RCD vs Bandon

[Ivan Lipko]

Hello, dear sirs!
For the pure golfing experience which of the places would you choose? RCD seems to be ranked higher in different TOP100 ratings but is it playable at all for those who hit it shorter - looks like an extremely long course indeed?
Also, a question to those who have played at both places - how would you compare the grasses/turfs?

Thanks a lot in advance.

[Carl Johnson]

Ivan - I can't compare RCD with Bandon (never been there), but as for me, a short hitter, RCD was not playable in my one round last year.  I would not return.  For me, the overall length was not a problem.  The course doesn't play as long as the card suggests.  However, the carries off the tees to get your drive into the fairway were the problem for me.  Our caddie told me that he did not consider the course playable for the club's older members (or, for the average woman, if that's a concern), and that several PGA Tour pros who'd played the course recently played one up from the championship tees.  We had a scratch player (index 0.4 to be exact), a fairly long hitter and very experienced competitive player, in our group who the club permitted to play from the championship tees.  He found out that he should have played up at the next tee.

[Jud_T]

Bandon is much more enjoyable for the higher handicap player IMO....

[Ivan Lipko]

Thanks! From your point of view if someone hits around 240 yards with the driver is it enough to play the course comfortably from the middle tees?

[Jud_T]

Yes,

Particularly if you also hit it straight...

[David_Tepper]

In addition to long carries (150 to 200 yards) off the tees, I recall there being a number of blind tee shots at Royal County Down. I played there over 25 years ago. Even though I did not break 90, I was very pleased that I got thru the whole round without losing a ball. 

[Ivan Lipko]

200 is ok. So back to the GCA - which of the two is more interesting as a  golf experience?

[Tom_Doak]

Ivan:

They are all terrific courses.

I think it's true that each of the four courses in Bandon is more forgiving to the average golfer, in part because Mr. Keiser keeps cutting the gorse back, where County Down keep most of theirs intact.  But it's just as true around the greens as on the tee shots, that the courses in Bandon give you more options on how to play your shots, whereas at County Down it can sometimes be very hard to get your ball to stay on the green at all, if you've really missed it in the wrong place.

I suppose that would make most people conclude that County Down is the better [or "more challenging"] course for really good players.  But all four courses in Bandon are plenty challenging for good players; they just aren't going to make him shoot 90 on a bad day.

[John Crowley]

Ivan,
They all are "must plays". RCD and Old MacDonald are both fabulous in different ways. OMD is wide with great springy rolling turf, RCD is narrow with more lush turf among some of the best dunes land in the world. OMD allows for a huge variety of strategic  options. RCD demands that you place your shot in a relatively narrow window. The achievement of a good score at RCD is more rewarding but a good score at OMD was probably more fun. Do not pass any opportunity to play either.

[Ivan Lipko]

Thanks a lot, gentlemen! A lot of very interesting information.

[Scott Stearns]

I loved Bandon, and i think for the high handicap player its easier--i.e. less likely to lose balls etc.

But if i were choosing between the two i'd go back to RCD in a second.  

Make your decision on cost, other things you want to do, time, etc.  if its just golf, you should go see RCD.  

Is like saying "should i see the national art gallery in Washington or go see Versailles?"

[Ivan Lipko]

One more question regarding the differences in the turf. Does RCD have that springy links style turf that provides the famous roll and bounce?

[Carl Nichols]

One more question regarding the differences in the turf. Does RCD have that springy links style turf that provides the famous roll and bounce?

Ivan:
The turf at RCD was second only to Portmarnock on a trip that included both Portrush courses, Portstewart, Castlerock, Royal Dublin, The European Club, County Louth, and The Island.  I played our second round at RCD in a downpour and it was still rolling and bouncing. 

[Ivan Lipko]

Thanks, i was asking because John Crowley used the word "lush" speaking of RCD's turf  which i though meant "on the softer side".

