Random Bandon Thread

[duffer987]

> @jrg75 said:

> Great thread, have a question for the true Bandon aficionafos. I'm making my 4th trip to Bandon next April and am thinking about skipping Old Mac. Am I crazy? I've played it on each of my previous 3 trips but BD, BT an PD are so great, I plan to play them each twice. This will not be my last trip to this epic place, I plan to go nearly every year and I will rotate Old Mac in on future trips. Any thoughts?

 

That's such a - so personal preference eh? - question.

No one can tell you how much you like a course vs another, if you think you want to skip, then skip and you'll find out after the trip is over whether it works or not.

 

Pac is my least favorite of the 4 and last trip we only had it in once and as luck would have it, it was the day the sirens blew, so we didn't get the whole round in, even after waiting around to get more holes in before they finally closed it for the day. Afterwards even I was bummed we didn't get a full 18, even though I played it a lot.

This year we have it in twice* as my mea culpa to the guys ;-)

 

*We typically book 7 (3 x 2, 1 x 1) rounds and ad-hoc additional based on time/weather

[jrg75]

Thanks all, I appreciate the affirmation that it's ok to skip Old Mac this time around, it was just strange not to have it on the schedule. I do love the course, albeit a little less than the other three. I had such a great time on BD, PD and BT last time and with only time for 6 rounds, it felt like the right move to replay them all this trip. Also, I may be slightly influenced by the fact that the last round at Old Mac was only a few days after the USGA four-ball event in about a 30 mph wind, brutal tough but still fun :)

[buzlin]

I don't know what tees you play, and how much you mix it up, but moving up or back at tee box definitely changes the way the courses play. We decided OM was more fun for us when we moved to the gold tees. Allowed us a lot more creativity on our approaches, and also just less of a struggle when things get rough. When we played BD up though, it became less fun because it took too many things out of play.

[jrg75]

> @buzlin said:

> I don't know what tees you play, and how much you mix it up, but moving up or back at tee box definitely changes the way the courses play. We decided OM was more fun for us when we moved to the gold tees. Allowed us a lot more creativity on our approaches, and also just less of a struggle when things get rough. When we played BD up though, it became less fun because it took too many things out of play.

 

Thanks for the advice and great thought. I normally play green and am ok with that length but I could see using gold as a nice way to change it up or just take the bite out of 10-12 at old Mac.

[spud3]

Got a feeling that we'll all be facing that choice when the Sheep Ranch opens. I'm pretty sure I'll want to play that one twice for a while, and that means one of the others may get a bye (as in NFL). That's assuming, of course, that the annual "standard" visit doesn't get extended a day...

 

I've gone at various times and skipped one of all the courses - except BD. Always like finishing a visit with a round on BD, not only because it's right by the lodge, so checkout/departure is super easy, but it just seems like the right thing to do.

 

But it's never an easy thing to go and not play one of the courses. Feels like getting all your kids a christmas present except one.

[LooperCon]

> @duffer987 said:

> > @newg33b said:

> > I played the Green tees at all four courses. In spite of showing 6200-6300 on the card for each course, I find that the courses play way longer than that due mostly to the wind. I have decent distance (probably 275-280 on average) and had no second thoughts playing Greens. If you hit it that much further than your buddy, he may want to play the Gold tees. Both of you will certainly be able to hit some long clubs into greens based on how the courses at Bandon play. I think the majority of players I saw played Greens, but I played with some guys that played Golds and one that played Blacks on Bandon. There really aren't any big issues with this: most tees are close enough to the previous green that there isn't a whole lot of backtracking 40-50 yards like some other courses. I don't think there's a huge issue with not playing the same tees, although it may not give you exactly the same experience as your buddy.

>

> Agreed. As long as the wind is up greens are more than enough interest for pretty much any golfer on the 'wrong side' of scratch IMHO. We always go greens, seeing as we're always there in winter, and have said if we go in warmer months we'd go black one round just to see, but not because greens aren't enough.

>

> TBF, Pacific without the wind is short and bar a couple par 3s and #7 can be a wedgefest... but how often is the wind not up? ;-)

 

^^this. If the wind is up, most people should definitely be playing at least greens (really even the golds). They are plenty long for 95% of people; especially when it’s blowing....unless you like hitting your longest clubs into every green.

