I was offered a unique opportunity to join friends on a two day pilgrimage to the golf mecca of Bandon Dunes. It was kind of a celebration tour after our recent victories in the SF Golf War. In anticipatory panic, I've been hitting the EssEff municipal circuit hard, playing some wet and shaggy winter golf. The big day arrived on the first day of spring. We played Pacific Dunes on the equinox and played the original 1999 Bandon Dunes course the next day.
For my non-golfing readers - the courses at Bandon Dunes have emerged as a bucket list destination for golf enthusiasts that rivals storied locations like Pebble Beach and the old courses of Scotland.
Located on a remote stretch of the Oregon coast, it seems an unlikely site to build a premium golf destination. There are no major population centers nearby, is difficult to get to by plane, train or automobile and being Oregon, wind and rain is the rule, not the exception. Yet even with the record rains this year, the courses, lodge and practice center continue at capacity most of the time.
The resort reflects the singular vision of the pre-eminent golf course developer in the country world today - Mike Keiser. The story of Bandon Dunes, it's impact on the local community, stunning natural setting, respect for the environment, and architectural roots steeped in golf history represent the very best in golf.
Playing and staying at the Bandon Dunes resort is not cheap, but it is a premium experience accessible to the average golfer, an open friendly ambiance without the private club pretension and elitism that is often associated with the game.
It only confirms Keiser's status as the most important and respected golf course developer in the world when the pretender to the throne feels compelled to tweet insults at Keiser's courses.
Both Aberdeen and Turnberry in Scotland, and the soon to open Doonbeg in Ireland, blow Bandon Dunes away. Bandon is a toy by comparison!
Not sure whatever happened to that loser. I assume he's still developing overpriced courses and trying to outdo Keiser. Perhaps he moved on and aspires to be the greatest golf developer in Russia. He should do well there as his taste closely aligns with Russian oligarch "Dictator Chic" anyway. But I digress.
In the meantime, there is tremendous buzz in the golf world about Keiser's most recent development in central Wisconsin - Sand Valley. I may have to detour my semi-annual trek through Wisconsin from Chicago to the U.P. after the course grand opening this May.
Enough about golf course development... How about some pics from a couple of great days playing golf in a slice of golf heaven?
Rain and showers were in the forecast both days, but no matter. These are Scottish golf style courses, and as the Scots say: "Nae rain, nae wind, nae golf."
That's right. I said over 2 acre practice green.
... and draining a long birdie putt in the rain.
My Pacific Dunes highlight - a birdie on the par 4 1st hole.
Bo wanted an assist for my birdie. I don't know why.
Oregon steelhead, pinot, and a wee dram of Lagavulin for dinner at the Lodge.
Sunshine and Shoe "Director of Outside Happiness" - a Bandon Dunes institution.
Comparing Bo on Monday Pacific Dune and Tuesday Bandon Dune par 3 swings.
I think this is the par 3 6th hole at Bandon Dunes - my only par of the day.
The spectacular vistas can make it hard to concentrate.
We all had plenty of opportunities to practice our sand shots.
Bo and Joel blast their way out of the same trap on 15... eventually.
This was quite a good shot by Bo - fading about 140 yards on to the green.
Joel tees off as his caddy Casey looks on.
The caddy crew - Felipe, I forgot, and Josh.
The caddies started calling Rich "The Machine"
I have a few more pics posted on facebook. It was a great couple of days, one of the best golf experiences of my life. We only got to two courses in two days, but that was plenty for me.
On the flight back we were asked - "If you could only play one for the rest of your life, which would it be - Doak's Pacific Dunes or Kidd's Bandon Dunes?"
I was the outlier. Both courses offer spectacular ocean bluff-top views, dramatic terrain, rolling greens, heaving fairways, and strategic bunkering. The case can be made that Pacific Dunes offers more of all of the above. But my choice was Bandon Dunes. It's a course I feel can play at my level today, without some of the punitive aspects of Pacific Dunes. Yet it's a course that would continue to challenge and delight no matter how much I improve. Which isn't likely to happen anyway, so there's that.
Oh yeah - Pacific Dunes 113 / Bandon Dunes 100.
Thanks Richard, Joel, Bo and Mike for the fantastic experience.
Way to shoot 100 at Bandon Dunes. Nice photo essay.