Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Kyle Henderson on December 05, 2008, 01:11:48 AM
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Pacific Dunes has been discussed and depicted ad nauseam in this forum, but I thought others might like to see a sampling of the images I was able to capture between shots during my maiden Bandon voyage a few weeks ago. Enjoy.
Sister courses can be viewed here:
Bandon Trails
http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,37741.0.html
Bandon Dunes
http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,37759.0.html
1st tee view, light sneaking beneath the clouds before a menacing hail burst.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/3082532629_c62e62a159_b.jpg)
2nd tee view, light breaking through as the hailing clouds pass.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3082533857_486ac73c1d_b.jpg)
3rd tee view. Gorse pile burning at Old MacDonald.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/3082535051_6fb6615f42_b.jpg)
4th hole in reverse.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/3082536507_d162261812_b.jpg)
5th hole in reverse.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/3082537907_af7d080706_b.jpg)
7th hole rear view featuring my progenitor.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/3082540649_2567982bab_b.jpg)
10th hole. What a stunner…
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/3082613439_34382ed419_b.jpg)
11th hole bringing the visual symphony to crescendo.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/3083451034_a049c60e90_b.jpg)
12th hole in reverse. 4th hole on the right. My current desktop photo…
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/3082615597_c927c8746d_b.jpg)
13th tee shot (you can see my ball in flight).
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/3083452560_378e7f56ff_b.jpg)
13th right of landing area. This dune is among the greatest hazards in golf, without a doubt.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/3082617275_a3148e71fd_b.jpg)
13th in reverse.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/3082618411_fa0f57ac33_b.jpg)
14th hole
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3082619659_8bb822c682_b.jpg)
16th approach as sunlight wanes. New clubhouse on the horizon.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/3083458504_7eabb45b02_b.jpg)
17th tee shot. More gorse smoke seen on the left.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/3083470580_778b1d9c12_b.jpg)
17th green surrounded gorse and a breathtaking panoramic view.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/3082635153_3c6f538aa7_b.jpg)
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Great pics Kyle - there is a lot of desktop background potential there - Thanks for sharing.
We have had some pretty decent weather in Oregon the past month or so - a good time to have visited Bandon (bringing the chapeau is always a good idea in late Novy).
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Great pics Kyle - there is a lot of desktop background potential there - Thanks for sharing.
We have had some pretty decent weather in Oregon the past month or so - a good time to have visited Bandon (bringing the chapeau is always a good idea in late Novy).
Yeah. Other than that 5-minute spat of hail and some nighttime showers, we enjoyed very nice weather conditions. Never more than 5mph winds. I felt guilty paying winter rates.
We also lucked into the yearly inventory clearance. $200 windshirt? Try $30... Nice. 8)
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Some really fine photos, Kyle. I'm itching to go back...And don't feel too bad about those prices.
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GREAT pics, Kyle. Hopefully I'll have the same luck on my first trip in a week and a half.
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Kyle,
Awesome Pics!!! Exactly what kind of camera do you have?
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The pictures almost look fake! wow.
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Kyle...Thanks..............DREAM GOLF>>>>>>>>
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Kyle,
Did you play all three courses?
If so, what were your thoughts and how would you break out 10 rounds across BD/PD/BT?
I always figured that on my first trip I would try to do 3 days with 36 in total on each, which will have to become 4 days x 36 when OM opens.
That would be really tough this time of year though unless you got some smashing weather and got off as the first or second group of the day. Looks like you may have been able to do that?
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Did you or your friend take your personal push cart?
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That view up on 17 is one of my favorites in the world.
If you've never been to Bandon, you have no idea how noisy the ocean is. But it's a beautiful noise that recharges the soul. That spot up high on 17 tee is your farewell to the ocean as you turn home on 18. It's a wonderfully melancholy time during any round at PD.
Wonderful pictures, Kyle - Great light that really brings out the genius of the place.
Thanks for sharing!
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Oh man are these awesome pictures! We are headed out in March for what will be something like my 12th trip or so, and I can't hardly wait! ;D
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Kyle,
Awesome Pics!!! Exactly what kind of camera do you have?
It's a little Sony 7 megapixel handicam. It captures some nice ones when the light is right. It also helps when you take 300 pictures. At least a few will usually turn out that way.
I had less luck during a June afternoon at Sand Hills. :-\
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The pictures almost look fake! wow.
I didn't even think about using photoshop this time, after a previous lashings over said transgression... ::) :P
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Kyle - great pics for sure -thanks for posting.
Do you have a closer-up view of the clubhouse? Shot in the dark, I know... but I am one of these oddballs who LIKED how it was the old way. I am reserving judgment on whether what they've done now is an improvement.
