Going to Bandon in June

[TK3]

Hey guys,

 

My buddies and I are going to Bandon for the 1st time on June 7th for 5 days.  We are playing all 6 courses and the Preserve.   I value our members' opinions, so I would like to know anything that would help, of any last-minute adjustments, green conditions, what to expect, ETC.

 

In other words, any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated!  I will post pictures and give my feedback when I get back.

 

Cheers, TK3

[PNW]

Besides the basics which I'm sure you know (bring a couple good pairs of walking golf shoes, plenty of socks, layers, hydration stuff) you'll want to plan now for dinner reservations on site if you want them. I think they generally book out a couple months ahead. We were unimpressed with most last time two years ago but just got back from another trip there a couple weeks ago and the new Ghost Tree Grill was great. Otherwise we just try to get in to Mckees which is the pub with no reservations. 

[spud3]

Practice hitting wedges off really tight lies, and using a putter from 50 yards.

 

Have lunch at Shorty's; and as PNW said, make all dinner reservations now, even if you don't think you'll need them.  If they don't have a time slot available, take the earliest one and call the restaurant the afternoon you want to go and ask about cancellations.  They usually have a bunch during the day and you can often get switched over to the time you want.

 

Cruise this forum for lots (and lots) of threads where your exact question is answered in multiple ways.

 

 

[kaschreiber]

1. If you're going without a caddie they have free rickshaws on site. They're pretty spartan - grab something like this and you can toss drinks, rangefinder, etc in and makes them must more useable.
2. Change socks and shoes if you've got enough between rounds. Even if you don't think you need to change your shoes, it's a game changer and avoids any of the hot spots after walking that long. 
3. As Spud says - practice the 50 yard putt or the 9i (or your club of choice) bump and run
4. If cigars / cocktails are your thing check out the bunker bar in the basement of the main lodge. Dice, poker chips, pool table are all down there, but it's not very big and gets packed
5. Pack rain gear. Even if the forecast is perfect the day you depart, things can turn on the OR coast. Better to leave it in your room and never look at it than wish you had it. 
6. Depending on how you're travelling, have a car on site is helpful but by no means mandatory. It's nice to have a rolling locker room with socks, shoes, changes of clothes, gear, etc. if its feasible. 

 

Edited April 14 by kaschreiber

[Rory4Pres]

That's pretty insane you were able to score tee times at all 6 courses.  That's a tall feat.  

 

Since you are there for so long, you'll probably want to hit up the nearby town.  Can't remember but think it was like 15-20 minutes away and offered a few local fun spots for food/drinks.  

 

Wear an adjustable hat since the wind can get pretty crazy.  Rain gloves, jacket, etc would be a good idea to pack.

 

Enjoy drinks at the massive putting green after your rounds.  Have fun.

[ekimdef]

I will be in Bandon the following week during the solstice event(not participating) just happened to get our reservations for the time in which that event is happening. I was wondering about the push carts as well. A couple of our guys are worried and thinking about shipping their own carts out there. I thought maybe just buying or finding something on FB marketplace would be good and then just Donate to a Goodwill on the way out or something.

 

So excited for the trip and afraid to not be fully prepared for everything. 

[kaschreiber]

1 hour ago, ekimdef said:

I will be in Bandon the following week during the solstice event(not participating) just happened to get our reservations for the time in which that event is happening. I was wondering about the push carts as well. A couple of our guys are worried and thinking about shipping their own carts out there. I thought maybe just buying or finding something on FB marketplace would be good and then just Donate to a Goodwill on the way out or something.

 

So excited for the trip and afraid to not be fully prepared for everything. 

 

I would just suggest using the carts they have, assuming they'll have enough there. I'd assume most guys on solstice have caddies, but I don't know that for a fact. There are a couple tricky spots here and there, but we just got back and had guys use them on all 5 courses with no complaints. They're basically just a dolly with straps, so the only thing they really lack is storage for the other stuff. I'd suggest that little stroller carrier thing for $10 and avoid the headache unless there's something about their carts those guys absolutely love and can justify the expense / hassle of getting them there. 

[spud3]

+1 on the above comment.  The RikSha carts at the resort are totally fine.  No need to ship your own ClicGear or buy something there.  Good advice to order a cheap stroller carrier from Amazon to hold the morning coffee.

[bellken]

In June, an early dinner with golf afterwards could be an option.

[EKB]

Me and a buddy are headed down for 5 days over Memorial Day weekend (my 3rd time and his 2nd).  A few random thoughts:

 

1.  We drive over.  Having a car is nice but not necessary.  Bandon is it’s own ecosystem with convenient shuttles

 

2.  If you’re using caddies, plan your gear/layers accordingly as weight limits apply (roughly 25 pounds)

3.  +1 on using their RikShas, I brought my ClicGear last time and my buddy brought his motorized cart.  We ended up using the RikShas and as has been said, they worked fine for us

 

4.  If you have a foursome (or more), get restaurant reservations if you can.  We’re a twosome and have never had issues getting in.  We’re usually do one nicer dinner at Ghost Tree and then hit McKee’s (there’s a Bandon food thread which is helpful).  For lunches, we just grab stuff from the snack shacks 

 

5.  36 holes in a day can beat you up, especially if you do it on multiple days.  Plan accordingly and manage expectations

 

6.  If you’re coming from elevation you may need to adjust gapping distances and as Spud and others said, work on chipping/putting from tight lies

 

7.  If you have food on the course or in your bag, the flying rodents will find it.  I watched (with great amusement) a crow grab and fly away with a sleeve of my buddy’s Bandon Protein & Energy Balls

 

Enjoy the trip!

 

 

 

 

[SHGolfer]

See if Ciaran McGonagle is available to caddy.  A close second is Jeff the Canadian.