Golf Club Atlas

GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Doug Wright on February 17, 2003, 09:48:48 AM

Title: Bandon Report
Post by: Doug Wright on February 17, 2003, 09:48:48 AM
Back from an all-too-brief visit to Bandon. Here are a few tidbits:

--This may be old news, but there's a new course planned for completion late 2004. Routing completed. Architects: Coore and Crenshaw. "In the trees, some water."

--Prices are going skyward: $200 for a round this summer.  :( Don't know what the "replay" rate will be ($35 last week).

--Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see anything new at #18 Bandon Dunes. It's still a very poor finishing hole IMO. In fact, I was pretty underwhelmed by all the par 5s at Bandon Dunes.

--The Bandon Dunes greens didn't get any smaller from my last visit a year ago--they're simply huge! I  especially like the "fortress" green at #7 Bandon Dunes, perched on a hill with a Redan-like slope.

--My favourite stretch of holes is #4-9 on Pacific Dunes. An amazing mix of short, medium and long par 4s with a superb par 3 (#5) thrown in.

--Are there any better opening holes than the first two at Pacific Dunes? They get you into the round right away--great greensites and the fairway bunkering on 2 is superb.

--That huge bunker to the left of the short par 4 6th looks just like the lower part of the state of Michigan--was that shaped purposefully? (I tried Naccarato-like to drive into that bunker like I did last year but came up short  >:().

--The fairway bunkers at Bandon Dunes are best avoided--small deep pots. No way to reach a green from any of 'em. It's nice to see some bunkers in the middle of the fairway (eg Bandon Dunes #8, 9 and 10).

-- I still think T. Doak should have extended the green on #13 back another 10-20 yards or so into the neck between the dunes and the ocean--what a pin position that would be!

--I played the lower 9th green/10th tee at Pacific Dunes this time, the upper green/tee last time. I prefer the upper on both holes. I think the second shot to the upper green on #9 and especially the upper tee shot on #10 are more interesting.

--The ground game at Pacific Dunes is a blast, even when it doesn't turn out like you plan...  

--This is a pure golf experience, not to be missed. Great service too (I didn't see "Shoe"--is he still there?).

All The Best,
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Jeff Mingay on February 17, 2003, 10:17:39 AM
Doug,

I can't dispute your info. But I will say, knowing for a fact, there are a few golf architects out there anticipating an opportunity to speak with Mr. Keiser who's 'bubbles have been burst' by your announcement that Coore and Crenshaw are slated to do the third course at Bandon.
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Doug Wright on February 17, 2003, 10:22:50 AM
Jeff,

I believe the source to be reliable. Sorry to burst any bubbles. It was communicated to me as fact, and without hesitancy, so I assumed this was more public than perhaps it is.

Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Slag Bandoon on February 17, 2003, 02:39:32 PM
 Doug, I've been anticipating your report.  Did you play in the glory weather?  We've recently been dumped on pretty good.

  Does the new C&C course come into the viewable flats inland of PD's 14th and 15th as well?

  How's the new pub?

Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: David Kelly on February 17, 2003, 02:50:09 PM
Doug,
Thanks for the report on Bandon.  I am going to be there with some friends for 3nights/4days at the end of July.  

We have booked 6 rounds at Pacific Dunes and 2 rounds at Bandon based on advice from a number of people who have been there.  

I would like to hear the opinion of other people who have been there - should we keep the ratio 6-2 or play 4 rounds on each?

BTW, Our rates as guests are $160 a round with a replay rate of $80.  It is $200 for non guests.  The cheapest double room is $260 a night.
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Doug Wright on February 17, 2003, 03:02:26 PM
Slag,

One day (BD) was perfect (maybe too perfect, or am I warped?  ;)), blue sky and 55, next (PD) was intermittent mist/showers and 50. Pretty darned good conditions, wind not much of a factor either. More rain came in shortly after we left and were driving to PDX.

The course described to me is back in the trees towards 101 somewhere, not near PD I don't think. If you look at the Bandon website under "What's New?" they describe three additional courses, an 18 holer along the shore north of PD, a 9 holer to the east of the existing courses and the 18 hole "Woodland" course. I assume it's the latter that was described to me.    

