Golf Trip Addiction: Bandon Oregon: An Epic Must Play

It is not often in life that our already high expectations are not only met, but exceeded by a large margin. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort knocks a quadruple grand slam out of the park in this regard. I know a lot has been written about Bandon so I'm not here to recap all that. If you're reading this, you've already read about Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, and (soon to open) Old McDonald.

I'm here to tell you that the facility is better than the hype. It is truly amazing. Start figuring out when, not if, you're going to take a trip there. Start now. Go On. Just do it.

We did a quick hit back in late spring 09. I popped my Bandon cherry 4 months ago and I'm still gushing. Arrived in the afternoon, got settled in and practiced at the great range and par three course. GREAT place to practice. Dinner in town at a cool local spot. not touristy. chill.

Woke up early to tee it up at Pacific Dunes after dawn and then Bandon Dunes after lunch. The courses are everything they're cracked up to be and way more. You can't really understand it until you play them. I certainly don't have the skill to describe it properly. Pacific Dunes is the most notable. The most scenic. It also felt the most alien at times as I had never ever played golf in surroundings like that before. It is one amazing look after another and never feels like a novelty. Bandon Dunes looks easy after Pacific and will still kick your ass. It looks short on the card but the wind was howling and it was playing really tough. Exactly what we came for.

Our experience was completely enhanced by the fact that we had at least 8 different types of wild weather from intense rain and cold to sunny and calm to crazy wind with and without rain. We had it all in a day. Over 36 incredibly beautiful holes. Just awesome.

Dinner on site at the pub. Food was really tasty, then hit the cigar bar for a few bevvies and a puff. Crash early.

Played Bandon Trails early the next day and the weather was just stunning. Sunny and calm. We lucked out and it was needed after the epic weather day we had just experienced. Trails is a really fun course and is filled with a ton of eye candy. I want to move into the clubhouse, a beautiful yet simple design.

Our group played on a deal secured by the golf pro at my friend's home course. That's a good way to approach the mega resorts these days for getting a value rate, get a pro to bundle it up. I know that in this economic climate there are deals to be had with or without the help of a PGA Professional. Check around on the web for pricing as a baseline and then just call the course/resort up and ask nicely. If you're polite and persistent you'll get the best deal possible.