Intro
I completed my journey down to Bandon last month and figured I should give a recap. Apologies to my loyal followers who have been eagerly awaiting this post, the past month got away from me. The PGA Professional Championship is going on over the next few days at Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes so I figured it was now or never to write this. Sidenote: Day 1 coverage was awful. It would just switch between commercials and Michael Block, hopefully it improves. Courses look great though.
This is also probably the most effort I have put into anything on this site in awhile. I kind of just wanted to write down all my thoughts so I can look back and remember this trip. Let's begin.
The Good
As a whole, I was pretty happy with how I played. I started off very shaky but adjusted to playing outside by the second and third day. My knee hung in there and I was able to walk every course which I was proud of. Got to play some of the nicest courses I have ever seen. The handwritten notes I mentioned in the preview blog were actually kinda helpful at times, provided the wind wasn't whipping.
Vibes were great all weekend, the other guys were chillers and a blast to play with. They were also much better golfers than me. This was my first time playing somewhat competitive golf (no mulligans or picking up 6 foot putts) so learned a bit there too.
I think the most ringing endorsement I can give is that I wasn't sick of golf by the end of the weekend. I've never played so much in so little time, and I still wanted more. That is the sign of a true addict.
The Bad
The only negatives I can think of are:
- I am an atrocious putter
- Driving 7 hours there in the pouring rain was a slog
- My feet hurt for the next 4 weeks
The Resort
Before I dive into the courses, wanted to talk up some of my favorite parts of the resort. All the people working there seemed like they loved their jobs and were super happy to help. You can just pick up a phone and call a shuttle 10 minutes before your tee time and one will spawn in and drive you to the first tee box. Oregon doesn't have sales tax, so everything you buy feels like it's 10% off. Though it was expensive, once you were on property it didn't feel like they were trying to price gouge you on food or merch. Each course has its own logo and they give you little wooden ball markers at each one.
Bandon Trails
The first course that I played, felt pretty nervous on the tee box. Driver was definitely rusty and I was seeing some ball flight completely unlike what I get in the sim. Loved the walk of this course, lived up to its name and felt like I was hiking through some trails. My highlight was the view on 14 of the course and the water.
Old Mac
This course was absolutely beautiful and like nothing I'd ever played. Super open and no trees in sight. The sun set on us on the back nine which was sick. While the weather was sunny, the wind was absolutely whipping here. There were some tee shots where I thought I was going to fall over. Was pretty exhausted for this round and played poorly, putting up a 107. Still had a blast.
Got to hit up Ghost Tree Grill right after the round for some beers and prime rib. Not a bad end to the first day.
Shortys
Great time, we were the first group off and played as a nine-some. 19 short par 3s, went on a tear of pars towards the end of the round and built up some confidence. The logo here is 1 of 1, got a hat and sweatshirt for my fiancee.
Pacific Dunes
Absolutely beautiful course, I think 4 was my favorite hole of the resort. The pace of play here was a little slow but I didn't mind. The weather was so nice I actually got a sunburn. It felt like I started to get my driver under control and wasn't just spraying it. Finished the round up with a par to shoot 100.
Punchbowl
Massive putting green filled with drunk middle aged guys gambling. Love to see it.
Bandon Preserve
Another par 3 course but with only 13 holes as opposed to Shorty's 19. I liked that they had some longer par 3s here but couldn't really get a handle on my wedges or irons. Still had some great views of the water.
Bandon Dunes
I think this was my favorite course, we had some immaculate weather. Probably the best round of golf I have ever played, definitely on the back nine. Finished the round par, par, birdie, double, birdie. Chipped in on 18 in front of the club house and threw my hat in the air like I'd just won a PGA tournament.
Sheep Ranch
While Old Mac was the windiest golf I've ever played, Sheep Ranch was the foggiest. It got to a point where you couldn't see where you were aiming on tee shots or approach, just had to swing and pray. Very cool course though, I liked how it wasn't super punishing. Continued my good playing from the previous day, capped off with a birdie on 14 that I could hardly see.
Hot pastrami sandwich at the club house was life changing.
Conclusion
There have been a few occasions in the past few weeks where I wore my Shorty's hat and someone started up a conversation with me about Bandon. They all say the same thing - this is a special place. My friends in Seattle are sick of me talking about this trip like a college student who just went abroad, so this blog will put that to rest for now.
Final review - 10/10 would recommend.