Our 1st tee time of the day is 10:30 at Pacific Dunes with the 2nd round scheduled for 4:00 at Bandon Trails. The morning starts off great with blue skies and little wind.
Pairings for the day: Bill & Rick vs. Dick & Mike
Pacific Dunes was the 2nd course developed at Bandon and opened in 2001. Designed by Tom Doak (Barnbougle Dunes, Renaissance Club, Streamsong Blue, among others) the course is ranked #2 in the US behind Pebble Beach. It’s hard to focus on the golf given the spectacular scenery – massive dunes, Pacific coastline, & rolling fairways.
Alas, what started as a gorgeous morning went quickly downhill after the turn. Storm clouds & lightning caught up with us by the 12th hole (furthest from the clubhouse, by the way). Horns sounded to suspend play and we headed to the clubhouse in rain for safety. We almost made it to shelter when we saw a group continuing play and decided to head back to #12. Almost there, then horns again. Logged a few extra miles!
The Pacific Dunes clubhouse was packed. We watched what was a pretty violent lightning show and enjoyed a few beers while waiting out the storm. After an hour and a half play resumed. Sadly, we finished too late for our round at Bandon Trails.
The Pacific Dunes game was Stableford, Side.
> Team Bill & Rick scored game points. Bill took dots (again).
> Bill & Rick tied for low net (82)
> Group totals – 9 bunkers, 5 lost ball
> Best shot – Dick’s shot on #13. Probably not the ‘best’ shot, but for sure the most interesting. How to describe? Ball stuck on a vertical slope, 1-1/2 vertical feet above ground, in gorse, beneath a sod lip. Left-handed putter swing to escape. Sheesh.
A nice dinner at McKees Pub wrapped up an entertaining day.