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

They could not be more different golf experiences. Both are incredible places to go and play. And both should be in your golfing life. Again I do not know how to fairly compare them. They have very little in common other than greatness. RCD is one of the best on earth period. You can lose yourself in the golf experience during the round or rounds. But few people play there for more than a day or two. it may change your life.  Bandon is a place you can stay for a week or more. The longer you stay the more like;y you are to have a life changing experience there. Pac Dunes is not that far behind. The rest of the Bandon collection are all good to great courses.

[Jud_T]

Ivan,

I think it depends entirely on what you're looking for, your budget, and what type of game you have.  As mentioned, you can't really go wrong either way...My guess is the better players would choose RCD and the rest of us Bandon, but that's a generalization...

[Bill_McBride]

They could not be more different golf experiences. Both are incredible places to go and play. And both should be in your golfing life. Again I do not know how to fairly compare them. They have very little in common other than greatness. RCD is one of the best on earth period. You can lose yourself in the golf experience during the round or rounds. But few people play there for more than a day or two. it may change your life.  Bandon is a place you can stay for a week or more. The longer you stay the more like;y you are to have a life changing experience there. Pac Dunes is not that far behind. The rest of the Bandon collection are all good to great courses.

I haven't played Royal County Down (that's a story for another day  ), but I did see the 2007 Walker Cup for four rounds over two days.  It's a truly great match play course, but I'd really hate to have o post a medal score!   The college kids for both sides played really well, it was a joy to watch.   

The Bandon courses are friendlier but still very challenging.    And, with apologies to my Irish friends, the food at Bandon is better!

[Ivan Lipko]

Actually, both places are on my bucket list along with a few others. As far as travel costs, they are not really a concern since i have to travel a long wat anyway. -))

[jeffwarne]

Actually, both places are on my bucket list along with a few others. As far as travel costs, they are not really a concern since i have to travel a long wat anyway. -))

It seems to me that you're comparing 4 world class courses in one self contained complex(Disneyland for male golfers) to one course in a location which affords multiple other world class courses within a 1-2 hours drive.(Dublin, and all its choices and Portrush area and all its' choices)

Bandon vs.simply RCD would seem like a no brainer in favor of Bandon (4 great courses vs. one) but why on earth would you go to RCD and limit yourself to one course?

But RCD and surrounding area and courses would seem to be a far more varied experience with at least as many world class courses within 2 hours drive and a multitude of gems in the area.

If it's a week or more go to RCD and surrounds, if 3-5 days go to Bandon, although I for one prefer a pub scene somewhat light on middle aged guys in logoed wind vests

[Ivan Lipko]

Alright, thanks again for your answers. Will "resurrect" this thread with my own view after playing at both places.

[Jim Tang]

Ivan -

Playing golf through the dunes at RCD was a spellbinding experience.  I imagine there are very few places like it on earth.  The course is incredibly demanding, especially off the tee.  The turf is fantastic.  It is my all-time favorite course.

Bandon is special and much more user friendly, with wide fairways.  The coastal scenery is wonderful and the turf is as good as anywhere.

Both places are experiences every golfer should have in their lifetime.  As Tiger mentions, both places have the potential to alter your golfing life.

[Anthony Gray]

  Brandon is the best golf in the world. I quit after nine holes at RCD.

  Anthony

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

Anthony, You quit after nine?? did you have a heart attack? Did the martians attack the tenth tee? Was a monsoon 2 hours in with 6 to go and you did not have a rainsuit on a 50 degree day.?

[John Crowley]

Ivan,
I am getting back in late to say that I used "lush" more to describe the color than the firmness of the turf. Both my visits there were in September and in wet conditions.
For years RCD was my favorite course until I discovered Royal Dornoch and now that I have discovered Old MacDonald I have three favorites - all world class. RDGC comes first for me among equals.
Cheers,
John

[Sean_A]

Ivan

If you hit the ball 240 and play the daily tees RCD shouldn't be a problem in terms of length.  If, however, you are a high capper, it may be a frustrating day.  The one high capper I played with still claims RCD was the hardest course he has played and he has played many great courses in rocky weather.  While I hold RCD to be a great course, I don't have particular fondness for the course or a great need to go back.  Even so, folks making trips to Ireland should have it high on their list to see.

Ciao