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Andy Ryall

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The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« on: August 17, 2011, 01:17:30 AM »
I am leading a group of 8 guys (age 35-40) from Minn/Chicago/Indy to Bandon during September; playing 6 rounds in 4 days (Thu – Sun).   I was fortunate to play BD/PD in June 2002 but was hoping to mine the tree house’s vast BD knowledge for après golf activities that encapsulate the essence of the Bandon experience.   

We are staying on site in the Chrome Lake area, and while there is a high probability that most will be either too tired/sore/inebriated to pursue, thought I would throw the question out there to the group.  Could be dining options, a certain IPA, cool place on the property or in town, etc.

(In case anyone is interested, we are playing PD Thu PM/OM & PD Friday/BT&OM Saturday/BD Sunday AM.)

Can’t wait and hope the great weather continues into September.

Thanks-
Andy
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David Kelly

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2011, 01:24:50 AM »
To me the essence of the Bandon experience is just playing the courses over and over and over as much as possible. The food's mediocre, the rooms are average and the cost is high but the courses are great.
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"Whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent." - Judge Holden, Blood Meridian.

Ted Cahill

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #2 on: August 17, 2011, 01:39:11 AM »
Alloro in town has excellent food.  If any in your group are looking for a nice dinner- look no further. 
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“Bandon Dunes is like Chamonix for skiers or the
North Shore of Oahu for surfers,” Rogers said. “It is
where those who really care end up.”

Joe_Tucholski

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2011, 02:18:14 AM »
If I go with a group I figure Sheep Ranch will be a pretty sweet way to spend a day.

http://www.cybergolf.com/golf_news/bally_bandon_sheep_ranch_a_throwback_to_simpler_times

Just realized it's likely closed during the summer...sorry
« Last Edit: August 17, 2011, 09:49:14 PM by Joe Tucholski »
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Joe_Tucholski

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #4 on: August 17, 2011, 02:18:33 AM »
.
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Dan Herrmann

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #5 on: August 17, 2011, 06:24:32 AM »
I love the hallibut fish and chips that you can get at the blue building down at the harbor in town.  Certainly not "fine dining" (you eat at a picnic table) but it's tough to beat.  It's good enough that it made "The Wandering Golfer" show on Bandon
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Mike Hamilton

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #6 on: August 17, 2011, 06:39:17 AM »
I was at Bandon last summer with my wife and 7 and 10 year old sons and they explored while I golfed.

They spent part of one day about 30 or so minutes or so north of the resort riding dune buggies through one of the State Parks and they raved about it.  In fact my kids now tell me they love Bandon Dunes despite not playing any golf...I can see working that into another trip!

Not sure how adventurous you would want to be while "resting", but if the group is energetic it sounded pretty fun.
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Eric Olsen

Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #7 on: August 17, 2011, 07:31:43 AM »
The problem with staying in town is that you only get the reduced replay rate for your second round on the same course you played in the morning.  At least that was the policy the last time that I stayed in town.

I have done several trips where I stayed in town.  While it is cheaper, it is a more relaxed and ultimately absorbing experience if you stay on-site. 

If any of your group enjoys massage, I would highly recommend requesting one from Jackie Day.  She is one of the best massage therapists that I have ever had and a super-nice person. 

Enjoy!
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Dan Herrmann

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #8 on: August 17, 2011, 07:32:45 AM »
Brian - honestly, we've always eaten in town.  BD is darn expensive, and we're not rich, so we'd grab a pizza, burger, or fresh seafood in town.

Mike  - I've ridden the dune buggies and they're a lot of fun.  I also recommend the jet boats up the Rogue river down in Gold Beach.
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rjsimper

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #9 on: August 17, 2011, 09:06:44 AM »
I'm in the boat with David - play as much as you can, as long as you can.

I would never consider staying anywhere but on-property. Yes it is more expensive, but the fact that you can replay ANY course you want at the replay rate, versus the same course all day if you don't stay at the resort, makes it worthwhile assuming you plan to play a minimum of 36 holes.

Plus the lodging is just better and more convenient.

