8 Days at Bandon....Trip Review...."I Got Bandoned"

[BG5]

My buddy organized a group of 14 guys to go to Bandon.  I decided to arrive 3 days prior all by myself because who knows when I will get back.  I would have no problem coming to Bandon Dunes by myself at anytime so dont hesitate if no friends will go with you.  I had a blast.

 

- I flew into Portland with a direct flight because it allowed me to play a round the day of arrival.  The drive from Portland to Eugene is not scenic.  Next time I will be flying into Eugene because once you get a little south of Eugene it gets beautiful.  I did not see any coastline but I did find myself going through a "tunnel of trees" and through valleys so it was a great way to start the trip.  I know there is a coastline drive to Bandon but you will see plenty of coastline when you play golf.  

 

-Bandon is having major caddie issues and almost all guests are experienceing this.  They dont have enough and it is rare to be paired up with the same guy your entire trip.  I had a caddy not show up on my first round which really pissed me off.....but it ended up being the biggest blessing in disguise as I was able to play all by myself and pretty  much had Bandon Dunes to myself.  I chose to carry and not use a rickshaw and I actually think this was easier so you may want to consider that option.  My body actually feels pretty good for carrying  a bag my first round.....lets see how I feel tomorrow 🙂

 

Bandon Dunes - Round 1

 

I teed off at 5:20 p.m. and basically had the course to myself.  The wind was well over 30mph so I got a taste of bandon golf.  It seemed like the first 6 holes the wind was working against me and I did not understand how to play it.  As time went on I realized that I had to throw my ball way outside of where I was aiming and the wind would push it back.  These are some of the funnest shots in golf to trust mother nature to get your ball in the right place.  I had little luck keeping my shots low and out of the wind as some people have suggested.  I also played the senior tees which helped my game quite a bit.  If I would of played the greens I would of been destroyed in the wind.

 

I ended up shooting a 79 with an eagle on #9 and I also had 3 birdies so I was beyond pumped.  The eagle came on hole 9 and I had a 30 mph wind behind me....I drove about 330 yards and I normally drive the ball 220 🙂  I felt like a pro......I then hit my 7 iron about 190 yards within 3 feet (my normal 7 irion is about 140) and was able to drain the putt.  That made my round for sure as I have only had a handful of eagles in my life so to get one at Bandon was special.  I also drained 3 long putts giving me birdies on holes 10, 11, and 13. The coolest thing was being on the course all by myself....I could practice shots.....and I would highly suggest arriving early if possible for a relaxing round where you learn how to play links golf.  The putting was really tought and the runoff on Bandon Dunes can kill you if you hit it in the wrong area

 

Opening Day Thoughts

 

-Bandon Dunes is a very tough golf course.  It has wide fairways but approach shots can be really tought

 

-not having a caddie sucked because I did not know where to hit the ball on a few holes (but as mentoned earlier it all worked out)

 

-the courses are not marked that well and without a caddie you can get easily lost.  The walk from 6 -7 was very confusing.

 

-Putting into the wind was almost impossible to make....I started to go long on most holes so that the wind was with me during my putts and the ball rolled so much more true.

 

-Greens were slower than expected...not slow.....but just not as fast as I thought

 

-My body feels great for carring a bag so we will see what tomorrow brings.

 

 

Favorite Holes are as follows....

[BG5]

Bandond Dunes - 4th Hole - Par 4 Approach Shot (I got a par on this hole)

 

 

 

 

 

[BG5]

Bandon Dunes - Hole 6 - Par 3 (I got a par on this hole)

 

 

[BG5]

Bandon Dunes - Hole 8 - Par 4 ( I got a par on this one)

 

 

[BG5]

Bandon Dunes - Hole 12 - Par 3 ( I got a par on this hole)

 

 

 

 

[BG5]

Bandon Dunes - Hole 16 - Par 4 (I got a par on this hole)

 

This is one of the best holes I have ever seen....unreal

 

 

[BG5]

Tomorrow I play Pac Dunes in the morning and Bandon Trails in the afternoon and I plan to make another post tomorrow about those courses.  If I have enough energy after play 36 tomorrow I may try to play 9 on Old Mac or the Preserve.

[BgSprings87]

Wonderful write up. Interested about the shortage of caddies. I’m surprised as I’ll I’ve heard is how busy the resort is!

[birdhays]

I imagine that the supply of caddies has not caught up with the demand of having 5 courses as opposed to 4. I know it’s been a year since sheep has opened but I would guess they are busier than than this time last year. 

[BG5]

Day 2 was an absolute blast.  Started with Pac Dunes in the morning and Bandon Trails in the afternoon.  I am on such and adrenaline rush I simply cannot stop golfing.  I am going to tee off at Sheep Ranch this evening and attempt to get in 54 holes.  The caddie shortage is not a joke and quite of few groups are complaining.  Basically if your group is double bagging its pretty much a lock that you will have one.  If you are trying to get a single its somewhat of a coin flip but I think that most groups are getting the caddies as long as they are double bagging.

 

I talked to a few staff members and the biggest issue is the amount of play these courses are getting as they are having a record year out here.  But they also say there is a shortage of caddies as well that is not helping things and pair that with record numbers its a recipe for disaster.  

 

I will post tonight about my 54 hole day.......this place is freaking AMAZING!

