We found our breakfast spot for the week on our first morning at the resort. The ‘Gallery Restaurant’ in the lodge is 5 minutes from home and has a great buffet.
The gods smiled on us. After dropping off our clubs in the morning, we were greeted by none other than ‘Shoe’, Bob Gaspar, originally a volunteer with a background in cranberry harvesting & a former teamster who became Bandon’s first caddy-master (1999). A great guy who’s business card lists his title as ‘Director of Outside Happiness’. For whatever reason we were designated on his booking sheet as the ‘Richard Smith’ group from ‘Lake Geneva, Florida’. Made for some fun banter.
Later, as we waited for our lunch table, Mike Keiser (!), the MAN (!) strode by with a large group from Chicago. Our Mike approached MK and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the game to which Mr. Keiser said thanks, then asked if he should carry a rain jacket for his upcoming round. From what all say, a true to form response from a regular guy.
Pairings for the day were Bill & Dick vs. Rick & Mike.
Our first 18 was at the course which put Bandon on the map – Bandon Dunes. We had an early time of 7:10 (not a big deal as we were still biologically tuned to Eastern Time). Bandon Dunes opened in ’99. The course was David Kidd’s first significant design and launched a fantastic career including designs at the St. Andrew’s Castle course, Machrihanish Duns, and Tetherow. It’s gorgeous, perched on bluffs over the Pacific. Incredible views. Incredible wind. Oh yea – bunkers too
On check-in, we were introduced to an Interesting resort feature – each of the courses has ‘waterproof scorecards’. Hmmm. Sign of things to come.
We were also introduced to our ‘group caddy’ (forecaddie in other climes). No golf carts here – we’ve rented ‘trolleys’ instead of hiring individual caddies. Ethan was a young, college student working at the resort as a caddy for his 8th year. He paired with us for the week. Thankfully, he possessed a good sense of humor (much appreciated) and was a good ball-hawk (also appreciated).
The Bandon Dunes game was 4 ball, match.
> Team Rick & Mike scored game points. The dots game ended in a tie with no points awarded.
> Mike – low net (73)
> Group totals – 13 bunkers, 1 lost ball
> Best shot – Bill’s tee shot into a fierce wind on a 153-yard par 3 landing 5 ft from pin, birdie result.
A tradition at Bandon Dunes is to drive a ball into the Pacific on 16. Both Rick & Dick made the water (our caddy, Ethan, was quick to remind us that the tide was in).
Overall, a fun round with great views of the ocean, obligatory rain & gorse, and lively greens.
Our second round for the day was at the Bandon Preserve course. The Preserve is a 13-hole, par-3 course which opened in 2012. Designed by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, the Preserve is a blast – each of the holes works through the Bandon dunes and has views of the Pacific. Every hole is great – absolutely a must-do.
The Preserve game was closest/longest
> Team Rick & Mike scored game points. No dots for this round
Dinner @ Pacific grill in lodge. Good stuff.