Sheep Ranch is worth doing if you have guys that will be in the right frame of mind. If you have scorecard-watchers, then they'll hate it.
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Ryan Farrow

Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #10 on: August 17, 2011, 09:21:06 AM »
Dan, if you can afford the travel, the golf, and the accommodations at Bandon..... Then the food seems pretty reasonable to me. I thought the food there was great.... Ditto for the Clubhouses in Kohler @ Whistling Straits (sure beat the food in town).... How many high end golf destinations don't have great food? That is the question....
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Tim Pitner

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #11 on: August 17, 2011, 09:43:55 AM »
Andy,

I concur with Messrs. Kelly and Simper re: playing as much as you can and spending the vast majority of your time at the resort.  The food is perfectly fine, in my opinion.  I like the Bandon Trails restaurant for lighter fare.  I recommend at least one outing into town (it has a certain, slightly worn charm), but there aren't any can't miss experiences there. 

We did have a good time 4-wheeling on the beach one night, but it wasn't without risk (namely from the huge logs that wash ashore).  Sheep Ranch is a blast, if it's open.  We played it immediately upon arrival in the afternoon as a tune-up.  It would also work as an emergency round later in the day, but people may be too tired then to appreciate it.

My first time there we stayed at a hotel in town because the lodging then at the resort was extremely limited.  I wouldn't do that again because of the greens fees and the proximity. 
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Bill_McBride

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #12 on: August 17, 2011, 09:53:17 AM »
Outstanding clam chowder in that blue building down by the harbor mentioned above. 

Other than that, there ain't a lot to do in the town. 
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Andy Ryall

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #13 on: August 17, 2011, 10:31:25 AM »
My understanding is that the Sheep Ranch should still be closed as September is at the tail end of the summer dry season.   Does anyone have a differing opinion.   Half of us arrive at 1:30 in North Bend and its going to be a tight fit with tee times at 2:50/3:00 to finish on PD before sundown at 7:20.   

Thanks for the input.
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Jud_T

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #14 on: August 17, 2011, 10:55:04 AM »
Just got back from my second trip there.  I've never left the resort and don't feel the need to do so.  Play till you drop, get up and do it again.  Squeeze in a massage somewhere...and the food's better than I recalled.
« Last Edit: August 17, 2011, 12:03:32 PM by Jud Tigerman »
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Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

Michael Dugger

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #15 on: August 17, 2011, 12:01:47 PM »
As a native Oregonian, and overall lucky golfer insofar as Bandon Dunes is 4 hrs from my door, I've been to the Resort 6-7 times now.

I've done the trip a number of different ways.

1. Cheap dumpy motel
2. Yurts at Bullards Beach
3. Rental house
4. Chrome Lake/Lily Pond

If I was coming from out of town, and money was not a huge object, I cannot imagine staying anywhere except the resort.

You have to experience asking for a wake up call and hearing David Mclay Kidd's voice on the other end of the phone at 6 AM.

You have to familiarize yourself with the breakfast offerings and wait staff at the main lodge.  You need to get a chicken wrap at the turn.  

You have to ride on the resort shuttle and get a load of the locals.

You have to spend a night down at the bunker bar and observe the loud, drunk poker players.

You have to spend as much time as possible pounding balls on the excellent range, and maybe slip in a round at the 9 hole loop of par 3 holes.

You need to spend some time post round tossing back a beer at each of the clubhouses.  I personally like Bandon Trails the best.  Great view and you get to watch everyone come through the 18th.

You have to experience returning back to your room, feet sore and face wind burnt.  If it was a rainy day there is nothing quite like laying all your gear out in front of the fireplace to get it ready for the next day.

The actual town of Bandon isn't much to behold.  Making a trip to Bandon golf supply could be in order; load up on some more golf balls.  You may want to stock up on beers for your room fridge at the grocery store.  The restaurants are okay, for variety it can make driving into town a worthwhile endeavor.

But the bluff where the resort resides is by far the most majestic place in the area.
« Last Edit: August 17, 2011, 12:05:03 PM by Michael Dugger »
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What does it matter if the poor player can putt all the way from tee to green, provided that he has to zigzag so frequently that he takes six or seven putts to reach it?     --Alistair Mackenzie--

Alex Miller

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #16 on: August 17, 2011, 12:08:14 PM »
The resort is staffed with really excellent people.
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Kalen Braley

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #17 on: August 17, 2011, 01:52:31 PM »
Its always seemed to me that Bandon is just screaming out for a good Sports Bar for the boys to hang out after a day on the links....

Sounds like this doesn't really exist in the area....
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Michael Dugger

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #18 on: August 17, 2011, 01:58:44 PM »
Quote from: Kalen Braley on August 17, 2011, 01:52:31 PM
Its always seemed to me that Bandon is just screaming out for a good Sports Bar for the boys to hang out after a day on the links....