The pub hard by the first hole of Bandon is very nice, good decor with a solid pub menu and beer selection. No one was in the downstairs area of the lodge building that formerly was packed after dinner. The pub building looks like a prime spot for nervous first tee slicers. In fact I saw two shots hit that way just while I was hanging around the first tee at BD.

The gorse was in bloom (yellow). That stuff is pretty but nasty.

All The Best,
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Craig Van Egmond on February 17, 2003, 03:16:10 PM

Doug,

  If the news about C & C is true, that is excellent news indeed!  I'll have to start making my plans for 2004!

  I wondered if they were going to hit the magic $200 mark this year, it will be interesting to see if they get any less play.

David,

 Since the replay rate only applies when you play the same course on the second round, you probably made the right call on the # of rounds on each course.  I think Bandon is the harder of the two, but Pacific is the most fun to play.

Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: josh lesnik on February 17, 2003, 04:35:17 PM
Great report on Bandon.  Thanks for the continued interest.

Shoe is doing OK.  He had a "minor" heart attack in January.  He had surgery in Eugene and is now at home with his family.  He says he'll be back this summer, and I believe him.  It hit him as he was playing the 9th at Pacific Dunes while walking up the hill to the fairway.

The site for the third course is Southeast of the lodge.  As you drive in on the main entrance road, just before you get to the lily pond cotteges, there is a prarie and a massive dune on your right.  The site is just on the other (east)side of that massive dune.  It is somewhat of a rolling, inner-duneland, wooded site.  Keiser has interviewed several architects (C & C, Smyers etc.) and it should be official sometime this year, I'm sure you GCA'ers will be ahead of the curve anyway.  Nothing is official as of now.  

Thanks again.

Josh
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Tommy_Naccarato on February 17, 2003, 04:52:03 PM
Josh,
Sorry to hear about Shoe. I'll try to give him a call this week. Quite obviously we aren't up to snuff since no one (including myself) had heard of Shoe's absence. Architecturally speaking, he is Bandon Dunes. Lest anyone forget that!

Long Live The Shoe!

Doug, The only thing I can suggest is hit it a little harder next time!:) Pretty fun thrilling though isn't it?!?!

Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Doug Wright on February 17, 2003, 05:41:11 PM
Josh,

Thanks for the update on Shoe--he was conspicuously absent.

Tommy,

I was only a few yards short--damn course was damp and not playing "firm and fast" enough right there! The lob wedge over the corner of that bunker was no bargain though! Like trying to hit it on top of a semitrailer's roof. ;D

All The Best,
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Stan Dodd on February 17, 2003, 06:41:16 PM
Just got in from Bandon... only played Pacific.
Played Sunday a.m. got right out as a walk up single.  Played in mist, light rain, heavy rain, sideways rain, hail, sideways hail, sunshine and wind.  It was glorious!!!!
The shot on 6 from just in front of the two story house bunker is way to hard, the chip from over is no bargain, as was the chip back from the other side... you get the picture.
13 great hole dead downwind bumped a 3/4 PW to 8 feet and didn't hit the hole.  But the chip ran up the hill in front what fun. The holes that I really liked this trip were 7 and 8  Driver, Driver on 7 and Driver, wedge on 8 great green sites. Again FUN.
Wonderful course great area, stayed in the Yurt at Bullards Beach 1 mile from Bandon great on a budget trip.
13
Can't wait to go again.
Cheers
Stan
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: billb on February 17, 2003, 06:53:29 PM
Whitey:
I found those yurts on a trip to Bandon last spring, they are excellent!
Budget trip...I love it...we pay tons of money for a round of golf and sleep in a yurt...got to have those priorities straight!
Bill
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Slag Bandoon on February 18, 2003, 01:01:58 PM
 This thread has gotten me into my PD and BD Yardage Books, and my savings passbook.  I'm a very weak man.   Gorse in bloom!  Is Heather back?  ;)   Salty air!  New pub!  Yurts!  No mud!!

  You've all just made a sale.

Get well soon Shoe!
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: THuckaby2 on February 18, 2003, 01:21:28 PM

Quote
I would like to hear the opinion of other people who have been there - should we keep the ratio 6-2 or play 4 rounds on each?

Put this down as a vote for 4 on each.  PD is a great course, but three times better than BD?  I think not.  If you do 6-2 you're gonna wish you had played more at BD, mark my words.

5 and 3 would be just about perfect, but that makes the cost even higher... Six and 2 just seems very excessive.

