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GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Tom_Doak on September 11, 2013, 12:57:41 PM

Title: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on September 11, 2013, 12:57:41 PM
I spent 11 hours on Monday on the new putting green at Bandon, working with Ken Nice and Marcus Lakey and the pro shop staff to try and sort out how to set it up day to day and how to run the operation.  It was the perfect antidote to jet lag after flying in from Shanghai the day before, and it was the most fun I've had in a while.

We've cut 31 holes on the green for now, so they can go 3-4 days before changing cups.  [We were going for 30, five each in six different sections of the green, but we missed putting a cup in one hole originally so we wound up with the same number as the Gourmet's Choice -- serendipity in action!]  They will move the holes from one day to the next, and alternate between clockwise and counter-clockwise routings from two different starting points, so it will be a different experience every day of your trip.  

We may add a few more holes after the results of our play-testing on Monday, because it took ten rounds of the course by a bunch of professionals and assistant pros, before anyone made an ace!  [At least I made the first one, finally.]  Most of the putts will be set up between 15 feet and 50, but I'm thinking we need to include a few more on the short end of the scale to give people a chance.   The green is still on the slow side, probably around 7 on the Stimpmeter, but we expect it to speed up a bit as it gets more mowings and as the traffic firms it up a bit.  It is still plenty of fun at this speed.

The total square footage of the green turned out to be right around 100,000 square feet.  I still haven't measured the elevation change from top to bottom, but I will put it conservatively at 15 feet.

I look forward to hearing feedback from people as they play it.  I wish I could just retire out there and set it up every day.  Enjoy!
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Mike Schott on September 11, 2013, 01:29:49 PM
Thanks Tom. Can you post any pictures? I'd love to see what this looks like.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Ryan Kelly on September 11, 2013, 01:41:46 PM
Haven't been to Bandon in a couple years, but I have a trip planned for next summer with my Dad and 2 teenage sons.  Tom, or anyone else, where is The Punchbowl located?  Sounds like a ton of fun.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Eric Smith on September 11, 2013, 01:47:45 PM
Very cool, indeed.

Here is a (rather large) panorama from the Bandon Dunes website:

(http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Punchbowl_Panorama1_07.09.13.jpg)

Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Jim Franklin on September 11, 2013, 02:01:04 PM
That green looks like a ton of fun to play. 31 holes? Love it.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Howard Riefs on September 11, 2013, 02:07:50 PM
Previous related thread:
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php?topic=54944.0 (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php?topic=54944.0)

and GolfChannel.com article:
http://www.golfchannel.com/news/travel-insider/bandon-dunes-resort-putting-course-construction/# (http://www.golfchannel.com/news/travel-insider/bandon-dunes-resort-putting-course-construction/#)
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Jon Wiggett on September 11, 2013, 03:07:59 PM
Looks really good. Bet it takes a while to mow though especially with a hand mower.

Jon
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Pete_Pittock on September 11, 2013, 03:46:20 PM
Just needs a couple of stadium light standards.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: John Handley on September 11, 2013, 03:51:35 PM
Looks great. I am at Bandon Sept. 21-23 and will be sure to check it out before I head up to Pumpkin Ridge for a couple of days.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: David Davis on September 11, 2013, 03:58:08 PM
Looks awesome, I was just out there last year and can't even visualize what was there in that space. That's 1st tee of Pacific right? Somehow I thought that clubhouse was closer to the tee, at least in my clearly failing memory.

All that needs is floodlights indeed, good call Pete. Then I'd suggest an indoor outdoor bar so that after we play 36 holes and have dinner we can head out for an evening round at the punchbowl with a few adult beverages. How would you fit in 34 holes on that gigantic putting green otherwise.

Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Will MacEwen on September 11, 2013, 04:52:29 PM
Just needs a couple of stadium light standards.

... and a bar.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Terry Lavin on September 11, 2013, 04:59:11 PM
Just needs a couple of stadium light standards.

... and a bar.

Now, this is a man that I understand!
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Mike Nuzzo on September 11, 2013, 06:54:47 PM
Wow

Tom,
How much did you plan vs. create?

Cheers

P.S.
Were you able to putt from one end to the other?
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on September 11, 2013, 08:41:26 PM
Wow

Tom,
How much did you plan vs. create?

Cheers

P.S.
Were you able to putt from one end to the other?