Would love to see it....
TH
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Is there a new PD clubhouse?
Anthony
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Is there a new PD clubhouse?
Anthony
Indeed, there is. I obviously have no idea what the old trailer was like, but I thought the new building was a good contrast to the other clubhouses. I'll try to dig up a photo.
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Calling the old place a "trailer" is like calling one's Mom a "woman." Tecnically correct, but doesn't really do justice.
I dug the ole porch, battered wind-screen and all. Sitting out there with a burger and a beer, watching back down 18... that's all I needed in between or after rounds at PD. If one wanted more one shuttled back to the larger BD facility. I kinda liked it that way. But I guess most guests would want more, thus what's there now. I just hope it's not too gaudy. From descriptions it doesn't sound like it will be; sounds like it will fit in fine.
TH
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Calling the old place a "trailer" is like calling one's Mom a "woman." Tecnically correct, but doesn't really do justice.
well-said friend! :)
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I heard that they also got rid of the Big Jim sandwich? If thats true then I will never go back >:(
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Calling the old place a "trailer" is like calling one's Mom a "woman." Tecnically correct, but doesn't really do justice.
I dug the ole porch, battered wind-screen and all. Sitting out there with a burger and a beer, watching back down 18... that's all I needed in between or after rounds at PD. If one wanted more one shuttled back to the larger BD facility. I kinda liked it that way. But I guess most guests would want more, thus what's there now. I just hope it's not too gaudy. From descriptions it doesn't sound like it will be; sounds like it will fit in fine.
TH
I liked the porch a lot too--cool vibe to sit there, having a beer, talking to other people coming off the course or congregating around--but would've preferred a slightly nicer and larger bldg to go with it. I suspect the new one is a lot bigger than that.
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Kyle,
Did you play all three courses?
If so, what were your thoughts and how would you break out 10 rounds across BD/PD/BT?
I always figured that on my first trip I would try to do 3 days with 36 in total on each, which will have to become 4 days x 36 when OM opens.
That would be really tough this time of year though unless you got some smashing weather and got off as the first or second group of the day. Looks like you may have been able to do that?
Rob,
I played PD twice the 1st day.
BT and BD on Day 2.
The 3rd day just BD (my mom was tuckered out, the clearance sale was calling, and I had a twilight tour of Old MacDonald to squeeze in ;)).
Thoughts:
PD is superb. I especially enjoyed the recovery shots around the greens. It wasn't as much of a clear favorite as I was expecting. As a set, par 3s don't get better than these. PD is the only course on property with a strong finishing hole relative to the preceding tests. The course logo features seals circling one another – a better metaphor for my local muni than anything near Bandon.
BT was my favorite driving course. Most holes offer an interesting set of options off the tee, thanks to the massive width and contours. The greens rolled a few feet faster than the other two courses. A nice contrast to its sisters and an aesthetically superior layout (not even Monterey's Del Monte Forest is quite this majestic). Also, like PD, a lot of fun options for greenside recoveries. They had a small shuttle between the 13th green and 14th tee, due to the long, steep walk. 16 is also built on thorny terrain. Still, I like the routing and I’m glad they stuck with it, despite the relatively difficult (for my maternal unit, at any rate) walk it produced. Watch out for deer poop.
BD had plenty of compelling holes. My only major gripe reflects the finish work, which is not as refined as at BT or PD (tough competition). Many areas between holes were bare dirt from recent gorse clearing or brownish, trimmed fescue from previous gorse clearing. Hence, the course had a bit of an manicured, country club look to it in spots, and an under-maintained municipal look in other places. The shaping around some greens (especially 3,4,6,9,12,18) seemed strangely artificial. Still, the 16th is perhaps the best hole on property, thanks in part to Kidd’s remarkably naturalistic diagonal ridge construction and placement. The 5th is a world-class original, even if the natural mounding in the fairways isn’t perfectly placed. 7, 8, 10 and 14 are compelling inland holes. If the 1st, 9th and 18th can be spruced up a bit, this course will be one of the elite.
All of the courses reward drive placement as much as power. Strategic golf at its best.
The lack of housing and carts, quick pace of play, excellent food and service, comfortable lodgings, and golf-centric atmosphere make for the most sublime experience in public golf.
10 round split:
Pacific Dunes: 4
Bandon Trails: 4
Bandon Dunes 2
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Calling the old place a "trailer" is like calling one's Mom a "woman." Tecnically correct, but doesn't really do justice.
