Apologies, I just read the first and last pages. So, this has probably been blurted out many times before.
I’ve been to Bandon three times. Driven the 12 hours (from Idaho) on all three, usually playing golf on the way over or back in Bend. Only once did I go full fare retail on a CGA outing. At that time I think it was the most costly golf that I’d ever played on a per day basis. As I was leaving the resort on a sunny Sunday morning for the long drive home, the only thought in my mind was “when can I get back here?” Yes, the company of CGA golf wackos made it pretty special. But what I had just spent was irrelevant.
Well, I got back a year later with some buds. We played with the guys building The Preserve course. Some of our caddies were also on the crew. Also very special and very fun. Cost almost nothing. I think the caddies were 2X the golf. We stayed off site with the crew.
The other time was just after Pac Dunes was opened and I played with pros. So that was a discounted PGA rate, as well.
I can honestly say that money has no bearing on my love of that place. It was as fabulous at 4,000 bucks as it was at 400. Granted, every time was spent golfing and sharing it with great folks. There can’t be a better place for a buddy trip.
Although come to think of it, the trip to Ireland last October might have topped any to Bandon. The first week was spent traveling in a small, 12 passenger bus of in the company of Supers and standup comics. I spent the next week on my own in Northern Ireland and Donegal. The hospitality was unbelievable throughout on any level you chose.
So, get to Bandon. Take some pals. Same goes for Ireland, Scotland, and, I’m sure, England, though I’ve never gone for the golf there. It’s the real deal at any price.