Mike,

We just went and built it, like a green.   Certainly we visualized many different areas as hole locations, and had some ideas we intended to find a home for, but there was no intended routing, it is very free form.

Have not considered trying to putt the full length of it.  Downhill, maybe, once it gets up to speed.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on September 11, 2013, 08:43:00 PM
That green looks like a ton of fun to play. 31 holes? Love it.

It will only use 18 holes on any given day
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Matt Albanese on September 11, 2013, 09:21:54 PM
It was exciting watching them work on this when I was there in April. I guess I'll have to go back!
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: JC Urbina on September 11, 2013, 11:27:29 PM
The Punchbowl was a lot of fun, creating the landform without a single drawing just a simple concept.  I started on one side, Tom on the other.

The hardest part was doing the final float of the putting surface.  Marcus Lakey helped me, the surface was to big to do it with one sand pro.

I have thank the Pacific Dunes maintenance crew, they worked on the project while still taking care of Pac Dunes.

I laid out a few routings with the help of Ken Nice for Mike to preview this past spring.  I will be curious what routing people will embrace the most.  I prefer the routings that work in a counter clockwise  rotation.

Grant will be working the magic putter.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Peter Pallotta on September 11, 2013, 11:39:22 PM
I've never had the pleasure of playing one of Tom's courses, but if this is indicative of the greens he and JC build, I don't think I could make a putt if my life depended on it. And I mean, ever i.e. I'd never make even a single putt, I would never be able to hole out!!  :)

I love it when places (like Bandon) evolve over time, with new elements added as the need and the ideas arise, sort of like those great old British houses that have a side room added here and a back room (years later) added there and a library added after two or three  generations have lived there and accumulated enough books etc. Then a place becomes a living thing.

Peter
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Chris Mavros on September 12, 2013, 01:07:31 AM
Yet another reason why I need to get out to Bandon for an extended amount of time.  Soon.  Putting courses are too few and far between in my opinion and this looks like a great one. 
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Mark Chaplin on September 12, 2013, 01:17:32 AM
Tom how quick do you think it can reasonably get and be good fun to play, 9-10?
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on September 12, 2013, 01:46:57 AM
Tom how quick do you think it can reasonably get and be good fun to play, 9-10?

It will be a blast at 9.  At 10 I think some of the most fun hole locations, such as the violcano in the upper middle section, will become too difficult to use, though you could certainly still do a fun setup.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on September 12, 2013, 01:52:48 AM
I've never had the pleasure of playing one of Tom's courses, but if this is indicative of the greens he and JC build, I don't think I could make a putt if my life depended on it. And I mean, ever i.e. I'd never make even a single putt, I would never be able to hole out!!  :)

I love it when places (like Bandon) evolve over time, with new elements added as the need and the ideas arise, sort of like those great old British houses that have a side room added here and a back room (years later) added there and a library added after two or three  generations have lived there and accumulated enough books etc. Then a place becomes a living thing.

Peter

Peter,

This green is wilder than anything we have ever built (although the 13th at Barnbougle is close).  It was fun to build something wild again after a few years on the tamer side.  

I had the pleasure of taking my wife to St Andrews this summer, and we played the Himalayas green there.  The Punchbowl is not as severe as that one but it does have the same spirit.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on September 12, 2013, 01:58:42 AM

I laid out a few routings with the help of Ken Nice for Mike to preview this past spring.  I will be curious what routing people will embrace the most.  I prefer the routings that work in a counter clockwise  rotation.


Jim, I'm hoping they do not dumb it down to a few approved routings.  There is so much variety to it that it would be a shame to simplify it too much.

I actually thought the upper section was more interesting counterclockwise and the lower section clockwise, which is cool because you can't really do both at the same time.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Thomas Dai on September 12, 2013, 06:10:57 AM
That's a terrific panorama photo posted by Eric.

I reckon this is a great facility. Well done to all those who came up with the idea and also to those who then made it happen. BTW, given it's size, wouldn't a mobile beverage cart be more appropriate than just a bar?

There used to be many very large, although not quite monster-large like this amazing one, putting greens in public parks all over the UK. I imagine other countries had them too. Cheap and good fun they were. You'd see Grannie & Grandpa and Mum & Dad and Uncles and Aunts and loads of kids playing on them and having fun. Alas, such facilities seem to be largely no more. A great shame.