As do the prices now.  I am thanking the heavens I went in 2001 before they discovered they ought to charge as much as they do here in CA.

TH
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Tommy_Naccarato on February 18, 2003, 01:33:05 PM
Tom Huckaby, All of these great places you have been to and you come-up with that? Haven't you learned anything?:)

Pacific Dunes 8-0!:) (Architecurally at least.)
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: THuckaby2 on February 18, 2003, 01:43:32 PM
Nope, sorry Tommy - this is one time I don't follow the GCA party line.  I really think BD is one hell of a great golf course and gets short shrift, as they say.  Oh yes, PD is also a fantastic golf course - OBVIOUSLY.  But I just feel no way should anyone do 6-2, and 8-0 would be ludicrous.

I trust you are kidding re that.

To me 5-3 sounds about right, but that makes it very expensive.

Now of course if one is there to walk around, not play, and study "architecture", perhaps it's a different matter.  That ain't my bag though, and I assume David is actually going to play the game.   ;D

TH

Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: ed_getka on February 18, 2003, 03:21:22 PM
David,
  I would split your rounds 4-4 if you haven't been there before, or 5-3 if you don't mind spending a bit more money. Pacific's holes have, generally, more subtlety which will require more rounds to pick up on. Bandon has a little more quirky interest and more crosswind shots and is definitely worth more of a look than 2 rounds out of 8. However, if you've seen Bandon before, 6-2 would be fine.

See you Sat morning! 8)
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: THuckaby2 on February 18, 2003, 03:26:53 PM
Mr. Getka, thank you.  That fleshes out what I was thinking, with quite better specifics.  I'd still say even upon a return visit 6-2 seems excessive, and if I ever win the lottery and go back there I'm gonna do it 50/50, but hey, that's mostly because I want to play 16 at Bandon over and over and over again until I get it right like guys such as Slag, Goodale, etc.   ;)

TH
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: ed_getka on February 18, 2003, 03:35:08 PM
Tom,
 I would play them 50-50 also, except I can't stand #18 and that humpty-dumpty par 5 after the turn at Bandon. Well, actually I can't stand the par5, #18 is just a let down after the rest of the course. I could handle #18 in the middle of the round there, but it doesn't cut it as a finishing hole in my book.
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: THuckaby2 on February 18, 2003, 03:42:50 PM
Hmmmm... I have nothing big against 18 at BD... it's not the greatest hole on the property, but I wouldn't call it a bad hole... it's one hell of a tough drive in the summer wind, and the green is huge and very undulating with some crazy potential pins.  Again it might be personal bias, as I once played that using all driver (all 5 shots) and won a big bet doing so... so bear with me as it will always have a fond spot in my heart.

TH

Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Faith (Mrs Shoe) on February 18, 2003, 03:45:27 PM
;) Hello Josh and Everyone.... Faith from Bandon here...

Thanks for thinking of our "Shoe"! He is doing very well and it's great to have him alive and at home!!

He had a six way by-pass so he is getting more blood to his heart now.... He'll be able to get up that 9th hole hill now without having to stop!!!

Thanks again for all your kind words.... we love him here too....

Faith
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: THuckaby2 on February 18, 2003, 03:47:42 PM
Very good to hear, and thanks for the report, Faith.  I don't profess to know Shoe like some of the others here apparently do, but he was VERY kind to my friends and I when we were there, and it was much appreciated.  Tell him he has lots of fans who want to see him back at it and soon.

TH
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Doug Wright on February 18, 2003, 06:40:57 PM
Tom IV,

I like Bandon Dunes a lot, but sorry I gotta go with 6-2 Pac Dunes. There's just more variety, architectural interest and, most important, FUN on Pacific Dunes. For one thing, you'd then be able to experience all three pin positions at PD, which I'd love to do.  I played 36 there last week and was dying to go again as soon as I finished. Alas, it was almost dark and 260 miles to PDX lay ahead!

David Kelly, hopefully you'll take a knowledgeable caddie the first time around who can point out all the neat things on both courses, like the hillside to the right of #8 green Pac Dunes that conveniently funnels the ball back onto the green around the front right bunker (I did it twice and my playing partner once during our visit there--what a blast!). There are many such delights at Pacific Dunes.