I dug the ole porch, battered wind-screen and all. Sitting out there with a burger and a beer, watching back down 18... that's all I needed in between or after rounds at PD. If one wanted more one shuttled back to the larger BD facility. I kinda liked it that way. But I guess most guests would want more, thus what's there now. I just hope it's not too gaudy. From descriptions it doesn't sound like it will be; sounds like it will fit in fine.
TH
The new clubhouse features an outdoor porch with fire place adjacent to the upstairs dining area. I think you'll be pleased. The ocean views are pretty sweet.
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I liked the first clubhouse. Very relaxed.
Anthony
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Kyle:
Cool assessment, works for me for the most part. It is one hell of a place.
You've also done very well explaining the "finish work" comment that others have made about BD before you. I just never really knew what they meant. I get it as you explain it.
I never had that experience there myself, but it's been nearly two years now since I've been there. Maybe that is how it is now.
Good stuff.
As for the new clubhouse, oh hell I have no doubt I will love it if and when I get back up there; I am not that particular. My wonderment remains about the contrast as to what was there compared to what is. That won't matter to many people at all... it's more a curiousity I have.
TH
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Kyle,
You're having quite the 2008. Now that you've played both, how do you feel about Pac Dunes vs. Ballyneal?
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Confirms what I've thought since the first time I walked it, it's my favorite place on earth.
Thanks for the images.
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Kyle,
You're having quite the 2008. Now that you've played both, how do you about Pac Dunes vs. Ballyneal?
I have had a VERY good year. I've been introduced to most of my favorite courses, and golf-induced bankruptcy, in the last 10 months.
It's hard to pick favorites at this level. In terms of overall experience, I can't really say which is better. The ocean setting does play a factor. If the Ballyneal property was placed on top of the Sheep Ranch, it would definitely get the nod.
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You're a fine politician, Kyle.
;D
Did you play the 10 holes at OM?
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You're a fine politician, Kyle.
;D
Did you play the 10 holes at OM?
No. I hurried over after my round at BD to join Jim urbina and Pete Pittock's gang for a stroll down 6,7,8,9, a look from 10th tee, approach on 4 (past hog back) and 5, in that order.
The greens are massive and compelling. I can't wait to try them. :o ;D
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Excellent. Seeing is likely good enough at this point.
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Excellent. Seeing is likely good enough at this point.
For sure. The grass still has a long way to go. I'll wait until I can taste all 18 with F&F turf.
GCA gathering in 2010, anyone? :D
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Kyle, great pics! I've looked at a TON of pictures of Pac Dunes and haven't seen some of the angles that you posted on this thread. I can't believe how good the course looks.
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Kyle,
Thanks for the detailed response. I wonder if DMK will get back to BD if he has some down time next year to make some improvements.
Can't wait to get there - thanks again for the pics - I snagged one of them for my wallpaper.
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Kyle,
Thanks for sharing the photos. The colours are just magnificent.
Looking forward to my first and likely only visit there next year.
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The course logo features seals circling one another – a better metaphor for my local muni than anything near Bandon.
Please explain
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The course logo features seals circling one another – a better metaphor for my local muni than anything near Bandon.
Please explain
Mean joke. I should be ashamed.
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Kyle, great pics! I've looked at a TON of pictures of Pac Dunes and haven't seen some of the angles that you posted on this thread. I can't believe how good the course looks.
Thanks, Jeff. The supers did most of the work. ;)
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Kyle,
Your pictures capture the essence of golf at PD on a site that represents a wonderful meeting of land and sea.
Each time I see pictures such as yours it reminds me that almost anything is possible in golf course architecture when you combine a visionary like Mike Keiser with a talented architect like Tom Doak.
There is something unique about Bandon, something rather simple, yet rather elegant in its presentation and challenge to the golfer.
There seems to be an intimate connection between golf in the UK and golf on the bluffs in Oregon. Despite their geographic and geological differences they appear to be kindred souls.
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Will you people please stop posting pictures like this? I am trying to save virginal trip to Bandon until after Old Mac opens...and these pictures make it so hard to hold out...
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Kyle,
Your pictures capture the essence of golf at PD on a site that represents a wonderful meeting of land and sea.
Each time I see pictures such as yours it reminds me that almost anything is possible in golf course architecture when you combine a visionary like Mike Keiser with a talented architect like Tom Doak.
There is something unique about Bandon, something rather simple, yet rather elegant in its presentation and challenge to the golfer.
There seems to be an intimate connection between golf in the UK and golf on the bluffs in Oregon. Despite their geographic and geological differences they appear to be kindred souls.
Very eloquently put, Mr. Mucci.
Although I think you went a bit overboard, thank you for the overly generous compliment. ;D
I actually thought I lost all of my pictures at one point. Fortunately, my memory card had just worked itself loose and was not completely erased.
