand. That was the thing I struggled with the most my first trip. You won't get away with hitting fat shots at Bandon like you can back home, the turf is too firm.  If you can make good contact and get the ball in the air off the tight stuff, it will make a world of difference. 

 

Also if you have time when you get to Bandon you can schedule a Links Lesson with the pro there, Grant Rogers.  $50 and he will show you a variety of different shots/etc. that you'll use at Bandon that you wouldn't normally try.  Well worth it if you have the time, the guy is a legend.

[mallrat]

Keep up and you’ll have fun. Not sure how long until you go but don’t be surprised if you play better than you think. Honestly, to kind of keep up at Bandon I would figure out your driver before you go. All of the courses are pretty open off the tee and if you can find your drives, you will be happy. Figure out what your normal shot is and what your big miss and kind of play for it. Next I would work on LONG putts, not just your putter but don’t be afraid to putt from 50 yards off the green with a 3 wood or hybrid. The green complexes are big and just keeping the ball in front of you and moving towards the hole helps there. Look at it like this, keep your tee shot in play; which is not hard on a lot of holes, spray not next shot somewhere in the direction of the green,  then basically 3 putt from 5 yards and in, bogey. Do that 10 - 12 times, throw in a par or 2 and you are looking at low 90’s
 

Now don’t go expecting to shoot your lowest round ever. Go expecting to have fun. 

[Divot_Forensicist]

Hire a caddie! Bandon caddies are wonderful. They will quickly learn your game and help you navigate the courses, thereby ensuring that you keep pace. Most importantly, they will enhance your overall enjoyment. My wife is a 24 handicap and our caddie made her feel comfortable and confident; she ended up playing better than usual and had a blast.

[ryu123]

Scottc25 & Dutz both nailed it. 

 

Keep up with your group.     Don't worry about score.   Nobody cares about anyone else's game (unless there's betting).    Look around & enjoy the experience, because next to Monterey CA they are most beautiful courses I've seen.

[spud3]

Generally, it's the same advice for a high-capper anywhere: play quickly, don't be afraid to just pick up your ball if you're really struggling on a stretch of holes, and embrace the challenges with a positive attitude.

[Lefty_89]

The fun thing about Bandon is If the wind is up, some of your buddies might struggle a bit more than they usually do.

 

I play to a 4 and left Pac Dunes with bruises and a busted ego.

 

Don't let the fear of being a high handicap ruin the experience - have fun and be mindful of the gap in front of you. Enjoy!

[toddnt]

Play correct tees!

[Pepperturbo]

I play to a 4, and many friends I enjoy golf with are 14-22 indexes.  I have no issues with any of them as they are fully aware of golf course etiquette, including PoP. 

 

As it was said earlier; just be ready when it's your turn, AND keep track of where your ball goes, so you can go directly to the general vicinity and find it quickly.

 

One other note, when I travel to a strange maybe more challenging course than normal, better golfers tend to focus more than at home.  Don't personalize it - pay attention and emulate their behavior as best you can.  OH, it's likely you'll lose more balls, be prepared for that.  ENJOY.

[buzlin]

22 hours ago, toddnt said:

Play correct tees!

This^

 

We're a bunch of mid singles and low teen caps, and we've played the Gold tees at times and still had a blast.

[MongoSmash]

The guys I play with - low single digit up to 20 cap. We play a stableFord. Doubles (and up) are worth nothing. So we just put the ball in the pocket at Double, and enjoy the view.