I’ve only played Bandon Trails once—last year--as opposed to many rounds at Pacific and Bandon Dunes and a few at Old MacDonald. With a sample size of one playing, I can only make a couple of observations about Bandon Trails:
--The transitions from one part of the property to another are part of what make the course really good.
--The stretch of holes from 11-13 reminds me of Amen Corner—a beautiful, seamless piece of golfing property that has a wonderful feel to it. The 11th hole reminds me of #11 at Augusta and is one of my favourites at Bandon.
--I’m not a fan of 14 though I understand its purpose. It seems like #8 at Pine Valley—either hit the green with a wedge or die, but for some reason #14 just didn’t seem right, maybe too much for mortals. BTW I think this is the most discussed hole in the history of GolfClubAtlas.com.
--It’s generally a really good driving course but I think the first and 18th holes are too tight especially with wind.
--The greens and greensites at Bandon Trails may be some of the least interesting on the Bandon property. Maybe it’s just the nature of the topography but the greens and greensites for holes like #3, #9 and #10 (for example) just seemed bland. I liked each of those holes just fine, however. And there are some really cool greens and greensites there too, such as #5.
--One of my playing partners on the trip playing the Bandon courses for the first time probably had a similar reaction to Bandon Trails to that expressed by others, calling the course a “great 13 hole course.” He hated the last five holes. My friend is neither an idiot or idiotic but I wouldn’t go that far at all. I think #15 is a really fine hole and so is #17. I need to play that stretch of holes again to have a better sense of them.
--There does seem to be some repetitiveness to the look on the tee shots on holes like #4, #6 and #15 and also on the front nine par 5s; probably need to play them again to appreciate them more.
--I didn’t think the walk was bad at all, and I’m on the north side of 55.
--I’d rate Trails ahead of Bandon Dunes and behind PD and OM but look forward to playing it again.