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Bandon Trip suggestions.

BagBoy
mancest said:
1) I would for dinner, but if you have 4, shouldn't be too big of a concern (we have gone with groups of 8 and 12 so tougher to get a table).

2) no, there are other options, McKee's pub is my favorite of all of them, breakfast is at the main hotel where you check in (also where bandon dunes is), maybe they have added to the other restaurants, but in my experience that was the only breakfast option.

3) no, most of the courses don't have spot at the turn, but they have an on course (not sure about sheep ranch as I have yet to play it, but I would assume) spot for a hot dog, drinks and what not. Bandon Dunes is at the turn, think pacific is at 7, Trails at 12 or something, trying to remember about Old Mac.

4) personally I have never cared for dinner at Pacific dunes, it was the worst of all the restaurants. My rankings would be McKee's pub, Bandon Trails (only ever ate lunch there), Bandon Dunes and finally Pacific dunes. Like the courses themselves, I am sure others have their own rankings.

5) went to dinner a couple times in Bandon, the only positive was that it was ridiculously cheap compared to the resort.

I also forgot that on our last trip they started adding on an automatic gratuity no matter how many are in your party, and I think it was over 20%. Maybe they have changed that, but I doubt it. Just remember when you pay the bill to take a look before you add on an extra tip.
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Re: 3, is the “what not” any good? Streamsong has some great fish tacos and chicken salad sandwiches. Like it was clear there was a thought. Is this just “any old turn shack?”

Do you need to rent a car? We’re coming from NJ. Looks like Portland and then drive in on day 1.
 
There is a food window just inside Bandon Dunes main clubhouse that had great breakfast sandwiches. Eating at the main resteraunt in the main lodge for breakfast is spendy and just a big Buffett. Each course has a resteraunt/ food at their clubhouse. Each has a different fare and is good.
Dinner at McKees is great, trails clubhouse, Pacific clubhouse is all good. The main bar in Bandon dunes lodge has a fantastic steak sandwich for lunch.
 
BanjoSaysWoof said:
Re: 3, is the “what not” any good? Streamsong has some great fish tacos and chicken salad sandwiches. Like it was clear there was a thought. Is this just “any old turn shack?”

Do you need to rent a car? We’re coming from NJ. Looks like Portland and then drive in on day 1.
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I don't remember anything special at the turn stops, but I was never looking to eat a meal when I hit them.

Renting a car, not sure another economical way of getting there since it is about 4.5 hours from the portland airport to the resort. You won't need one once you get on site as there are always shuttles running, but I think that would be an expensive shuttle/uber ride.
 
BanjoSaysWoof said:
Re: 3, is the “what not” any good? Streamsong has some great fish tacos and chicken salad sandwiches. Like it was clear there was a thought. Is this just “any old turn shack?”

Do you need to rent a car? We’re coming from NJ. Looks like Portland and then drive in on day 1.
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If you fly into Portland you need a rental car. It’s 4.5 to 5 hours down.

I pretty much agree with Mancest about food. I like McKees and Tufted Puffin best, flowed by Trails/Preserve. The main dining room at the lodge is probably the “nicest” experience. We’ve never made a point of earring there. Pacific is okay, not my go to place, but I’ve certainly eaten chowder, a sandwich or burger after a round.

Bandon is the only course where 9 returns to the clubhouse. I’m pretty sure you can get chili at Old Mac (the shack is at 7 and like 13). Otherwise it’s pretty much hot dogs or pre-made sandwiches at the shacks. There are no cart girls, you’ve gotta load up at the shacks.
 
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Bandon Crossings is definitely worth playing. If you are spending the money for Bandon Dunes, staying on property at Dunes is worthwhile (Lilly Pond (y) ) but you might check to see if the house at Bandon Crossings is available. North Bend stay (40 minutes north) would be at The Mill Casino (Indian Casino), Red Lion Coos Bay or Quality Inn & Suites at Coos Bay
 
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BanjoSaysWoof said:
So,

We talked it over, @tequila4kapp I shared your thoughts and quotes from the post.

-2 doubles at the resort won out. I reminded everyone that even though I don’t drink, I am not DD for this trip so someone has to commit to sobriety every night. Funny how that worked.

-Check in day, just get ourselves acclimated. Maybe we have time to hit balls or putt. Maybe we don’t. We’ll see. No rush and nothing on the schedule.