Decent putting greens, in fact decent short game practice facilities in general, are too often missing at Clubs. I wish more Clubs had an area similar to this one at Bandon, even one just a fraction of the size would be nice.  

All the best.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Adam Clayman on September 12, 2013, 06:44:11 AM
Peter, Any stadium lighting would be too intrusive on the whole complex. Either some innovative low key alternative, or, blacklight, might work.  All those colored balls are fluorescent, anyway. If they want to try, I know where to get the only outdoor blacklight long throw fixtures.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on September 12, 2013, 12:31:14 PM
We have discussed lighting at length but are holding off on it for now.  My fear is that it would be so popular that they would completely wear out the grass on it.  Of course, some at the resort would see that as a good thing, but they should be careful what they wish for!
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Chris DeToro on September 12, 2013, 12:50:46 PM
I'll be out there in November--can't wait to see it!!
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Howard Riefs on September 12, 2013, 12:54:08 PM
The Bandon website features a Q&A with Tom and more:

http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/blog/punchbowl-opening-2014 (http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/blog/punchbowl-opening-2014)

Perhaps they should update the opening date...
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Pete_Pittock on September 12, 2013, 01:13:21 PM
I'll be there tomorrow, using the King's Putter.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on September 12, 2013, 01:13:43 PM

Perhaps they should update the opening date...

I should have been more clear.  The official opening date is May 1, 2014.  Tomorrow is the beginning of preview play, which will run until the end of October.  They are doing this to get a feel for how many people will play it and how to deal with operating the facility.  The green will be closed this winter.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Eric Smith on September 16, 2013, 12:57:17 PM
Bunch of pics here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.700234686657430.1073741830.161078460573058&type=1
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Jon Wiggett on September 16, 2013, 02:01:31 PM
Thanks for the photos Eric. It looks like a lot of fun.

Jon
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Pete_Pittock on September 16, 2013, 05:58:52 PM
Bunch of pics here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.700234686657430.1073741830.161078460573058&type=1

I am in the far right picture on the third line. High 5s after an ace on the 2nd. 
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on September 17, 2013, 05:08:12 PM
Peter,

What did you think of it?
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Pete_Pittock on September 17, 2013, 06:29:45 PM
Peter,

What did you think of it?
Tom,
I had to go to Bandon so I could justify spending $500 at Fiddler's Green for a carry bag, shoes and rangefinder, which all crapped out the weekend before at Sagebrush.  

The routing we played started with two half pipes, a turn south for two holes part the miniforest, then the strong uphiller.
Sensory overload on picking lines, none of which were obviously the best. The choices was really greenspeed dependent. There were a couple of drink stands by the hole arrows, so I played the arrows the first 18 and the other one for the second cicuit, which was much more brutal.

If the stimp was 7.5 on opening day I'd suggest topping it off at 8.5 because the misreads, mishits, etc become brutal after that. The hardest part of management of he Punchbowl will be walking the fine line between fun and competition.

If they ever have any opening ceremony at a tournament, this is the venue. It would have been a rocking good time to watch the Curtis Cup sides on it. I would put it at least equal to the Himilayas. Wipes out  Sagebrush's Badlands. World Woods is a notch below.

I think it will be a smash hit at the resort. Everybody was having fun, the green concierge, Ray from Texarcana, is as big a plus as Shoe. A dedicated drink cart :D a tray carrying bartender ;D ;D ;D. I'd just outlaw chewing tobacco and sunflower seeds or add the nesessary spitoons.

Depending on when it opens each day (9/13 was at 2 p.m) Punchbowl is a better warmup for your courses tha the large green in the practice area. I'd use that for BD and BT.Only saw one ace, which was on the second hole in the 100 minutes I was putting, using the King's Putter.

About time for a best practice putting green rating by one of the magazines.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Jud_T on September 17, 2013, 07:29:51 PM
In the larger scheme of things, this might be the most exciting course opening this year.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Pete_Pittock on September 17, 2013, 07:46:56 PM
It was worth a four hour drive from Portland, even with no other golf.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: William_G on September 17, 2013, 08:08:17 PM
It was worth a four hour drive from Portland, even with no other golf.

nice, that says it all!
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on September 17, 2013, 11:33:32 PM
In the larger scheme of things, this might be the most exciting course opening this year.

