“Right here on the fringe of the continent, Mike knew that his search was over: he’d discovered a web site that matched his capability for surprise.” – Plaque on the 14th Tee field of Bandon Trails
Welcome to the latest collection right here at MyGolfSpy: Fairways & Getaways. On this collection, 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 happening an journey.
For those who dwell or have ventured out to the Pacific Northwest, there’s one message that rings clear.
”You need to 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 every of a sort shoreline. And whereas it could not have been the primary to host a “solstice” occasion, it’d arguably be the very best. Admit it, the place else are you able to play 4 programs, at a premier golf resort in america, all ranked inside the top-16 of the Golf Digest Greatest Programs?
Oh, and that’s not even together with their TWO quick programs: The Protect and Shorty’s.
The Solstice, because it has grow to be identified, was began in 2011 and proves to be one of the rewarding (albeit difficult) occasions in informal golf. Every year 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 in the future, complete over 26.2 miles in steps, and make one reminiscence that they are going to 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 collection, 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 led to me calling the resort and asking for sign-up particulars.
Whereas particulars on easy methods to sign-up have various through the years (listing, calling, Google Type, lottery) Bandon Dunes has not misplaced the magic that makes the occasion so particular. Signal-ups usually go dwell on the finish of October/early November and the listing is finalized by December. And if you happen to’re one of many fortunate few to be chosen, buckle up for an incredible journey.
The place to start
The journey begins together with your choice on flight. Saving a couple of bucks 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. Finally, 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 members, you’ll consider everybody was long-lost buddies who’ve lastly reconnected through the years. 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.
Realizing full and properly 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. Keep 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 journey to the vary/tee field follows go well with and then you definitely’re off.
And right here, we, go!
Tempo in spherical one is essential. Relying on elements this would be the best and most gratifying rounds of the day earlier than wind (and perhaps rain) rain in your golf parade.
Shuttles seamlessly transition you from course to course, caddies present jovial small speak between photographs of tales that may rival FDR’s hearth chats. Soak of their data of the programs, tales of earlier rounds, historical past of the land, and native wildlife. Earlier than you understand it, you’ll be strolling down the 18th fairway in your solution to a crisp $100 greenback invoice and a really 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 finest I’ve ever had the pleasure to expertise in my whole life. Watching the solar set with the Pacific Ocean within the background is definitely one in every of my top-five golf recollections. The day, coupled with good buddies, very good climate (we had been very fortunate), and a really high notch golf resort made it arguably the very 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, members 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’d do that occasion once more in a heartbeat. Strolling 72 holes is just not for the faint of coronary heart. There are methods and suggestions that may assist you’ve got the very best time of your life. Ideas and methods are plentiful and willingly shared to all those that ask. Nonetheless, that subsequent morning, boy nothing can put together your physique for the way you’re feeling because the resort a scene out of the Strolling Lifeless.
My solely remorse was that I couldn’t keep longer.
The put up Fairways & Getaways: Half I – Bandon Solstice appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