-day 1, 10 am, preserve. Bandon Dunes at 2:20. The thought is we will have time to do shortys, putt a bit, etc in the morning. Between that and preserve, and dunes, it should feel like 36.

-day 2: pacific dunes, 8 am. Sheep’s ranch 2:20 pm.

-day 3: old Macdonald 9:40, bandon trails 3:40 (she said it’s guaranteed finish)

-day 4: bandon crossings all day with a cart.... I have to call them to confirm.

-day 5: we leave.


Now, food...

1) do I need to make dinner reservations?

2) the food options feel pretty similar at the breakfast places and lunch places. Is that fair? Like eating lunch at whatever is convenient is the best way to go and not “seek out” food?

3) is the clubhouse food the turn food? Or is on course food different?

4) any restaurants which you’d say just aren’t worth it?

5) assuming it’s safe to say town of bandon has nothing that’s worth seeking out for food?
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Nice itinerary! OldMac and Trails are the two hardest walks. I bet you guys will be very happy to have carts the next day at Crossings
 
BanjoSaysWoof said:
-day 1, 10 am, preserve. Bandon Dunes at 2:20. The thought is we will have time to do shortys, putt a bit, etc in the morning. Between that and preserve, and dunes, it should feel like 36.

-day 2: pacific dunes, 8 am. Sheep’s ranch 2:20 pm.

-day 3: old Macdonald 9:40, bandon trails 3:40 (she said it’s guaranteed finish)

-day 4: bandon crossings all day with a cart.... I have to call them to confirm.

-day 5: we leave.
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What an itinerary! You guys are absolute animals. I consistently walk (and carry) 18 in between 3:30 and 3:45 if traffic allows, and I'm not sure I would tackle Old Mac and Bandon Trails back to back even with caddies on both. The latter is pretty hilly. Make sure everyone is in good shape. Seriously good shape.

Given you will be there in the summer, the time allowed between rounds is a good idea. It could get slow out there. And one or more of your group may just want to crash for an hour in the room between rounds. You will be very glad that Bandon Crossings allows carts after your schedule at the resort. If you can't get tee times at Bandon Crossings on Day 4, you might want to try for tee times at Florence Golf Links. Try to get that detail nailed down before you go. If you end up playing Florence rather than the Crossings, you might want to stay up there that night rather than doubling back to Bandon. That will cut off nearly an hour of driving time on your way back to the airport. Worst case on Day 4, drive back to Portland early that day and play The Reserve out in Aloha or Pumpkin Ridge in the afternoon/evening. Both are very nice tracks.

RE: eating during the day. Our guys always just pack a bunch of snacks (mostly light or no sugar things) rather than planning for a mid-round break or lunch at one of the restaurants. (And we aren't trying to play 36.) It isn't about being cheap, just being practical about the logistics of Bandon and the pace of play during the summer. It is a life experience. People are spending a lot of money, and most aren't trying to cram in 36 holes, so they don't exactly hustle along out there. Even with caddies, lost balls are a pace problem given the dune roughs, patches of gorst, and the brush on the Trails. Besides, the views on all but the Trails are pretty incredible, so people understandably want to enjoy them and take pictures. NOTE: Any $$$ we save skipping lunch we usually more than make up for at dinner. Eating out at the resort isn't for the thrifty. And drinking out there is worse. Please don't ask how I know this.

What time do you get into Portland? It is at least 4 hours drive to Bandon (Daytona-style) and at rush hour it can be 6 hours or longer. Our experience has been that the Oregon Highway Patrol tolerates almost anything other than really stupid speeding. Make sure you have good map and traffic apps on your rental car or phones. We found that "Dieter" the routing guide on my buddy's BMW wasn't very dependable once we got down to the coast. It was night when we arrived the first time and we drove into town without realizing we had gone by the entrance to the resort. Signage has improved since then. And in the summer it will still be light at 10pm (or later). We were there in November that time, when it seems like the sun is setting as you finish lunch.

Bandon is an awesome experience. It is totally different than anything I have experienced on the East Coast. Not necessarily better, just different. I hope your group enjoys it as much as we have. I guarantee you will talk about it for years.
 