Well, I think there is more variety to the new course at Dismal River, where I also just spent three happy days.  I just wish it got half as much exposure as the Punchbowl will.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Jud_T on September 18, 2013, 11:20:19 AM
Tom,

No disrespect for Dismal Dos intended, I'm psyched to see the course myself.  I meant that in terms of where the game is headed with regards to cost, time, fun for all abilities, environmental impact, getting women, children and aging arthritic boomers more involved etc. that the Punchbowl was very exciting in terms of potential influence.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Rees Milikin on September 18, 2013, 11:30:16 AM
This looks like so much fun and really wish there were more of these.  I would love to see one at Streamsong, but I am not going to get my hopes up.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Garland Bayley on September 18, 2013, 05:39:34 PM
Pete,

In my computer, a carry bag crapping out at Sagebrush does not compute. Are you on some new extreme fitness thing?
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Eric Smith on September 30, 2013, 12:19:58 PM
Nice pic via Bandon Dunes Facebook..https://www.facebook.com/BandonDunesGolf

(https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1374315_707945152553050_1027857356_n.jpg)
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on September 30, 2013, 04:09:40 PM
Eric:

That's a great photo in terms of setting the scale of the place and the amount of contour, even though it only shows about 60% of the green.  [It cuts out the bottom of the bowl around the pine trees to the left, and the whole NW section of the green as well.]

I don't think it's possible to capture the whole thing in one photo.  Having more people on it would help.  Other than Pete Pittock, I still haven't heard from anyone who's played on it in the soft opening.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Jerry Lemons on September 30, 2013, 05:04:02 PM
Tom, I played all the courses including the par 3 and punchbowl on the 17th. The putting course was great fun and our entire group of 40 enjoyed it. Quite a Variety of holes and terrain to lay out a putting course. My non archie buddies enjoyd the bar and quick time around. Well done.

Jerry
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Max Sternberg on October 05, 2013, 07:24:05 PM
Was out at Bandon first week in August and walked around the Punchbowl (outside the edges of course!). Already looked spectacular and it was well shy of being grown in.

Putting courses in general should be a real priority for efforts at growing the game. I myself grew up playing regularly on vacation at a great little track called Pops in PB Gardens (now a Walmart/Target/K Mart/something). Was able to have fun and experience success even at the age of 2 and have been addicted ever since.

We need more large putting greens/courses like Punchbowl, Big Putt, and others to attract new players to the game.

But besides that, they are just flat out fun. There is nothing better than finishing up 36 and then settling ties in the virtual darkness over a putting match. Unfortunately, too many facilities today dont give you the opportunity to have that experience.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Joe Hancock on October 05, 2013, 09:10:11 PM
I don't know how The Punchbowl fits into Bandon's economic model, but I really wonder how it would fit anywhere. Besides the cost of construction( I'm sure it's on native soils at Bandon, but what about non-sandy sites?), how does a facility go about recuperating the initial invest as well as the typically high maintenance costs for a very large green? Do people pay by the hour to use such facilities?

Any know how this works at Bandon and elsewhere?

Joe
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on October 05, 2013, 09:34:31 PM
I don't know how The Punchbowl fits into Bandon's economic model, but I really wonder how it would fit anywhere. Besides the cost of construction( I'm sure it's on native soils at Bandon, but what about non-sandy sites?), how does a facility go about recuperating the initial invest as well as the typically high maintenance costs for a very large green? Do people pay by the hour to use such facilities?

Any know how this works at Bandon and elsewhere?

Joe:

In general, you are right about the cost / benefit analysis.  When I built a big putting course green at High Pointe, all the owners could see was how much it would cost to maintain, and they couldn't imagine a way to charge for it, so they downsized it very quickly.

Right now, the plan in Bandon is to let golfers play for free, even though it will cost a significant sum to maintain every year.  I think Mike will get tired of that eventually, although it should increase the food & beverage take at the Pacific Dunes clubhouse substantially.  My guess is that it will get so crowded that they have to charge a small amount [say $5 or $10 a foursome] for a tee time at peak times in the evening hours, so there aren't problems keeping people in line.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Joe Hancock on October 05, 2013, 10:06:11 PM
Thanks, Tom.

In regards to The Punchbowl, did you take any efforts to do any screening or other type of debris removal from the rootzone over the entire area, or did it get a cleanup on top right before seeding, or some combination?

Joe
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on October 05, 2013, 10:15:46 PM
Thanks, Tom.