 

I can count on one hand how many groups I’ve had play the blacks in the past 7 months; at least 2 of those groups had no business back there, and one moved up to the greens after one day of getting their asses kicked. They all look at the scorecard and say “oh 6300 is way too short for me, I’m a single digit”....and then they shoot 93 and have a miserable time for 4 days.

 

We always tell people to start on the greens and if you’re making so many birdies that golf is becoming too easy, then you should move to the blacks.

 

[Mustu]

I'm going to Bandon as a single in November. I generally play from the white tees in Seattle area so most of the courses I play are around 6,000 yards. I'm a short hitter...good drive for me is around 220 yards. Looking at the Bandon scorecards it looks like the green tees are around 6,200-6,300 yards and gold 5,700. I was planning on playing the golds. Reading these threads it looks like most people play the green tees. Will it be distracting to others if I play the golds while they play the green? I'm assuming I'll be paired up with other people...

[Lexicographer]

> @Mustu said:

> I'm going to Bandon as a single in November. I generally play from the white tees in Seattle area so most of the courses I play are around 6,000 yards. I'm a short hitter...good drive for me is around 220 yards. Looking at the Bandon scorecards it looks like the green tees are around 6,200-6,300 yards and gold 5,700. I was planning on playing the golds. Reading these threads it looks like most people play the green tees. Will it be distracting to others if I play the golds while they play the green? I'm assuming I'll be paired up with other people...

 

As a general rule, I NEVER find it distracting to play mixed tees. And most of my rounds have people playing different tees. Play the golds. You may even get some people who are playing too long to switch and play with you. They'll thank you for it.

[spud3]

Nobody will care in the least. Golds are probably going to be just right for you. I'm facing the facts of old man time taking enough of my swing speed to warrant making the switch to golds. I played from there a couple times during my last visit, and it was super fun. I might do some mixing of greens and golds next trip.

[duffer987]

> @Lexicographer said:

> > @Mustu said:

> > I'm going to Bandon as a single in November. I generally play from the white tees in Seattle area so most of the courses I play are around 6,000 yards. I'm a short hitter...good drive for me is around 220 yards. Looking at the Bandon scorecards it looks like the green tees are around 6,200-6,300 yards and gold 5,700. I was planning on playing the golds. Reading these threads it looks like most people play the green tees. Will it be distracting to others if I play the golds while they play the green? I'm assuming I'll be paired up with other people...

>

> As a general rule, I NEVER find it distracting to play mixed tees. And most of my rounds have people playing different tees. Play the golds. You may even get some people who are playing too long to switch and play with you. They'll thank you for it.

 

Agreed. No one gives a toss. If you know how to get around a golf course (etiquette, PoP, rules, etc...) and can smile and nod on occasion you're good to go! Everyone there is already at the Happiest Place on Earth and enjoying themselves, the last thing they'll care about is if you play up a set.

 

*There are always rare exceptions to the rule, but over 8 trips (3 solo 5 with the guys... or it might be 9 in total, such is my memory) I've played with 1 gigantic Richard... unbelievably Richardy, otherwise I'd say it's been 94% lovely folks, 5% indifferent, and then that one guy, lol.

[LooperCon]

> @Mustu said:

> I'm going to Bandon as a single in November. I generally play from the white tees in Seattle area so most of the courses I play are around 6,000 yards. I'm a short hitter...good drive for me is around 220 yards. Looking at the Bandon scorecards it looks like the green tees are around 6,200-6,300 yards and gold 5,700. I was planning on playing the golds. Reading these threads it looks like most people play the green tees. Will it be distracting to others if I play the golds while they play the green? I'm assuming I'll be paired up with other people...

 

Not a bit. They’re generally on the way from tee to fw/green anyway. I’d say it’s more distracting watching someone play a set of tees that are too much for their game (Realistically, the majority of the golfers out here would probably enjoy the courses much more from the golds when it’s blowing hard). Plus, YOU’LL have way more fun!

[Roadking2003]

Booked our group for a week in August. Some days are already sold out. It must be nice to have a product so popular that people line up a year in advance to buy it.

[PorkChopExpress]

It goes even faster in November when winter rates kick in.

[2putttom]

have had a standing reservation for the past twelve years

[LooperCon]

Since you guys have been talking sheep ranch....

 

 

[Dsevans8]

Wow that is absolutely gorgeous. Planning a full week in March 2021.