I’m pretty much doing your same itinerary in April, minus the Sheep Ranch (although hopeful for a preview round). Our group is generally staying in the Chrome Lake doubles and with a few dinners/ breakfasts it’s something like $1400. It seems like a heck of a deal to me. Contact the resort, they may be able to set you up beyond just the website stated pricing.
 
I'm going on a trip to Bandon at the end of May. Starting in Seattle with a round at Chambers Bay and then trekking down to Bandon. It's going to be a trip of a lifetime. Thanks t4k and mancest for your suggestions!
 
captaincaution said:
I'm going on a trip to Bandon at the end of May. Starting in Seattle with a round at Chambers Bay and then trekking down to Bandon. It's going to be a trip of a lifetime. Thanks t4k and mancest for your suggestions!
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That will be an epic trip. I will be very interested to hear you thoughts about the two facilities after you are done.
 
Nice read. I have to get here someday. Gotta make this happen!
 
Hecaviator said:
What an itinerary! You guys are absolute animals. I consistently walk (and carry) 18 in between 3:30 and 3:45 if traffic allows, and I'm not sure I would tackle Old Mac and Bandon Trails back to back even with caddies on both. The latter is pretty hilly. Make sure everyone is in good shape. Seriously good shape.

Given you will be there in the summer, the time allowed between rounds is a good idea. It could get slow out there. And one or more of your group may just want to crash for an hour in the room between rounds. You will be very glad that Bandon Crossings allows carts after your schedule at the resort. If you can't get tee times at Bandon Crossings on Day 4, you might want to try for tee times at Florence Golf Links. Try to get that detail nailed down before you go. If you end up playing Florence rather than the Crossings, you might want to stay up there that night rather than doubling back to Bandon. That will cut off nearly an hour of driving time on your way back to the airport. Worst case on Day 4, drive back to Portland early that day and play The Reserve out in Aloha or Pumpkin Ridge in the afternoon/evening. Both are very nice tracks.

RE: eating during the day. Our guys always just pack a bunch of snacks (mostly light or no sugar things) rather than planning for a mid-round break or lunch at one of the restaurants. (And we aren't trying to play 36.) It isn't about being cheap, just being practical about the logistics of Bandon and the pace of play during the summer. It is a life experience. People are spending a lot of money, and most aren't trying to cram in 36 holes, so they don't exactly hustle along out there. Even with caddies, lost balls are a pace problem given the dune roughs, patches of gorst, and the brush on the Trails. Besides, the views on all but the Trails are pretty incredible, so people understandably want to enjoy them and take pictures. NOTE: Any $$$ we save skipping lunch we usually more than make up for at dinner. Eating out at the resort isn't for the thrifty. And drinking out there is worse. Please don't ask how I know this.

What time do you get into Portland? It is at least 4 hours drive to Bandon (Daytona-style) and at rush hour it can be 6 hours or longer. Our experience has been that the Oregon Highway Patrol tolerates almost anything other than really stupid speeding. Make sure you have good map and traffic apps on your rental car or phones. We found that "Dieter" the routing guide on my buddy's BMW wasn't very dependable once we got down to the coast. It was night when we arrived the first time and we drove into town without realizing we had gone by the entrance to the resort. Signage has improved since then. And in the summer it will still be light at 10pm (or later). We were there in November that time, when it seems like the sun is setting as you finish lunch.

Bandon is an awesome experience. It is totally different than anything I have experienced on the East Coast. Not necessarily better, just different. I hope your group enjoys it as much as we have. I guarantee you will talk about it for years.
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The goal is to land in Portland by 2, get out of airport with a rental and to bandon by 7.

You have me wondering if I should rearrange the rounds, or, move the cart day to before PD/BD... is it worth the rescheduling? I’ve called them a few times with changes to the tee times. They may want to smack me around a bit.
 
BanjoSaysWoof said:
The goal is to land in Portland by 2, get out of airport with a rental and to bandon by 7.

You have me wondering if I should rearrange the rounds, or, move the cart day to before PD/BD... is it worth the rescheduling? I’ve called them a few times with changes to the tee times. They may want to smack me around a bit.
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The smacking around will come later....Ha
 
captaincaution said:
I'm going on a trip to Bandon at the end of May. Starting in Seattle with a round at Chambers Bay and then trekking down to Bandon. It's going to be a trip of a lifetime. Thanks t4k and mancest for your suggestions!
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Fantastic! Who are you going with?
 