In regards to The Punchbowl, did you take any efforts to do any screening or other type of debris removal from the rootzone over the entire area, or did it get a cleanup on top right before seeding, or some combination?

Joe

We root-raked the entire area of the green pretty thoroughly at the beginning of shaping, and then cleaned it up again after shaping.  Plus I picked a bunch of roots and sticks out of it during the shaping, when Jim would kick them up with the dozer.  I try to make myself useful out there.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Joe Hancock on October 05, 2013, 10:51:51 PM
Thanks, Tom.

In regards to The Punchbowl, did you take any efforts to do any screening or other type of debris removal from the rootzone over the entire area, or did it get a cleanup on top right before seeding, or some combination?

Joe

We root-raked the entire area of the green pretty thoroughly at the beginning of shaping, and then cleaned it up again after shaping.  Plus I picked a bunch of roots and sticks out of it during the shaping, when Jim would kick them up with the dozer.  I try to make myself useful out there.

Reminiscent of your days w/ Pete?  :)
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: JC Urbina on October 05, 2013, 11:29:33 PM
Joe,

Tom actually made more of a mess then I did,  while he was hogging sand shaping in the south end of the punchbowl a lot of beach grass and sticks rolled up.  After the rough shaping was done the Pacific Dunes crew hand picked the entire site.

While I floated out the final putting contours both Marcus and I would leave the rakes down on the sand pros and they would collect small amounts of grass and sticks.  Over a a three day process we would generate small amounts of debris that would need to be hand raked up.  

It takes a lot of hand work to create the final product before hydro seeding.  I have before during and after photos I will share when I down load them from my camera.

The overall cost to create the punchbowl was surprisingly  low.  I am not sure every golf course can afford one of immense size but while creating the punchbowl I often thought this would be a surprising cost effective way to introduce people to a big part of the game of golf, putting.

If we could build a few putting courses in high public traffic areas like parks, think of the people that would be introduced to golf with just a ball and putter.  A very cost effective way introduce golf to the masses.  
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: William_G on October 06, 2013, 12:07:49 AM

If we could build a few putting courses in high public traffic areas like parks, think of the people that would be introduced to golf with just a ball and putter.  A very cost effective way introduce golf to the masses.  

no doubt this would be a fantastic especially if they were located at golf courses

easy progression from the putting course to the real course
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Paul Gray on October 06, 2013, 02:50:56 AM
Joe,

The overall cost to create the punchbowl was surprisingly  low.  I am not sure every golf course can afford one of immense size but while creating the punchbowl I often thought this would be a surprising cost effective way to introduce people to a big part of the game of golf, putting.

If we could build a few putting courses in high public traffic areas like parks, think of the people that would be introduced to golf with just a ball and putter.  A very cost effective way introduce golf to the masses.  

Jim,

It's a lovely idea. There was a time in Britain when local councils funded a few of these in local parks. I remember playing on one in my local park as the tiny boy. It was a slight step up from putting into the yoghurt pots my Mum had planted in the garden for me! Sadly, it's long gone.

Of course, costs need not be excessive at all. At Bandon you've created the A1 product and it looks wonderful but kids don't need perfectly true surfaces to discover that hitting a ball into a cup can be immense fun.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Thomas Dai on October 06, 2013, 08:03:12 AM
Joe,
The overall cost to create the punchbowl was surprisingly  low.  I am not sure every golf course can afford one of immense size but while creating the punchbowl I often thought this would be a surprising cost effective way to introduce people to a big part of the game of golf, putting.
If we could build a few putting courses in high public traffic areas like parks, think of the people that would be introduced to golf with just a ball and putter.  A very cost effective way introduce golf to the masses.  
Jim,
It's a lovely idea. There was a time in Britain when local councils funded a few of these in local parks. I remember playing on one in my local park as the tiny boy. It was a slight step up from putting into the yoghurt pots my Mum had planted in the garden for me! Sadly, it's long gone.
Of course, costs need not be excessive at all. At Bandon you've created the A1 product and it looks wonderful but kids don't need perfectly true surfaces to discover that hitting a ball into a cup can be immense fun.

IMO this is a great way 'to grow the game'. Big, big putting greens and pitch-n-putt courses accessible to all. As Paul correctly says, there used to be this kind of facility in local parks and many, many folk initially got into golf through using them. Big, big putting greens and pitch-n'putt courses at more private clubs wouldn't go amiss either. Wish my club, and others too, had a 'Punchbowl' or a 'Himalayas' or one even part of there size.