Sounds like this doesn't really exist in the area....

Dude, while it would probably be difficult to staff "quality" talent, a nudie club would just rake in $$$
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What does it matter if the poor player can putt all the way from tee to green, provided that he has to zigzag so frequently that he takes six or seven putts to reach it?     --Alistair Mackenzie--

Kalen Braley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #19 on: August 17, 2011, 02:05:34 PM »
Quote from: Michael Dugger on August 17, 2011, 01:58:44 PM
Quote from: Kalen Braley on August 17, 2011, 01:52:31 PM
Its always seemed to me that Bandon is just screaming out for a good Sports Bar for the boys to hang out after a day on the links....

Sounds like this doesn't really exist in the area....

Dude, while it would probably be difficult to staff "quality" talent, a nudie club would just rake in $$$

Why not just do the trifecta.

Sports Bar/gambling house/nudie club....all under one roof!!  ;D
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Ross Waldorf

Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #20 on: August 17, 2011, 02:58:19 PM »
Have a good time, Andy. I'd second Ted's suggestion if you want to have food in town -- Alloro is quite good. Personally I find the food to be generally fine at the resort, and not (ridiculously) overpriced. Mediocre seems a bit harsh to me, unless you're looking for a Michelin star. But I thought it was nice to get off the property and have a meal in town  -- Alloro is a wine bar, so they also have some decent choices on that front.

Hope the weather treats you well. Cheers,
R
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Will Lozier

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #21 on: August 17, 2011, 03:01:36 PM »
Andy,

The food on property is excellent, despite some of our peers saying otherwise - try the scotch eggs!  Make sure you get the boys down to the Bunker Bar at least one night...but don't go too crazy on the single malts.  In town, Wild Rose was my wife and I's favorite during our 5 months of working at BD - owned by a sweet young couple who turn out excellent, excellent food that is very reasonable.  

I highly recommend playing Shorty's (if open) one evening with 4-5 clubs.  This is the 9-hole par-3 that makes up the south end of the driving range.  The best par-3 on earth until the new 13-hole course opens up on the property.  When I had Mr. Marvin French's (founder of Pumpkin Ridge) bag, I took he and one of his buddy's out for just an hour or so to play a couple of holes back and forth and it was a real hoot - they said it was one of the most pleasant parts of their trip.  

As for beer, ANY Portland brew is likely to be VERY tasty.  Come to think of it, anything from Oregon itself is guaranteed to be delicious!
« Last Edit: August 17, 2011, 03:10:54 PM by Will Lozier »
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Carl Johnson

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #22 on: August 17, 2011, 08:38:29 PM »
Has anyone anything to say about "Old Bandon Golf Links"?  http://www.oldbandongolflinks.com/  Never been there, know nothing about it, but it's supposed to be golf and it's nearby.
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Dan Herrmann

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #23 on: August 17, 2011, 08:48:18 PM »
Carl,
I stayed at the hotel next to the Old Bandon Golf Links.  Looked to be a lot of fun - quirky, short, local, fun.   I wouldn't go out of my way, but if you have a couple hours, it's worth it.

I agree that the food at the resort is good, it's just that we liked getting out of "the bubble" and heading into Bandon or even up to Florence.   Last time we were there in '05, we played  36, 18, and 36.  The day we played 18, we headed down to Gold Beach for Jerry's Jet Boats - a fantastic trip up the Rogue River.  We saw seals, bear, elk, river otters, bald eagles, and had a great time. 

But those fish and chips right off the boat at the "blue building" are tough to beat!
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William_G

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Re: The Essence of the Bandon Experience
« Reply #24 on: August 17, 2011, 09:17:25 PM »
I've been to Bandon a few times, LOL...

the "blue building" is the Bandon Fish Market, 541.347.4282...recently expanded and remodeled... we always go there for fish, chips and chowder...great

Alloro Wine Bar is the best Italian restaurant in Oregon, love it.. Leanne is the Maitre de and her husband is the chef... ALWAYS excellent...541.347.1850... call ahead for large groups

At the resort you should check out the Labryinth, a marble structure built as a tribute to Howard McKee.

Food at the resort is decent, the meatloaf, the pot stickers, the wedge, the burgers, the calamari...

The beach in Bandon is also filled with craggy rocks etc... very picturesque, great sunsets

++++++1 on the gentleman's club $$$$$, LOL

thanks

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It's all about the golf!
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