#36 - Bandon Dunes - Stop! Hammer Time
As we approached our final round at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, we took some time to reflect on our 2 day stint at arguably the best golf destination in the world. The resort truly has it all, a short par three course, the punchbowl putting course, 5 distinctly unique, world-class golf courses, and unbelievable accommodations. I would be hard pressed to find any golf destination in the world that checks as many boxes as Bandon Dunes.
After a grueling 72 holes in a little over 24 hours, we stood at the tee box at Bandon Dunes, David McLay Kidd’s architectural gem. This was the first course built on the resort and is certainly one of the most memorable. Bandon Dunes was one of Kidd’s first and quickly emerged as the most successful project of his young career. When he looked at the property, it reminded him very much of Scotland’s west coast. He knew with the proper resources, which financial backer and resort owner Mike Keiser made clear would never be an issue, he could create something truly unique. A golf course that would put the Oregon Coast on the map as the premier golf destination.
As we stepped to the tee for the last round at the resort, we swelled with excitement, joy, exhaustion, and the sense of wonder that comes with being in a majestic natural setting. Yet it was bittersweet knowing it may be years before we return to this unmatched collection of golf courses. The first hole is a fair start to the round, rewarding those who play smart and safe. The approach to the slightly elevated green doesn’t pose much danger. Our group cruised through the first with Adam and Mo C. carding a par, Joe and Taylor started with a bogey. The next hole is a spectacular par three featuring an elevated tee box and green. Adam secured his first greenie of the day, while I found trouble early missing the green finding my ball buried in the fescue. After what seemed to be ages, I emerged from the fescue to card a double, Joe and Mo had bogeys. The 3rd hole is a straightforward par 5 that runs down to the ocean. The walk to the coast is magnificent as the true beauty of Bandon Dunes begins to reveal itself. The following hole brings us to the ocean with a par 4 that requires target golf. The green is beautifully nestled next to the cliffs and is the beginning of a 2 hole stretch along the Oregon coast
It is almost difficult to focus on golf as you admire the scenery around you. We were fortunate (or unfortunate depending on how you think golf is meant to be played) to have a calm day on the course and were able to truly capture the magic that was Bandon Dunes. The 5th hole par 4 is another gem of a hole. It requires pin-point accuracy and for some safer to play as a three-shot hole. I finally righted the ship and got the round back under control with a miraculous par. Joe who was as locked in as ever eased to a par, Adam had a bogey, Mo struggled to a double. The 6th hole par 3 is another breathtaking hole that runs down the cliffs. I followed up my previous par with my first greenie of the round and a two putt par, the rest of the group bogied the hole. After the par three the course shifts to inland heading back to the clubhouse. The front 9 at Bandon Dunes is an incredible warmup to arguably one of the most beautiful back 9’s on the planet.
As we stepped on to the back 9 we got a notification that a very special package was delivered to the resort. Throughout the trip we had been playing a game called Hammer. The game is played in teams of two. At the beginning of each hole, the wager starts at $1 (or any agreed starting value). As each shot unfolds, whichever team has the advantage hammers the other team. This doubles the value of the hole. The opposing team could accept the hammer, raising the stake to $2 or decline conceding the hole. As each team gains advantage the hammer can be passed back and forth. Doubling the stakes with each passing of the torch, or in our case a plastic hammer that we patiently awaited delivery. That delivery came on the 10th green at Bandon Dunes. I quickly called customer service and asked if they could kindly drive the package out to our group. They didn’t blink twice thinking it was something essential to the round, what they didn’t realize was they were chauffeuring a toy hammer that squeaked on contact. Unessential to most, vitally important to us. Once our prized possession was delivered the game skyrocketed to a whole new level. Instead of verbally declaring hammer, we now could launch this toy at each other signifying our desire to up the ante. Sadly the hammer lasted 3 holes before its first injury. In an effort to defend myself, I chipped part of the hammer when it came rocketing in my direction. Nothing a bit of packaging tape couldn’t sort out, however the days of the flying hammer would have to be postponed till the end of the round.
The back 9 at Bandon Dunes is truly a remarkable walk. It really has it all, challenging short par 4’s, long grueling par 5’s, ocean framed par 3’s, tee shots over cliffs, and drivable par 4’s. The back 9 winds inland as it makes its way back to the coast. You are challenged with long carries, blind shots, and slick greens as you make your way to my favorite hole on the property.
Conveniently nestled on the walk to the 16th hole is the halfway house (you pass this at 3 points during the round). We re-upped our transfusions and headed to one of the most incredible tee shots on the planet. The 16th features a tiered fairway that requires you to drive the ball over the cliffs and ocean. A well aimed shot can result in driving the green, a smart play is to play out to the left and leave 50-100 yards as your approach. Joe was lights out all day, so it was no surprise he took on the heavily guarded green. Surrounded by bunkers on one side, and the cliffs/pacific ocean on the other driving this green is truly a feat. He hit the drive of the day threading the needle and settling in a greenside bunker. Joe eased his way to an up and down for birdie, I put a wedge in tight also carded my first birdie of the round, Adam settled for a bogey. The 17th and 18th take you back to the clubhouse with gorse lined fairways.
The back 9 at Bandon was the perfect way to end our marathon of golf. Joe finished with a 75, Adam an 85, Mo an 87 and I shot a 91. 90 holes in under 48 hours took its toll. Our legs were sore, feet blistered, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. There is truly no place I would rather be then the golf paradise that is Bandon Dunes.