All the best
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Howard Riefs on November 08, 2013, 06:23:03 PM
“You will find every kind of putt that you can imagine out there,” Doak has said, “and probably a few that you’ve never dreamed of.”

http://www.registerguard.com/rg/sports/outdoors/30677921-80/putting-course-dunes-punchbowl-bandon.html.csp (http://www.registerguard.com/rg/sports/outdoors/30677921-80/putting-course-dunes-punchbowl-bandon.html.csp)
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Sean_A on November 11, 2013, 07:27:49 AM
I don't know how The Punchbowl fits into Bandon's economic model, but I really wonder how it would fit anywhere. Besides the cost of construction( I'm sure it's on native soils at Bandon, but what about non-sandy sites?), how does a facility go about recuperating the initial invest as well as the typically high maintenance costs for a very large green? Do people pay by the hour to use such facilities?

Any know how this works at Bandon and elsewhere?

Joe:

In general, you are right about the cost / benefit analysis.  When I built a big putting course green at High Pointe, all the owners could see was how much it would cost to maintain, and they couldn't imagine a way to charge for it, so they downsized it very quickly.

Right now, the plan in Bandon is to let golfers play for free, even though it will cost a significant sum to maintain every year.  I think Mike will get tired of that eventually, although it should increase the food & beverage take at the Pacific Dunes clubhouse substantially.  My guess is that it will get so crowded that they have to charge a small amount [say $5 or $10 a foursome] for a tee time at peak times in the evening hours, so there aren't problems keeping people in line.

Any thought given to a charity donation for using the green?  I assume Keiser seriously supports at least one charity.  I can see the charity changing each year and golfers who are already charged a ton for the golf anyway, aren't going to scoff at an upfront extra $10 donation when they book.  When they receive their confirmation the green fee ticket could be issued like the other courses.  Sure, you will get some people cheat the system, but by and large I think it would work.  You could even incorprate a free drink with a charitable donation - make it $12 or something.  That way tickets are collected by concessions personel.  

Ciao
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Norbert P on April 23, 2014, 02:57:09 PM
 A bump up cuz I'm curious about how this is doing.  I'll be heading out there in June and am looking forward to seeing and playing this creation.  There's something about a putting course that hits me as pure golf.  I think it's the absolutely absolute idea of the ground game being unavoidable, (no stymie jumps).  Playing Thistle Dhu (Axeland/Cobb) at Pinehurst is a comical treat.  Not to be missed or there'll be a lifetime of regret.  I played with some fine putting competitors and results were as varied as one could ever imagine.  (We were completely sober, I'm sure.)

  One question about "Punchbowl" . . .

What are green speeds at nowadays?  Is that number consistent with the main courses?

  I was going to post this image of it directly but it is a H U G E one so here's the link.

   http://moegolf.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/punchbowl2.jpg    (Be sure to click on image to see full details.)

Tom, that area near the golf cart with the golfers (middle back),  is that in reverence to Sitwell Park?
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: William_G on April 23, 2014, 03:20:35 PM
Norbert the "Grand Opening" is Tuesday May 20th 2014

drink holders at each tee and hole

putting inside out is being encouraged for speed of play

green speeds are TBD, but with all the slopes, will likely be 9ish

the Punchbowl was closed from November until May this year
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Howard Riefs on May 21, 2014, 11:04:00 AM
Officially opened on Tuesday. No cost. No tee times. Few easy putts.

http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/golf/golf-courses/punchbowl (http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/golf/golf-courses/punchbowl)

http://www.golfadvisor.com/articles/punchbowl-putting-course-bandon-dunes-resort-oregon-14526.htm (http://www.golfadvisor.com/articles/punchbowl-putting-course-bandon-dunes-resort-oregon-14526.htm)
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom_Doak on May 21, 2014, 12:08:29 PM
Sadly, I was not there for the opening, as I was traveling between China and France on the appointed day.  Going back to Bandon from New Zealand (and before China) was not in the cards.

It's too bad I wasn't there as perhaps Matt Ginella would have been less likely to minimize my role in the project.  Not really happy to see that.  I did spend three days on a bulldozer there, on one of my three trips to Bandon last year.

Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom Allen on May 21, 2014, 12:10:00 PM
I just returned from Bandon yesterday morning.  The Punchbowl officially opened yesterday (after we flew out Monday morning), but they were allowing resort guests to play during the soft opening, so we took the opportunity to do so.  Very glad we did.  As others have noted, it is a blast.  Less pressure, relaxed, challenging (to say the least), and most importantly, fun.  We had the clockwise rotation, and I can say nothing but good things about it.

We should have made time to play it more than once, but cramming in 36-40 a day made it a little tough.  We will allow more time to play it next time.

I too thought lights would be fun; I can see the Punchbowl being the night life around that place after dinner.  With that, Shorty's, and the Preserve, the resort is not missing anything (other than an ATM and a keg at the first tee of the Punchbowl).  Just kidding, of course.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom Ferrell on May 21, 2014, 12:42:03 PM
The Punchbowl is AWESOME.  I was there last week.  Scheduled an 8:00 dinner at Pacific Dunes (the dinner service at the restaurant is great).  Met the guys at 7:00 for putting.  Most fun I've had with a golf club in a long, long time.  The laughter and smack-talking drew several folks down from the patio to try it themselves.  DO NOT MISS THE PUNCHBOWL when you next travel to Bandon.  We had "crazy lines" contests - often you can access a given hole from multiple directions.  We had a skins game.  We played stymies.  Truly a fantastic time.

Congratulations to Jim, Tom and all at Bandon who conceived and executed this wonderful addition.

And I couldn't agree more with Jim's comments about using putting courses to introduce people to golf.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Bill Shotzbarger on May 21, 2014, 05:35:17 PM
This looks really cool. My putting course experience is limited to mini golf.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Michael Moore on May 21, 2014, 08:35:51 PM
How many drinks can the drinkholders contain? Are they considering installing them at the par-three course as well?
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Pete_Pittock on May 22, 2014, 12:01:17 AM
Officially opened on Tuesday. No cost. No tee times. Few easy putts.

http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/golf/golf-courses/punchbowl (http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/golf/golf-courses/punchbowl)

http://www.golfadvisor.com/articles/punchbowl-putting-course-bandon-dunes-resort-oregon-14526.htm (http://www.golfadvisor.com/articles/punchbowl-putting-course-bandon-dunes-resort-oregon-14526.htm)

great fisheye lens picture on Howard's first link.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Tom Allen on May 22, 2014, 09:50:17 AM
To drinks per holder if I recall correctly.
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Scott Weersing on May 22, 2014, 02:26:34 PM

Here is an article about the grand opening ceremony:

http://theworldlink.com/news/local/punchbowl-makes-its-lively-debut/article_f53d805e-e1d1-11e3-9a9f-001a4bcf887a.html

"Keiser found that out first-hand. His first trip around the putting course Tuesday was in a best-ball match, teamed with KemperSports President Josh Lesnik against Bandon Dunes General Manager Hank Hickox and Director of Golf Jeff Simonds. The friendly match became more serious as Keiser and Lesnik tried to overcome a deficit."

Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: JLahrman on June 03, 2014, 01:48:53 PM
Just came upon this video from the official opening day at the Punchbowl.

I love how even the putting course has its own logo and gear.

Looks like a lot of fun, and looks like a lot of people were out there.

There are some panorama shots that show how massive the green really is.

http://vimeo.com/96683309
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Howard Riefs on December 10, 2015, 10:46:00 AM
Wall Street Journal is bullish on putting courses ala Punchbowl.


http://www.wsj.com/articles/can-grown-up-putting-courses-fix-the-crisis-facing-golf-1449589768 (http://www.wsj.com/articles/can-grown-up-putting-courses-fix-the-crisis-facing-golf-1449589768)
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: Kalen Braley on December 10, 2015, 12:18:10 PM
Here's a Google shot to see where it fits in.  The 1st tee and 18th green of PD are on the top and upper right hand corner of the pic.

(http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/kbjames_70/PB.jpg)
Title: Re: The Punchbowl - opens Friday the 13th of September
Post by: JLahrman on December 10, 2015, 12:22:12 PM
That is the 7th green at PD at the 12 o'clock position. I bladed one out of a greenside bunker onto the Punchbowl during my last visit.

The Punchbowl is a ton of fun. You can play the course or make up your own holes. There are several places where you can use ramps to get your ball airborne. I encourage trying silly putts and goofy angles. It can help you approach your putts on the courses with a more open mind.