[David Wigler]

I turn 40 in September and have been dreaming for years about a return to Bandon Dunes (I was there for the Grand Opening with Golfweek long before the other two courses were built).  I called today to book an eight-some and the resort was sold out.  

Why is this shocking; becuase my 40th is in September of 2007.

The cost for three nights, six rounds of golf, food and caddies is going to run between $2,500 - $3,000.  We booked for the weekend before.  

Doesn't this truly prove the old axiom that "If you build it, they will come."

I cannot wait, even if it is not the correct weekend.  

[David_Tepper]

David -

The success of Bandon Dunes has to be one of the most pleasant surprises in the world of golf in the last 10 or 20 years. No doubt the enterprise has gone "up market" a fair amount in terms of pricing, but appears as though the essence of the central golf experience (walking on natural, rather than artifical, courses) has remained in tact since the place opened.

The fact that so many golfers has made to effort to journey to such a remote location is a very good thing indeed.

One of these days, I would like to get there and experience it myself!

DT

[Scott_Burroughs]

David,

We are less than one month apart in age.  I turn 40 on 1 Oct 2007 and plan/hope to make my first pilgrimage to Scotland, perhaps in mid-late September.  As a single, I hope/have heard that getting tee-times won't be as difficult.

[Tom Huckaby]

Scott - the only problem you might have as a single in Scotland might be getting a game... some clubs won't let you out as a single, and you this might end up waiting a bit for someone to show up and play with you.  This happened to Ed Getka a few times.

As for Bandon, no surprise here.  People have floated the idea of holding THE KING'S PUTTER there and so just to see what's what, back in January I inquired about a group of 36 for sometime in 2007... there were no available weekend dates for the entire calendar year.  January 2008 had some openings.  I'd guess those were filled by now.

It has become a rather popular place.  

[Scott_Burroughs]

Scott - the only problem you might have as a single in Scotland might be getting a game... some clubs won't let you out as a single, and you this might end up waiting a bit for someone to show up and play with you.  This happened to Ed Getka a few times.

Thanks for the tip.  Do you happen to know any specific courses with this policy off the top of your head?

[Tom Huckaby]

Scott - no, sorry man.  Ed likely can fill you in though.  And remember also the upside of this is that when you do get set up, you play with a member, and that is usually VERY fun.

TH

[rjsimper]

If I recall correctly, we booked our 5 night Bandon excursion for this past April (shoulder season...end of low season) in November or December...pretty much had our pick of the litter so my guess is this sold out a year in advance thing is a high season phenomenon.

I wonder how much capacity they will add to the lodging side of things when they build a fourth course

[Tom Huckaby]

If I recall correctly, we booked our 5 night Bandon excursion for this past April (shoulder season...end of low season) in November or December...pretty much had our pick of the litter so my guess is this sold out a year in advance thing is a high season phenomenon.

I wonder how much capacity they will add to the lodging side of things when they build a fourth course

Ryan - remember, this is a group of 36.  I tried for March and April 2007 (shoulder season) first, no weekends available.  So I them just asked her to go through the entire rest of the year... it was January 2008 before we had what we wanted  (one round Fri or Mon, two each Sat/Sun, split between the three courses).

Mid-week could be done, but I figured we'd cross that bridge when we came to it, do it only as a last resort.

And I didn't want to do winter anyway.  That too was going to be a last resort.

TH

[LATE EDIT - I've been informed off-line that the info I was given in January was perhaps a bit too pessimistic.  GCA Power strikes again!   ]

 

[rjsimper]

Oh yeah - sorry was not responding to you, Huck - was responding to the plight described in the initial post

I'd consider it a miracle of epic proportions to get a group of 36 on Bandon in high season at ANY time!

[Mike Benham]

If I recall correctly, we booked our 5 night Bandon excursion for this past April (shoulder season...end of low season) in November or December...pretty much had our pick of the litter so my guess is this sold out a year in advance thing is a high season phenomenon.

I wonder how much capacity they will add to the lodging side of things when they build a fourth course

Ryan - remember, this is a group of 36.  I tried for March and April 2007 (shoulder season) first, no weekends available.  So I them just asked her to go through the entire rest of the year... it was January 2008 before we had what we wanted  (one round Fri or Mon, two each Sat/Sun, split between the three courses).

Mid-week could be done, but I figured we'd cross that bridge when we came to it, do it only as a last resort.

And I didn't want to do winter anyway.  That too was going to be a last resort.

TH

[LATE EDIT - I've been informed off-line that the info I was given in January was perhaps a bit too pessimistic.  GCA Power strikes again!   ]

If a GCA outing to Bandon is being planned, forget the 36 slots, you would need to double that ... at least ...

[Tom Huckaby]

Ryan - no hassles man.  I did a group of 16 and got nearly all the tee-times we wanted over all three courses - played in June 2005, booked it in November 2004.  It's no surprise to me that bookings are more difficult now - I'd guess that's just how it's gonna go.  And yeah, truly large groups are always going to be problematic.  But 4 or less should still be doable - one might just have to be flexible about exact dates, as David was.

And Mike, yeah, that's likely how it would go.  Such an event would be quite popular.  But we are staying in the great state of CA for the time being.

TH

[RSLivingston_III]

If it makes you feel better, I turn 50 in Oct. 2007.
Getting ready to go to Bandon for the first week of July.
Can't Wait!!

[Tom Huckaby]

If it makes you feel better, I turn 50 in Oct. 2007.
Getting ready to go to Bandon for the first week of July.
Can't Wait!!

Hickories, pre-moderns, or what?
I will say each course there would work exceedingly well with hickories.

TH

[RSLivingston_III]

I was thinking of bringing a 1929 set of steel shafted Stewart's, but was told I would get shot if I brought anything other than my regular set.
Also bringing along a set of 1880's clubs and some real gutty balls for Brad to try playing.

[Tom Huckaby]

I was thinking of bringing a 1929 set of steel shafted Stewart's, but was told I would get shot if I brought anything other than my regular set.
Also bringing along a set of 1880's clubs and some real gutty balls for Brad to try playing.

Yes Ralph, you are rather identified with hickories.  
Should be a blast.  Make sure and report back after playing.

TH

[Bob Jenkins]

The comments about Bandon are all "bang on". I have been there each of the last 2 Masters weekends to catch the end of low season and it has been full. Group of 8 this year and we booked it last September.

Scott, regarding Scotland as a single, I agree with Tom's comment but you will also need a letter of introduction from your home club to be able to get on the private courses. Those clubs have designated times for visitors and that becomes a major portion of their revenues. Many will likely only allow you to play during visitor times but I suspect that if you write and ask if you can come as a single with the intention of playing with some members, you will get some positive responses, some negative. I have thought about doing that for my next trip over there as I think playing with members would be a great experience and a good way to meet people. Also allows you to find out more about the area, out of the way courses, etc. No question though you will need a letter of introduction and would have to tell them when you will be there.

Regards and all the best.

Bob Jenkins

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