Bandon Dunes in December?

[Jason Topp]

It looks like most would go with playing each course twice (this would be my first time).  My only problem with that is that from what I've heard it really is great to play PD or BT several times, while Bandon Dunes seems fairly straightforward, and might be OK to play just once.  However, if most of you think otherwise, I'll defer to your expertise.

Each course is a unique experience.  I would not discount Bandon Dunes.  It probably is my third favorite of the three courses but I would not play an extra round at one of the other two at the expense of an extra round at Bandon Dunes unless there was some other reason for doing so. 

[Mike Erdmann]

Mike, that was Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, right? 

Actually, New Years eve and the couple days prior.  You should come out and join us.....the weather in Bandon is much more pleasant than Pensacola in December!   

[cary lichtenstein]

Why pick the worst month of the year for weather? Makes no sense to me.

Because I'd rather pay $75 with a $40 replay than $210 a round with $105 replay. And I'd rather spend $140 a night for a room rather than $280.

3 nights and 6 rounds in December: $560 per person
In summer: $1365 (I think!)

good answer

[Kyle Henderson]

I'll be there in November (for the first time!!!) fully expecting to get drenched. However, I would REALLY prefer that temps be well above 40 degrees F.

[Tom Huckaby]

It looks like most would go with playing each course twice (this would be my first time).  My only problem with that is that from what I've heard it really is great to play PD or BT several times, while Bandon Dunes seems fairly straightforward, and might be OK to play just once.  However, if most of you think otherwise, I'll defer to your expertise.

Each course is a unique experience.  I would not discount Bandon Dunes.  It probably is my third favorite of the three courses but I would not play an extra round at one of the other two at the expense of an extra round at Bandon Dunes unless there was some other reason for doing so. 

Put me down with Jason here - perfectly stated.  Yes, the pecking order likely goes PD-BT-BD... but the differences to me are not large enough to merit leaving BD with only one round.  I'd also say that in no way is BD "straightforward".. that is unless you grew up playing The Old Course ever day.

TH

[George Freeman]

I would play all three equally if you have the opportunity...Leave the dispersion of rounds to your subsequent visits as you'll have experienced them all and be able to make your own decisions.

Have fun, it is an experience you will never forget!

[Kalen Braley]

There are other benefits to going in the winter time other than the massive $$$$ savings.

1)  Usually less crowded.  Basing this on the many reports I've read here where a group or one went to Bandon in the winter and had the course to themselves.

2)  You get to see the course in different conditions.  Sunny and 60 one day, rainy and 40 the next! 

3)  No waiting for beers after the round as you get immediate service.

4)  Less traffic on the drive down from Portland airport!

[Ian_L]

It's great to see there are others out there like me trying to save some cash on great courses (even one of the architects!).  If I do go this winter, I'll try to go for the 2-2-2.  Should I try to play the same course on different days to get different weather/pins, or is it too much of a hassle to move from course to course during the day?  I suppose if I have the choice I should choose Bandon Trails if the wind is extreme?

[Jason Topp]

It's great to see there are others out there like me trying to save some cash on great courses (even one of the architects!).  If I do go this winter, I'll try to go for the 2-2-2.  Should I try to play the same course on different days to get different weather/pins, or is it too much of a hassle to move from course to course during the day?  I suppose if I have the choice I should choose Bandon Trails if the wind is extreme?

It can get windy on Bandon Trails because it sits higher than the other courses.  I played the same course twice each day and was happy with that approach.  It is easier logistically and it is fun to tackle the holes again while they are fresh in your mind.  Furthermore, the weather changes enough that you really will not see the same course twice.  In order to add additional variety, I played a different set of tees the 2nd time around, moving up or back depending on my mood and playing partners. 

[Reef Wilson]

Ian,
One thing not mentioned is that it seems to me to be on average less windy in the winter. In my experience I have not experienced anywhere near the wind in the winter as I have experienced frequently in afternoon rounds during the summer.  Wetter for sure, but not as windy. I'd be interested to see if others have experienced the same.

If you really want to geek out on Bandon weather, check this out:

http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=174053&refer=

Reef

[Ian_L]

Thanks for the info Reef.  I'd be interested in hearing other  opinions about playing the same course on the same or different days.  I suppose my real incentive to play the same course on different days would be to see different pin positions.  Is it easy to take a shuttle from one course to the next?