[newg33b]

On my recent trip, my caddie kept bringing up how much more the wind will blow on Sheep Ranch even compared to Old Mac. I'll be curious to see how that plays in the summer with the typical winds based on everything he told me about. If it's worse than Old Mac man it's gonna be really tough on a summer afternoon. It still looks incredible though. Very tempting to plan a return trip.

[LooperCon]

> @newg33b said:

> On my recent trip, my caddie kept bringing up how much more the wind will blow on Sheep Ranch even compared to Old Mac. I'll be curious to see how that plays in the summer with the typical winds based on everything he told me about. If it's worse than Old Mac man it's gonna be really tough on a summer afternoon. It still looks incredible though. Very tempting to plan a return trip.

 

It’s definitely gonna be windier than OM; there used to be a wind farm on that property, but it was TOO windy hahaha....that’s definitely gonna be one you want the early morning tee times at.

[puttnforthe8]

> @newg33b said:

> On my recent trip, my caddie kept bringing up how much more the wind will blow on Sheep Ranch even compared to Old Mac. I'll be curious to see how that plays in the summer with the typical winds based on everything he told me about. If it's worse than Old Mac man it's gonna be really tough on a summer afternoon. It still looks incredible though. Very tempting to plan a return trip.

 

That's why in the beginning there will be no bunkers. Based on the assessments, any bunker sand would just get blown away and a hole left behind. They are going to reevaluate at the end of 2021 was my understanding.

[LooperCon]

> @LooperCon said:

> Since you guys have been talking sheep ranch....

>

>

>

 

One more....

 

[eboettne]

Looks pretty dang close to be ready for at least preview play on the southern holes. I've heard rumblings of that starting this October but nothing official.

[JohnnieDanville]

> @eboettne said:

> Looks pretty dang close to be ready for at least preview play on the southern holes. I've heard rumblings of that starting this October but nothing official.

 

October preview play was official. I don't see it on the website any more, but it was on there. 9 holes, caddie required, and a couple other stipulations I think. I imagine it filled up pretty quickly.

[eboettne]

> @JohnnieDanville said:

> > @eboettne said:

> > Looks pretty dang close to be ready for at least preview play on the southern holes. I've heard rumblings of that starting this October but nothing official.

>

> October preview play was official. I don't see it on the website any more, but it was on there. 9 holes, caddie required, and a couple other stipulations I think. I imagine it filled up pretty quickly.

 

That's interesting, when I called to ask about it they keep saying no updates on Sheep Ranch. I also signed up for the email list for preview play being announced and never saw anything. Welp, can't wait to hear people's reactions from preview play in October.

[Sushiyoshi]

Confirmed our trip date 2/14-2/17. Starting to get jitters.

 

Thinking about trying for a solo trip during Thanksgiving. Need to heck some things before calling for availability.

[LooperCon]

Rumor has it the October preview play has been nixed.

[mci711]

Not sure if this is the place for this. But I didn't want to start a new bandon thread. I went to Bandon 5 years ago and have been dying to go back. I just found out that United flys direct to Eugene now which makes it much easier. I am going to go this winter. I take a trip every Super Bowl weekend, last few years have been Southern California, and Streamsong twice. So obviously I usually go somewhere warm. I get that I won't get that this year.

 

That being said, is it worth going in February? Is it possible to get in 36 in Feb? Maybe 1 round + Preserve or punchbowl? I also have a weekend in January open. It looks like the lows average around 40 degress and high mid 50s. Anyone make the winter trip to Bandon have any thoughts?

[duffer987]

> @mci711 said:

> Not sure if this is the place for this. But I didn't want to start a new bandon thread. I went to Bandon 5 years ago and have been dying to go back. I just found out that United flys direct to Eugene now which makes it much easier. I am going to go this winter. I take a trip every Super Bowl weekend, last few years have been Southern California, and Streamsong twice. So obviously I usually go somewhere warm. I get that I won't get that this year.

>

> That being said, is it worth going in February? Is it possible to get in 36 in Feb? Maybe 1 round + Preserve or punchbowl? I also have a weekend in January open. It looks like the lows average around 40 degress and high mid 50s. Anyone make the winter trip to Bandon have any thoughts?

 

Have you tried to book yet? Trying to get Feb '20 in Sept '19... I'm not liking your chances, even as a single. Feb books a year out now, it is seen by many as the 'best' winter month, due to the extra sunlight making 36 holes a lot easier.

