OT - Working at Bandon Dunes

[Bob_Garvelink]

Good afternoon,


I am looking at semi-retiring and spending half of the year in Bandon Oregon from October to May.  I have worked at golf courses the past few summers and have just fell in love with being apart of a team, being around a club and just being around people who love the game of golf.  I have been lucky enough to work at some great places where I am treated really well.  Both courses I have worked at have really high expectations but they also give us amazing golf privileges as long as the courses are not busy.


So I started to think why don't I move to Bandon and work at the resort and enjoy some of the amazing golf privileges.  I have no doubt I would meet some amazing people and the vibe at Bandon has always been awesome.  I know you have to be flexible with tee times but the thought of playing those courses a few times a week for a few years seems to good to pass up.  My wife also enjoys golfing and hiking and site seeing so I am sure Bandon would be a place she would enjoy for a few years.


Anyone have any experience going to a place like Bandon and working?  Anyone else ever think about doing this in retirement?

[Will Lozier]

Bob,


I talked my wife into taking almost a year off (from the real world) when we were married in 2008 - she is/was a historic preservationist and I am a HS math teacher and former PGA Apprentice. We honeymooned across Canada for a month before landing in Bandon with a caddie gig lined up in advance. Paige then got hooked up in the Lodge and we lived "on campus" in the new (at the time) employee housing. Six of the best months of my life.


Even though Paige doesn't play, she would walk with me while I played and read/take pics/etc. as I got in about 50 rounds total - many with her as my lone partner. Note, in 2008, a caddie had to be playing with another caddie or actual employee of the resort - caddies are independent contractors. I would assume, especially with the resort being nearly completely booked, that this policy still holds.


One of the best choices we've ever made as a couple!!


Hope this helps. Cheers, Will

[Bob_Garvelink]

Will,


That sounds amazing and I bet you have memories that will last a lifetime.  I have started to reach out to people online who work at Bandon and most say its a great place to work if you are just in it for the golf.  Bandon is pretty remote but as mentioned before I love hiking and the outdoors so pair that with an amazing set of golf courses it seems like a hard place to beat.  I am not sure how long I could make it out there but I def want to try it at 4-6 months at a time for a few years.


Seems like the golf policy is going the day of after the last tee time and most workers I talk to said its normally not an issue if you want to play 5-7 times a week.  There might be days you only get in 14 holes but who cares   You are at Bandon playing "firm and fast conditions"

[Kevin_Reilly]

Paging Sven...

[Chris Hughes]

Bob,


I talked my wife into taking almost a year off (from the real world) when we were married in 2008 - she is/was a historic preservationist and I am a HS math teacher and former PGA Apprentice. We honeymooned across Canada for a month before landing in Bandon with a caddie gig lined up in advance. Paige then got hooked up in the Lodge and we lived "on campus" in the new (at the time) employee housing. Six of the best months of my life.


Even though Paige doesn't play, she would walk with me while I played and read/take pics/etc. as I got in about 50 rounds total - many with her as my lone partner. Note, in 2008, a caddie had to be playing with another caddie or actual employee of the resort - caddies are independent contractors. I would assume, especially with the resort being nearly completely booked, that this policy still holds.


One of the best choices we've ever made as a couple!!


Hope this helps. Cheers, Will

Good onya mate!! 🙌

[Will Lozier]

Will,

That sounds amazing and I bet you have memories that will last a lifetime.  I have started to reach out to people online who work at Bandon and most say its a great place to work if you are just in it for the golf.  Bandon is pretty remote but as mentioned before I love hiking and the outdoors so pair that with an amazing set of golf courses it seems like a hard place to beat.  I am not sure how long I could make it out there but I def want to try it at 4-6 months at a time for a few years.

Seems like the golf policy is going the day of after the last tee time and most workers I talk to said its normally not an issue if you want to play 5-7 times a week.  There might be days you only get in 14 holes but who cares   You are at Bandon playing "firm and fast conditions"

Bob,


I rarely ever had a problem getting out either with my caddie buds or Paige, but did play probably half of my 50 or so rounds at Trails - which actually may be my favorite course on property. Pac Dunes was always the toughtest to get out even in the late afternoon and Old Mac was still in its original form and not accessible thru normal channels. It remains the best "job" I've ever had!!!


Best of luck getting hooked up! And do give Sven a shout as he is the only current caddie that I 'know' - he is always very responsive to communication.


Cheers,
Will