And Faith/Mrs Shoe, thanks for checking in, and we wish you and Shoe

All The Best,
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: JohnV on February 18, 2003, 07:09:18 PM
To those who don't like the par 5s at Bandon, come on.  3 is a wonderful hole at the start of the.  That tee shot will pucker you up a little and if you pull it off, the green is reachable, but with the two nasty bunkers in front it is no bargain.  9 is another good driving hole where the long hitter has to be more precise because of the center bunkers that are at a perfect length and penal enough to take away any chance of getting there in two.  13 is a great natural hole with a great, blind risk/reward second, if you can keep it down the left side and get the right bounces.  18 is a good, but possibly not great hole.  The blind second definitely makes it fun and the green is full of interest.  If I have a knock at Bandon vs Pacific, it is more on the par 3s than the par 5s.  It really needs a good short par 3.

As for playing them, I'd agree that 4-4 is the best for the first time and then the next time, make up your mind which course you like best and play it more.
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: THuckaby2 on February 19, 2003, 07:27:26 AM
Doug - to each his own re the choices.  I just know I had equal amounts of "fun" on each course... OK, I'll grant that PD might be a slightly superior golf course (that's why I said 5-3 would work), but not to the tune of doing this 6-2.  As you can see, I'm not alone in this sentiment... and if you were to ask the people I played with, none of whom frequent this board, the split would be 6-2 (or worse) in the other direction....

I just wanted to point out for David that there are other ways to look at this than what he's heard.

In any case the best conversations at the bars there are always about this exact topic, so this is all very cool.

TH
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Ron Corbin on February 19, 2003, 08:58:36 AM
As an Oregon resident I have had the opportunity to play each course about 10 times (always in the winter).  I would lean towards 50/50 especially the first time.  While I agree with the consensus on this site that PD is the better of the two courses I think BD is closer to being a peer than many do.  The courses have a truly different feel to them and in any group of golfers BD will appeal more to somebody than PD.  That is what makes Bandon such a special place.  Where else can you play two courses of this quality back to back and then sit over a beer and discuss the merits?  The bottom line is that on the first trip I think you have to give them both a chance and then you can decide what to do on your future trips.  That in itself as has been pointed out will make the discussion in the pub very lively.  
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: bakerg (Guest) on February 19, 2003, 09:03:43 AM
For the sake of argument that Coore and Crenshaw get the third course.  Its very possible that they will create a World 100 course, thus giving Bandon the only trifecta in the world.  I am a little bit scared of this due to the fact that I don't want anyone else to find out about this place.  Its only be open since 99 and I am already missing the old days when it was quite this popular.
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Doug Wright on February 19, 2003, 10:04:09 AM
bakerg,

It's likely already too late. The only thing that will keep Bandon remotely sane is its remoteness--until they introduce direct jet service from LAX/SFO or other places into North Bend (or the newly constructed Bandon International Airport  :o ), at which time it'll be just like Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach... :(

And TH, as somebody used to say all the time on this website,
"It's just my opinion, I could be wrong."  ;D

All The Best,
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: ForkaB on February 19, 2003, 10:30:41 AM
I agree with the 50/50 strategy.  Each course is unique (and excellent, of course) and both have their strengths, weaknesses and subtleties that require multiple play to begin to understand.

PS--these $200+ (and climbing) green fee stories make me sad and nostalgic about the earliest threads about Bandon when it was portrayed as some sort of philanthropic venture whereby the owners were going to keep fees low, give something back to the game, yadda, yadda.  Well, they certainly did the latter, but the former?
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: THuckaby2 on February 19, 2003, 10:34:51 AM
No hassles, Doug.  'Tis just my humble opinion also!

Make no mistake about it either - flights from SFO through Portland then on to N. Bend are pretty darn cheap and easy through Alaska Air.  This genie is not going back in the bottle.

TH
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Doug Wright on February 19, 2003, 10:49:53 AM
TH,

That North Bend flight on a puddle jumper is not my cup 'o tea--hence the 4 hour drive from PDX to Bandon.

BTW, on check-in at the resort they now give you this VERY cool screensaver CD with 40 terrific course photos. It's on my computer now and a bit distracting/tends to induce daydreaming etc.  ;) It's FREE, but guess that's why they up the greens fees to cover the higher overhead...