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I've posted a similar thread for Bandon Trials.
Follow the link.
http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,37741.msg777989.html#msg777989
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The course logo features seals circling one another – a better metaphor for my local muni than anything near Bandon.
Please explain
Mean joke. I should be ashamed.
Were you referring to men or women?
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The course logo features seals circling one another – a better metaphor for my local muni than anything near Bandon.
Please explain
Mean joke. I should be ashamed.
Were you referring to men or women?
Mostly dudes in search of their banana-sliced Pro V1's.
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Kyle:
You've also done very well explaining the "finish work" comment that others have made about BD before you. I just never really knew what they meant. I get it as you explain it.
TH
Huck,
The grassy areas around the 10th tee in the upper photo (seen below), left of the 7th fairway (second photo), and left of the 9th fairway (bottom photo) are indicative of the overly manicured look I was griping about. If those areas were more sandy with a bit of beach grass here and there, I think it would look much better than the present fescue lawns. Small patchs of intermittent, isolated gorse would also help aesthetically, though I understand why they're trying to totally eradicate that stuff. The same problem exists around other holes (namely 3). The 4th photo shows how a spinkling of beach grass makes a big difference, at least IMHO.
Incidently, on the Old Mac site I noticed a very random sprinkling of beach grass around the course. Reponding to my inquiry, Jim Urbina told me that he instructed the crew to leave the grasses as they removed the gorse growing over and round them. I think it will really help to integrate the playing surfaces with the surrounds. Instant maturity.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/3088651486_50145ac66b_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/3087850789_49fb4acd3c_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3087852455_2ee0fb0e6c_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/3087853975_64c0125f65_b.jpg)
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Firstly, fabulous images, Kyle, as someone who's protographed BD Resort numerous times, you've managed to capture some cool new perspectives of all three courses.
As far as your last post goes, however, I have to disagree.
Beginners and "lesser" players usually fare best at Bandon Dunes for the exact reasons you mention. It's wider, and more forgiving, and more manicured and has less "gunk" lurking about. The greens are still plenty challenging, but the really wayward shot has a chance of being found and played on holes like #7, #8 and #9 to name a few.
I think this makes for a better overall experience. Lord knows golfers will find all they can handle at Pacific Dunes and Bandon Trails, thus I like that Bandon Dunes is a little more "user friendly." Speaking personally, after climbing all the hills at Bandon Trails, and climbing in and out of all the bunkers at Pacific Dunes, I welcome a trek around old Bandon Dunes. My rickshaw is never in jeopardy of tipping over, there are only a couple hill climbs, I find my poorly hit drives, granted they are a million miles from the fairway, but I find 'em!
And besides, by and large it is more labor intensive to "manage" the native as opposed to just driving a mower over said areas. I think Bandon Dunes is greatly underappreciated. I look forward to playing it every bit as much as Pac and Trails.
It's just different from the other two, but still fabulous.....
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Firstly, fabulous images, Kyle, as someone who's protographed BD Resort numerous times, you've managed to capture some cool new perspectives of all three courses.
As far as your last post goes, however, I have to disagree.
Beginners and "lesser" players usually fare best at Bandon Dunes for the exact reasons you mention. It's wider, and more forgiving, and more manicured and has less "gunk" lurking about. The greens are still plenty challenging, but the really wayward shot has a chance of being found and played on holes like #7, #8 and #9 to name a few.
I think this makes for a better overall experience. Lord knows golfers will find all they can handle at Pacific Dunes and Bandon Trails, thus I like that Bandon Dunes is a little more "user friendly." Speaking personally, after climbing all the hills at Bandon Trails, and climbing in and out of all the bunkers at Pacific Dunes, I welcome a trek around old Bandon Dunes. My rickshaw is never in jeopardy of tipping over, there are only a couple hill climbs, I find my poorly hit drives, granted they are a million miles from the fairway, but I find 'em!
And besides, by and large it is more labor intensive to "manage" the native as opposed to just driving a mower over said areas. I think Bandon Dunes is greatly underappreciated. I look forward to playing it every bit as much as Pac and Trails.
It's just different from the other two, but still fabulous.....
I see your point. However, I'm pretty sure you cold find your ball in the "native" area I gave as an eaxample in that 4th picture. The beach grasses would just add a bit of unpredictability to the recovery shot, whihc seems fair given the extremely wide fairways found on nearly every hole at Bandon Dunes. I'm only advocating a different aesthetic. By all means, keep they should keep the course playable.
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Kyle: excellent work once again re the "finish work." I most definitely get it.
Thanks!
TH