[mci711]

> @duffer987 said:

> > @mci711 said:

> > Not sure if this is the place for this. But I didn't want to start a new bandon thread. I went to Bandon 5 years ago and have been dying to go back. I just found out that United flys direct to Eugene now which makes it much easier. I am going to go this winter. I take a trip every Super Bowl weekend, last few years have been Southern California, and Streamsong twice. So obviously I usually go somewhere warm. I get that I won't get that this year.

> >

> > That being said, is it worth going in February? Is it possible to get in 36 in Feb? Maybe 1 round + Preserve or punchbowl? I also have a weekend in January open. It looks like the lows average around 40 degress and high mid 50s. Anyone make the winter trip to Bandon have any thoughts?

>

> Have you tried to book yet? Trying to get Feb '20 in Sept '19... I'm not liking your chances, even as a single. Feb books a year out now, it is seen by many as the 'best' winter month, due to the extra sunlight making 36 holes a lot easier.

 

Wow no kissing? That's crazy. Had no idea

[duffer987]

> @mci711 said:

> > @duffer987 said:

> > > @mci711 said:

> > > Not sure if this is the place for this. But I didn't want to start a new bandon thread. I went to Bandon 5 years ago and have been dying to go back. I just found out that United flys direct to Eugene now which makes it much easier. I am going to go this winter. I take a trip every Super Bowl weekend, last few years have been Southern California, and Streamsong twice. So obviously I usually go somewhere warm. I get that I won't get that this year.

> > >

> > > That being said, is it worth going in February? Is it possible to get in 36 in Feb? Maybe 1 round + Preserve or punchbowl? I also have a weekend in January open. It looks like the lows average around 40 degress and high mid 50s. Anyone make the winter trip to Bandon have any thoughts?

> >

> > Have you tried to book yet? Trying to get Feb '20 in Sept '19... I'm not liking your chances, even as a single. Feb books a year out now, it is seen by many as the 'best' winter month, due to the extra sunlight making 36 holes a lot easier.

>

> Wow no kissing? That's crazy. Had no idea

 

No kissing?! Ah darn... my hopes dashed, lol

But yes over the past few years, winter - specifically Feb. - has gotten very popular. As a single I was able to nab a few long weekend trips with only 4-6 weeks notice. But that was say 2013/14? That's not possible now.

 

I actually just rang up this morning about 3 nights in April '20 for a twosome and the only accoms available was the Grove suites, which are for groups, so at $1600/night ya not so much.

[mci711]

> @duffer987 said:

> > @mci711 said:

> > > @duffer987 said:

> > > > @mci711 said:

> > > > Not sure if this is the place for this. But I didn't want to start a new bandon thread. I went to Bandon 5 years ago and have been dying to go back. I just found out that United flys direct to Eugene now which makes it much easier. I am going to go this winter. I take a trip every Super Bowl weekend, last few years have been Southern California, and Streamsong twice. So obviously I usually go somewhere warm. I get that I won't get that this year.

> > > >

> > > > That being said, is it worth going in February? Is it possible to get in 36 in Feb? Maybe 1 round + Preserve or punchbowl? I also have a weekend in January open. It looks like the lows average around 40 degress and high mid 50s. Anyone make the winter trip to Bandon have any thoughts?

> > >

> > > Have you tried to book yet? Trying to get Feb '20 in Sept '19... I'm not liking your chances, even as a single. Feb books a year out now, it is seen by many as the 'best' winter month, due to the extra sunlight making 36 holes a lot easier.

> >

> > Wow no kissing? That's crazy. Had no idea

>

> No kissing?! Ah darn... my hopes dashed, lol

> But yes over the past few years, winter - specifically Feb. - has gotten very popular. As a single I was able to nab a few long weekend trips with only 4-6 weeks notice. But that was say 2013/14? That's not possible now.

>

> I actually just rang up this morning about 3 nights in April '20 for a twosome and the only accoms available was the Grove suites, which are for groups, so at $1600/night ya not so much.

 

Ha, auto correct, kidding*. I actually just called them and was able to book 3 nights in Feb for a double room. But very limited availability. I didn't book while on the phone just now as I have to confirm with my buddy. But there are a few rooms at the lower level available and tee times on each course each day, but limited.