All The Best,
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: THuckaby2 on February 19, 2003, 10:53:49 AM
Doug - again to each his own.  Getting on the puddle-jumper made it possible to leave SJC at 7 and be on the first tee on PD at 2, as opposed to waiting till the next day to play.  For this golf addict that was a no-brainer!

The price increases do have me a bit bummed... they may just have priced themselves out of my doable range.  Oh well, at least I've been there once.

TH
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Raymond (Or.) on February 19, 2003, 11:49:41 AM
I was fortunate enough to play Bandon on it's inaugural and have played it quite a few times since. When Pacific opened I couldn't wait to get there again. We spent two days playing only Pacific and I loved every minute. However on the way home I felt somewhat disappointed I hadn't played Bandon. Since then I make it a point to do both courses equally on each trip. Somehow Pacific made me appreciate Bandon even more. If I could only play one I would choose Pacific but wouldn't be disappointed if they shuffled me over to Bandon.
How great will it be if we also get a C&C course at Bandon. Considering the competition already there I have no doubt they would give this their full attention. I can't think of three better courses at one resort/golf destination. Maybe Pebble- Cypress- Spyglass but since Cypress is unaccessible to the mere mortals it really doesn't count in my book.

God Bless Shoe- hurry back!
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Dan Grossman on February 19, 2003, 02:34:10 PM
I'm not sure if anyone addressed Doug's original question about what they did with #18 at Bandon Dunes.  As far as I could tell when I was there (less than a month ago), they moved the fairway to the left.  I assume this is to keep people out of the trash on the right side of the hole, thus speeding up play.  The 3 pot bunkers that are now on the right side of the fairway between the 1st and 2nd shot on the hole, are all new as well.  You can tell where the old fairway used to be by looking for the sprinkers heads over in the rough on the right side.  The aiming point for the 2nd shot is now the middle to left side of the lodge.  It used to be the right side.

Shoe must have had his heart attack in late January.  I was there over MLK Jr weekend and he was fine.  I am glad that he is recovering appropriately.

DFG
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Wayne Freedman on February 19, 2003, 02:37:11 PM
I had lunch with the G.M. there last summer.

He says they have long term plans for as many as three more courses.

It'll be hard to top what they've already done. When you arrive at the first green of Bandon Dunes, it's as if you're looking at a Tyrannasauris Rex.
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Slag_Bandoon on February 27, 2003, 12:31:26 AM
I just got back tonight from Bandon.  What a great couple of days.  Paired up with three great fellers for 2 rounds on BD and 2 rounds at PD.  One was a first timer there for his 50th birthday.  He was quite enamored with the whole place.  Nice to see.  The other two were there for four days of 36 to 45 hole daily death marches.  Man, they had some golf travel stories to tell.  Great times with great folks.    
  16 on BD has now, effectively,  three fairways. The view is still close to the same from the tees but the upper extension is generous.  A small dune island separates them.
  Took the trail heading into the woodlands.  Some interesting stuff.  
   Stan, the yurts were great!   I got a little too spirited at Mulligans on last evening so stayed one extra night but I just slept in truck.  
   Weather was awesome.  Good night y'all.

Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Jimmy Muratt on February 27, 2003, 06:49:15 AM
Slag,

What condition are the courses in these days?  Did you hear any rumors about the upcoming third course on the property?
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: THuckaby2 on February 27, 2003, 07:41:18 AM

Quote
  16 on BD has now, effectively,  three fairways. The view is still close to the same from the tees but the upper extension is generous.  A small dune island separates them.

Slag - from what I can tell from this description, that would seem to me to "fix" all the issues I had with this hole, which you may recall from our previous discussions... giving some room for the ball to actually stop in a good place on the upper level... Care to elaborate more?  I really do enjoy your take on all this....

