“Right here on the fringe of the continent, Mike knew that his search was over: he’d discovered a website that matched his capability for surprise.” – Plaque on the 14th Tee field of Bandon Trails
Welcome to the most recent sequence right here at MyGolfSpy: Fairways & Getaways. On this sequence, we’ll share among the coolest golf experiences across the globe for these of us who won’t ever tee it up in a professional occasion. Whether or not you’ve heard of it or not, pack your journey again and discover that passport, we’re occurring an journey.
For people who stay or have ventured out to the Pacific Northwest, there’s one message that rings clear.
”You must go to Bandon”.
What makes Bandon Dunes particular isn’t only one factor. It’s the gathering of individuals, location, programs and recollections held inside its one in all a form shoreline. And whereas it might not have been the primary to host a “solstice” occasion, it’d arguably be one of the best. Admit it, the place else are you able to play 4 programs, at a premier golf resort in the USA, all ranked inside the top-16 of the Golf Digest Greatest Programs?
Oh, and that’s not even together with their TWO brief programs: The Protect and Shorty’s.
The Solstice, because it has turn into recognized, was began in 2011 and proves to be some of the rewarding (albeit difficult) occasions in informal golf. Annually one-hundred fortunate golfers make the pilgrimage to Bandon, Oregon to partake in an occasion so distinctive that sports activities stars Deron Williams, JR Smith, and Roger Clemens have even taken half. Golfers stroll 4 programs in at some point, whole over 26.2 miles in steps, and make one reminiscence that they may discuss for the remainder of their lives. I do know as a result of I did it in 2019.
In his “Adventures in Golf” YouTube sequence, Erik Anders Lang (Founding father of Random Golf Membership) documented his personal Solstice journey and ignited the curiosity and mystique of this coveted occasion to those that could not have been launched to it. Seeing this journey on Youtube despatched me down a rabbit gap of questions which in the end resulted in me calling the resort and asking for sign-up particulars.
Whereas particulars on the way to sign-up have diverse over time (listing, calling, Google Type, lottery) Bandon Dunes has not misplaced the magic that makes the occasion so particular. Signal-ups usually go stay on the finish of October/early November and the listing is finalized by December. And in case you’re one of many fortunate few to be chosen, buckle up for a tremendous trip.
The place to start
The journey begins along with your determination on flight. Saving a couple of dollars and flying into Eugene is 100% the transfer. Two hours of towering pines and winding creeks give method a major drop in temperature and overwhelming sand dunes. Logging camps and riverside lumber mills add to the aura encompass the journey as you make your method south down the shoreline. Ultimately, the resort signal exposes its places and the playground reveals itself. Welcome to Bandon Dunes.
Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a welcome placing competitors on the Punchbowl with tee items, new faces, and tales of earlier years. Interacting with previous and present individuals, you’ll imagine everybody was long-lost buddies who’ve lastly reconnected over time. Friendliness CANNOT be overstated, you’re now a part of a gaggle as soon as claimed to be extra unique than getting tickets to the Masters.
Understanding full and nicely what’s in retailer the next morning, seize an early dinner (eat at Pacific Dunes and luxuriate in a night beverage at their PunchBowl hearth pits) then straight to mattress. Bear in mind, it’s fairly actually a marathon (not a dash) and relaxation is of the utmost significance. Breakfast the next morning and a fast shuttle trip to the vary/tee field follows go well with and then you definately’re off.
And right here, we, go!
Tempo in spherical one is essential. Relying on elements this would be the best and most pleasing rounds of the day earlier than wind (and possibly rain) rain in your golf parade.
Shuttles seamlessly transition you from course to course, caddies present jovial small discuss between pictures of tales that might rival FDR’s hearth chats. Soak of their information of the programs, tales of earlier rounds, historical past of the land, and native wildlife. Earlier than it, you’ll be strolling down the 18th fairway in your method to a crisp $100 greenback invoice and a very lifelong reminiscence.
My grouping was lucky sufficient to play the Pacific – Trails – Previous Mac – Dunes rotation which meant sundown views on the course that began all of it. Holes 16-18 had been among the greatest I’ve ever had the pleasure to expertise in my total life. Watching the solar set with the Pacific Ocean within the background is well one in all my top-five golf recollections. The day, coupled with good buddies, very good climate (we had been very fortunate), and a very high notch golf resort made it arguably one of the best golf journey I’ve (and ever will take).
After the chaos dies and the mud settles, a dinner is ready in McKee’s pub. Overlooking the primary tee of the resort’s authentic course, individuals swap tales, share recollections, and joke about their rounds. You’ll see acquainted faces from the day earlier than and meet new ones who’re all part of this particular brotherhood.
Wanting again, I might do that occasion once more in a heartbeat. Strolling 72 holes is just not for the faint of coronary heart. There are methods and ideas that can assist you’ve gotten one of the best time of your life. Suggestions and methods are plentiful and willingly shared to all those that ask. Nevertheless, that subsequent morning, boy nothing can put together your physique for the way you are feeling because the resort a scene out of the Strolling Useless.
My solely remorse was that I couldn’t keep longer.
The publish Fairways & Getaways: Half I – Bandon Solstice appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