[BG5]

Day 2 = Played Pac Dunes, Bandon Trails and Sheep Ranch for a total of 47 holes

 

The wind was between 30-40mph but I decided to embrace it.  I cannot think of a better shot of golf where you aim 75 yards left (I play a slice) and have the ball funnel towards the hole.  The wind can be a huge help at Bandon so I encourage you to embrace it rather than get frustrated.  I also found myself putting from really long distances off the green and being effective.  Done be afraid to use your putter

 

 

More Random Bandon Thoughts

 

-The greens were far faster than I had seen the day before

 

-The use of the putter off the green up to 100 yards can be extremely effective especially in wind.

 

-Low bump and run shots can save your game at Bandon

 

-Caddies make the 36 hole day walk so easy.  I played 47 holes today and feel great because I had a caddie.  

 

 

 

Morning Round = Pac Dunes

We started off the morning by playing PAC Dunes and lets just say this course is fantastic....I think the course has some of the most scenic wholes in the entire world and make no mistake about it that this is a tough course but one can score well on it.  I had 2 birdies and I am a hack.  This courses greens were the fastest I have seen so far and they were in outstanding shape.  

 

Some of my favorite Pac Dunes holes are as follows:

 

Pac Dunes # 3 - Par 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BG5]

Pac Dunes # 4 - Par 4

 

[BG5]

Pac Dunes # 9 - Par 4 (This hole has two greens...one up top and one below)

 

 

 

[BG5]

Pac Dunes #10 - Par 3

 

[BG5]

Pac Dunes # 11 - Par 3....stuck it within 3 feet and missed a birdie putt 😞

 

[BG5]

Pac Dunes # 13 -Par 4

 

 

[BG5]

Pac Dunes # 14 - Par 3

 

 

[BG5]

Pac Dunes # 17 - Par 3

 

 

[BG5]

2nd Day - Round 2 = Bandon Trails

 

What and amazing track and it has a stretch of holes from 8-14 which are all world....hole # 3 might be one of the top 3 on property.....its guarded from the wind for the most part which is awesome as heavy wind gets old after a while.  It also has some pretty flat green complexes which is nice to making some birdie putts.  It might be the best course on the property but one that I would not want to play over the oceans holes if that make sense.  Great track and probably one of the top 3 walks on the property if not the best.

 

The walk was the hardest but not terrible with a caddie.  We did have a 71 year old guy that almost died out there from exhaustion and we honestly felt he was gonna have a heart attack so def condsider a caddie if you are out of shape.

 

Some of the best holes I did not have my camera ready so I will have to snap those next round later in the week. 

 

Here are a few holes I liked.

 

Bandon Trails # 2 - Par 3

[BG5]

Bandon Trails # 3 - Par 5

 

 

 

[BG5]

Bandon Trails # 5 - Par 3

 

 

[BG5]

Bandon Trails # 8 - Par 4

 

 

 

 

[BG5]

Bandon Trails # 14 - Par 4

 

 

Edited June 20, 2021 by BG5

[BG5]

Bandon Trails # 17 - Par 3

 

 

[BG5]

I wanted to go for 54 holes......so.......

 

After I finished playing 36 holes on day 2 I decided to check you sheep Ranch.  We again basically had the course to ourself and the wind was roaring.  Sheep Ranch is simply amazing and probably has the best scenery on the property.  Its flat....has flat greens for the most part...no bunkers....this course is made to score in non windy days.  Sheep ranch has so many holes on the water it will blow your mind be realize most times the wind will be crazy so play it early morning if possible.  I tee of tomorrow at 7 am

 

Sadly I forgot to bring my phone so I dont have any shots but I will post some tomorrow as I am play 36 holes again tomorrow.  Morning round is on sheep ranch and afternoon round is on pacific.

 

closing thoughts on day 2

 

I am not that tired and the biggest reason is my caddie.

 

Stay away from boos and smoking....it really wears you out and drink as much water as you can

 

- get plenty of rest and stretch in the morning and evening

 

- buy some bandon energy balls.

 

I will report back on my 36 hole day tomorrow...maybe add in the preserve after 36

 

 

[2bGood]

looking forward to the next update

 

 

[hh2nd]

I’m headed out there in a month with my Dad and my two brothers for our family golf trip. Absolutely cannot wait. Thanks for posting all of this information!

 

We will not be taking your advice on the booze though… 

[BG5]

Day 3 = Sheep Ranch, Pacific Dunes, and Old MacDonald for a total of 54 holes

 

Where to Start

McKees Pub - It was the first time we were able to make it over to McKees because seating is limited since Oregon still has restrictions.  MAKE SURE YOU GET THE MEATLOAF.  I dont even like meatloaf and it was simple amazing.  See the pic below of my plate that I destroyed 🙂

 

 

 

 

[BG5]

Day 3 = 54 holes

 

Sheep Ranch

It was fathers today and it will be one that I will remember for a long time.  I was able to shoot even par on Sheep Ranch (never shot par before) and the highlight was getting 3 birdies on holes 3, 11, and 17 on SR and and eagle on 1.  What a way to start off the day and sheep continues to be one of the funnest courses on property with views that will blow your mind.  The greens are the slowest on property but it was a nice relief since you could be aggressive.  This course is a blast to play and you can go bombs away with the driver.  Be ready to see some of the craziest views you have ever seen.  You can also putt from very large distances and I encourage you to putt from up to 100 yards.

 

Sheep Ranch # 1 - Par 5 Approach 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BG5]

Sheep Ranch # 3 - Par 3