Jealous! It's gonna be fantastic I'm sure.
 
Far from an expert but...

1. We stayed on the property and wouldn't consider anything else next time. It's SO nice not having to drive - especially after a few (or more than a few) drinks.

2. Preserve: Yes! Our only regret is not playing it more than once.

3. No idea. Didn't even look into it :ROFLMAO:

We did

Day 1: arrive / punchbowl / shenanigans
Day 2: Pacific Dunes / Bandon Trails
Day 3: Old Mac / Preserve
Day 4: Bandon Dunes / Pacific Dunes
Day 5: Bandon Trails / depart
 
@tequila4kapp I'm interested to hear about the putting course. Can you give me some input on it?
 
TheHeez said:
I’m pretty much doing your same itinerary in April, minus the Sheep Ranch (although hopeful for a preview round). Our group is generally staying in the Chrome Lake doubles and with a few dinners/ breakfasts it’s something like $1400. It seems like a heck of a deal to me. Contact the resort, they may be able to set you up beyond just the website stated pricing.
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If you can, DO NOT fail to play The Sheep Ranch. I played it in the past when it was just a collection of greens scattered about and some closely mown grass (not hardly fairways with any clear definition). It was great! I just hope they haven't ruined the experience by turning it into a proper golf course. My friend who has done all the irrigation installation at Bandon, including The Sheep Ranch recently, assured me it will be among the best tracks at the resort. Let us know what you think.
 
Grins said:
Fantastic! Who are you going with?
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Hey Grins - if you need a stop in Portland on the way through, check out The Reserve in Aloha. We always play it on the way going south (or going back north, or even both) when we go down to Bandon. Another secret place I will share with you, if you promise not to tell anyone else, is Tokatee, which is about 20 miles up the MacKenzie River from Eugene. Peter Jacobsen (in an interview with a reporter in San Francisco) said it is his absolute favorite course to play in the world. My personal favorite thing about Tokatee is the "cart girl" who cruises the course in the summer - she has been doing it since the course opened and is now in her 80's. Really a cool lady. (I'm hoping she is still alive, well, and working at Tokatee.)

WHOOPS! THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A REPLY TO CAPTAIN CAUTION. SORRY CAPTAIN.
 
BanjoSaysWoof said:
The goal is to land in Portland by 2, get out of airport with a rental and to bandon by 7.

You have me wondering if I should rearrange the rounds, or, move the cart day to before PD/BD... is it worth the rescheduling? I’ve called them a few times with changes to the tee times. They may want to smack me around a bit.
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Hey, BSW - you will be there in the summer. The light lasts late on the West Coast at that time of year, so your arrival timing won't be a problem other than perhaps catching a good dinner. You WILL be driving out of Portland in early rush hour, however. I'm assuming you guys are all young, tough, well-conditioned athletes who run marathons for fun. Given that, your itinerary shouldn't be an issue. But I would wager you won't have much left in the tank when you walk onto the plane home. That's the way it should be. Have fun.
 
Hecaviator said:
Hey, BSW - you will be there in the summer. The light lasts late on the West Coast at that time of year, so your arrival timing won't be a problem other than perhaps catching a good dinner. You WILL be driving out of Portland in early rush hour, however. I'm assuming you guys are all young, tough, well-conditioned athletes who run marathons for fun. Given that, your itinerary shouldn't be an issue. But I would wager you won't have much left in the tank when you walk onto the plane home. That's the way it should be. Have fun.
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Maybe I’ll rearrange these.

The allure of a trip where our favorite pastime is legal will surely be a factor hahaha.
 
Scorpion12 said:
@tequila4kapp I'm interested to hear about the putting course. Can you give me some input on it?
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It’s an actual course. That’s the first thing. There are little stations at suggested starting spots, 18 holes, scorecards. The stations have beverage holders. It’s just a ton of fun when you are there having beverages with friends.
 
BanjoSaysWoof said:
Maybe I’ll rearrange these.

The allure of a trip where our favorite pastime is legal will surely be a factor hahaha.
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You’re gonna be tired no matter what. That’s a lot of walking and a lot of golf. I think a hidden bonus is that it could be very fun from a ball striking perspective. Old Mac seems insanely wide-open but it really isn’t. Trails is definitely the shot makers course. You guys will be tired by the end of the day but it’ll be fun
 
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