Gachnar's Blog

If you aren't a golfer, or an Oregonian, you've probably never heard of Bandon Dunes. But if you are, you probably know it's the most talked about resort in golf these days.

I'm not usually one to get caught up in media hype. I generally don't trust movie reviews, and I certainly don't buy into whatever the fitness craze of the day is. (I have remained a loyal fan of carbs throughout the atkins fad). But in this case, I have to agree with the golf media, there is just something special about Bandon.

Even living only a few hours away, I've only had the opportunity to go down and play there twice. The first time was a 3 day trip with a couple out of town golf buddies, where we played 4 rounds over 3 days in weather than ranged from torrential downpour to sunny and warm. Then just a few weeks ago I was able to spend a couple days playing there with my brother, who was visiting from out of town. (My mother also came along, but she only played at Bandon Crossings, a nearby course worth checking out if you are in the area.)

Every time I set foot on that property, it's like all the cares of the world just float away. There are not many places in the world where I truly relax, but Bandon Dunes is one of them.

The courses are all great, but it's more than that, it's the attitude, the setting, and the simplicity. Their slogan is "Golf as it was meant to be" and I couldn't agree more. It's a testimony to the place that as soon as I leave, I start planning how to get back over

Here's a shot of me sizing up a tee shot at Pacific Dunes with the gorse in bloom and the ocean off in the distance.