TH
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: John Bernhardt on February 27, 2003, 08:36:47 AM
Slag, Please elaborate on 16. I am very curious about it for I felt 16 was the one really bad hole on the course. I would love for you to tell me they have a 2 nd fairway on 17 ro make the hole longer but  create a risk reward aspect to the other bad hole in the summer wind.
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: John Bernhardt on February 27, 2003, 09:01:34 AM
The green fees at Bandon are $160 if you are onsite. $200 if you stay offsite during high season. A 2nd round is $80.00. Therefore if one is wise enough to play BD/BD or PD/PD, it is 120 a round.
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Slag_Bandoon on February 27, 2003, 11:05:43 AM
  Gents,  16 BD was never a bad hole IMO but the change, giving more options, is welcome to those who won't let go of their driver.  Now you can clobber the hell out of your drive with the big stick and, if the ball doesn't go into that island dune rough dividing the upper two fairways, you've got a shot from the short grass.  On my second round I went to the back fairway down left and punched a blind 8 iron about 110 yards to the front of the green.  My first par ever on that hole.  So, there is still the possibility of a blind shot from that new extension but at least we're not searching for a ball.  I didn't pace it but from memory I'd say they've added 50 yards of fairway turf; reducing that the closer to the green.   And, still, the best club may not be the driver just to clear that sand wall because there's still the risk of that little dune island hazard.
   I like 17 BD...very much. The green design is superb and the fairway requires more accuracy than length,(and maybe a little luck around those hooded bunkers in the left distant fairway) I don't see any weakness here.  The views are my favorite on the course overlookingthe crashing ocean and the virgin duneland to the south.  (#3 tees pretty grand also on a sunny morning with the gorse bloomage exploding.)
   18 seems like it's been reduced in rough area and they took out that little "angry man and a niblick" bunker (it even had a shortened rake in it) short right off the tee.  It's not a great hole but it suffers from our own sadness at the end of a round.

Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Slag_Bandoon on February 27, 2003, 11:20:57 AM
Greens fees this past week were $70 and $35 for repeat of same course on same day.  (So,$52.50 per round.) The skies were sunny the whole time although we had a frost delay for about an hour at PD on 2nd day.  No big deal.  Oddly, only 7 people replayed that day.  I couldn't hardly believe it.  In the afternoon we were almost the only people on the course - in 60 degree sunny weather.  It was Heaven.  Wind was light, sometimes dead calm and sometimes moderate, starting from east, inland (never seen that before) then switching to coming from the northeast.    

   No real news to tell further of what's been said about the new course inland south but that that 18 is in the plans and then 27 more holes northeast.  
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: THuckaby2 on February 27, 2003, 11:28:26 AM
Slag - thanks for the elaboration re 16.  Please believe me though, I am most definitely NOT one of those who "can't let go of their driver" - I hit a damn 2iron through the fairway, across the upper level, and into the "stuff" short left of the green in a decent summer wind as the hole was before... my complaint before was that no club that was enough to clear the "cliff" would then stay on the top ledge, not in anywhere where you had a decent 2nd anyway.  And don't even think about trying for lower ledge... that's even smaller, ball wouldn't stay there either.  I guess really long hitters could hit a high 5 iron or something that would stay on the upper ledge, downwind... But for normal hitters like me, it wasn't driver finding nowhere to land.

If they've improved that, and even added more options, then it sounds to me like we now have a winner of a golf hole.

TH

Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: Slag_Bandoon on February 27, 2003, 11:42:53 AM
JimmyVA,  The conditions are ripe for ecstasy.  Hard and fast and the courses are maturing nicely.  The sand wall on 16 is actually getting scrubby; perhaps not as bold as before but gracefully natural. The bunkers on 15 PD look much better this year (although I didn't get in them to really do the Emperor examination).  

  It would be a great warmup for you before you go to Ireland this summer.  
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: John Bernhardt on February 27, 2003, 12:19:17 PM
Slag, I too hit a 5 wood through the fairway and almost to 17 tee. I have hit a 3 wood onto 17 tee. the wind direction is huge on this hole. I hit a 5 or 4 iron to run up to neck of the blind shot area. there was nothing in my bag to hold the upper fairway so hitting at the green makes the most sense and then the people on 17 tee are at risk. Oh And I am not long off the tee by any stretch of the immagination. On 17 I hit a low drawing 3 wood to keep it on the course. The summer wind from the north is real tough on these two holes. I am looking forward to playing the holes again with differnet winds. I got the reverse once and both holes are much more playable
Title: Re: Bandon Report
Post by: THuckaby2 on February 27, 2003, 12:28:49 PM
Well said, JB.  Just as when we discussed this before, I had the same issues you did with this hole.  I've never played it in the winter wind... I can imagine making the top level at all becomes very problematic if it it's too strong.

Do the holes at Bandon have names?  I couldn't remember.  If not, 16 ought to be Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don't.

But it does seem like this has been "fixed"... more area to the left is what would do it.... sounds like that's been provided.

TH