3 Rounds at Bandon

[Mike Boehm]

Thanks to a last minute change of plans and some careful negotiations with my wife, I'll be heading to Bandon for 3 days this Novemeber.  I've already reserved tee times for Pacific Dunes and Bandon Dunes.  My question is what I should do with the third day/round.  To those that have played the resort, would you play one of these two again or tee it up at Bandon Trails?  

I'm sure there has been a thread on something similar before, but I couldn't find one using the search function.

Unfortunately, given tee times available/booked and a lack of daylight, it does not look promising that a replay could be had on any day.  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Mike

[rjsimper]

Is this your first time going to Bandon?

If so, I say that there will be plenty of people here that will say play 2 (or even 3) at Pacific and ignore one or two of the others.  Pay them no mind.

If it's your first trip there, play each course once.  There is no doubt in my mind that this is the best approach.

If time allows for a replay, then pick your favorite (mine is Pacific) and play it...and if a second trip should come about, then you can start thinking about ignoring or short-strawing one or two of the courses if you establish a favorite.

FWIW, I enjoy Bandon Trails more than Bandon Dunes, but I would never recommend a first time visitor not play Bandon Dunes, nor can I imagine that if given more than just a couple rounds I would not play it at least once on a trip.

[John Kavanaugh]

Mike,

In addition to being the best course for a player of your caliber, Bandon Trails is the most open for replays.  Don't worry about getting started late because the staff will get you in safely.  I would also buy a sleeve of the balls that flash when you hit them.  I love those things and they last for years.

[John Kirk]

Definitely play all three.

[Eric_Terhorst]

Mike,

Last time I was there with one of my pals I asked him which of three was his favorite, and he said "the one I just played."

[Kalen Braley]

Mike

Translation - While I've only played Pacific, I doubt you can go wrong with the other two either.  It really is an amazing complex and a world class location.

[Tim Bert]

As one that has a strong preference against multiple plays at Trails for future trips and will almost always spend extra rounds at Pacific, I agree with most of the opinions here.

First time out, you must see them all even if it means you only play each course one time.  

[Yannick Pilon]

Mike,

Make sure you play all three before deciding to skip one on a future trip....

Although, I would make sure you play Bandon Dunes first, then Bandon Trails, then Pacific Dunes....  This way, it only gets better, and you won't feel that you should have played one of these last two rounds on Pacific Dunes or Bandon Trails, which, IMHO, are much better courses, appart from the views that a truly spectacular.

That being said, BD is not bad.  I just prefered the two others by a fair margin....

Have a good trip.

YP

[Mike Boehm]

Mike,

Make sure you play all three before deciding to skip one on a future trip....

Although, I would make sure you play Bandon Dunes first, then Bandon Trails, then Pacific Dunes....  This way, it only gets better, and you won't feel that you should have played one of these last two rounds on Pacific Dunes or Bandon Trails, which, IMHO, are much better courses, appart from the views that a truly spectacular.

That being said, BD is not bad.  I just prefered the two others by a fair margin....

Have a good trip.

YP

I appreciate everyone's advice - sounds like playing all three is the consensus.  The only problem - the only order I can play the courses and play all three is Pacific Dunes-Bandon Trails-Bandon Dunes (dictated by one course being shut down each day and the availability of tee times).  Pacific would be after driving down from Portland early AM, which is kind of disappointing since I'd like to play it on a good night's rest.  But, all three look amazing and I have no idea if and when I'll ever get back, so I think I'm going to take the advice of the group and try to set up all three.


Mike

[Wyatt Halliday]

Mike,

Any fatigue you may feel stepping out of the car will be whisked away immediately. Just be sure not to rush. Pacific is the penultimate place to "take it all in".

Safe travels,
Wyatt

[Jason Topp]

I played them in the order you will and really liked that order.  Have a great trip!

[Yannick Pilon]

Mike,

Wyatt is right, fatigue certainly won't be an issue!!

Playing Pacific Dunes in the afternoon will minimize the risk of playing in the morning fog as I did in April and you will get the low, afternoon light that will get you great pics of the course to bring back with you.

Have a good one!

YP

[rjsimper]

Mike,

Personally, I believe that a trip is best spent either starting or ending with Bandon Dunes.  To me, while it is not the best hole in the world to finish on (18 at BD is the weakest of the three finishing holes at the resort) it is by far the best setting at the foot of the original Lodge.  For the sake of history and nostalgia, it's kind of cool to finish there and walk inside (rather than board a shuttle bus).

[PThomas]

play BT too

[Richard Boult]

With my first visit to Bandon approaching, I can't even imagine not playing all 3 courses! Each seems to present such a different personality that it seems unlikely that I could predict which will be my favorites, even though most seem to prefer PD. I'm expecting that I'll love the wildness of PD, the variety of terrain at BT, and getting to play driver more at BD (I love my driver). I know I'll love them all.  I'm hoping my weekly experience at Monarch Dunes has prepared me well for the bump and run and wind game. Not sure how much wind to expect in September though. I hoping for gales!