[Reef Wilson]

The shuttle is easy and quick. Typically, from the moment they call you the shuttle you can be at any of the other courses within 15 minutes max. If you happen to catch one at the right moment make that 5 minutes. I would play different courses on the same day for the same reason as you, to see different pins.

[David Botimer]

Ian,

I'm not sure you'll have time to get 2 rounds a day in during December.  There are about 9 hours of daylight that month, and the first tee time will be sometime after sunrise with the chance for frost delay.  Better get the first tee time each day, and play extra fast.

[Jed Peters]

Ian,

I'm not sure you'll have time to get 2 rounds a day in during December.  There are about 9 hours of daylight that month, and the first tee time will be sometime after sunrise with the chance for frost delay.  Better get the first tee time each day, and play extra fast.

Every time I've played there and it's been nice I've gotten 36 (or well more) in.

[Ian_L]

Ian,

I'm not sure you'll have time to get 2 rounds a day in during December.  There are about 9 hours of daylight that month, and the first tee time will be sometime after sunrise with the chance for frost delay.  Better get the first tee time each day, and play extra fast.

Every time I've played there and it's been nice I've gotten 36 (or well more) in.

Did you play different courses the same day?  How was your experience with that?

[Jed Peters]

Ian,

I'm not sure you'll have time to get 2 rounds a day in during December.  There are about 9 hours of daylight that month, and the first tee time will be sometime after sunrise with the chance for frost delay.  Better get the first tee time each day, and play extra fast.

Every time I've played there and it's been nice I've gotten 36 (or well more) in.

Did you play different courses the same day?  How was your experience with that?

Except for one glorious sunny day two years ago, where we were one of 4 people on the course at pac dunes....and we played well over 36 holes...

[Ian_L]

Sorry to revive this thread, but I've got another question.  I see a lot of steps leading to/from tees.  Are pull carts allowed?  My playing partner can't carry because of his back but doesn't want to pay for the caddy (nothing against caddies!).  He has his own 3-wheel cart he wants to take on the trip.  I haven't seen any pictures of pull carts at Bandon, so I'm wondering if this is allowed/feasible?  Thanks.

[Mike Erdmann]

Sorry to revive this thread, but I've got another question.  I see a lot of steps leading to/from tees.  Are pull carts allowed?  My playing partner can't carry because of his back but doesn't want to pay for the caddy (nothing against caddies!).  He has his own 3-wheel cart he wants to take on the trip.  I haven't seen any pictures of pull carts at Bandon, so I'm wondering if this is allowed/feasible?  Thanks.

Pull carts are just fine at Bandon, but your friend will likely find the big-wheeled Rikshaw pull carts provided by the resort to be easier to use on the sand than a 3-wheeled model.

[Ian_L]

Ooh great call, any idea how much they cost?

[Ian_L]

And can they be pushed easily? (again because of his back)

[Mike Erdmann]

Something like $5 a round, and they're very easy to push.

[Ian_L]

Update: I have reservations for mid-December!  I'm very excited.  The only downside is that they had no early rounds available, so I went with afternoon (they said 12:10 was the last time "guaranteed to finish").  If I get up early is there any chance I could get out as a single in the morning? 

Maybe it'll pour and I'll be the only one out there. 

[Jed Peters]

Update: I have reservations for mid-December!  I'm very excited.  The only downside is that they had no early rounds available, so I went with afternoon (they said 12:10 was the last time "guaranteed to finish").  If I get up early is there any chance I could get out as a single in the morning? 

Maybe it'll pour and I'll be the only one out there. 

Very good chance with the first off groups.

Also, the par 3 course is AWESOMELY fun as well....

[Ian_L]

Update: I have reservations for mid-December!  I'm very excited.  The only downside is that they had no early rounds available, so I went with afternoon (they said 12:10 was the last time "guaranteed to finish").  If I get up early is there any chance I could get out as a single in the morning? 

Maybe it'll pour and I'll be the only one out there. 

Very good chance with the first off groups.

Also, the par 3 course is AWESOMELY fun as well....

Thanks Jed.  Any guess at what time that might be? (I think the sun comes up at 7:50)

[Ian_L]

Just an update, I will be there from the 14th to the 16th, playing as much as possible each day.  Forecast so far is for snow and rain.  Are frost delays common?