WOW!  What a special four days – – playing the game of golf (that we love) with special friends at a magical place.

It is true that the game of golf was born on rugged, wind-swept land where every hole, every hazard, and every shot is defined by nature’s infinite presence – in a land far away.  BUT – decades ago a man named Mike Keiser (founder of Recycled Paper Greeting cards) fell in love with the game of golf after traveling to the birthplace of the game.  He was so inspired that he decided to build a 9-hole golf course on Lake Michigan.  Over the years, he played many of the world’s best courses, most of which were private and became committed to the principle that every golfer should have the opportunity to play great courses.  He then decided to build his vision!  Discovering the ideal property in the sand dunes near Bandon, Oregon, he bought 1,200 acres for $2.5 million and opened Bandon Dunes in 1999 – one of the finest links courses in the nation.  Bandon Dunes is perched 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean with many of its holes running along the bluff overlooking 2.3 miles of sweeping, undisturbed shoreline.  Here – just as at golf’s home – every hole, every hazard, and every shot is defined by nature’s infinite presence!  When the wind howls – look out;-(   This course was the first test of the week – –

A little windblown and cold but Rebecca, Jim, E and G are having a great time on the first of the Bandon Dunes courses – Bandon Dunes (on the signature 6th hole).

Enjoying the views and shelter from the wind while waiting for the green to clear.

OMG!! I have to carry my tee shot how far????

Somehow the views distract one from the challenges at hand (as well as the cold and the wind!) and with great concentration – “You can do it!”

After walking those 18 holes and being buffeted by the wind, we were ready for a drink, some good dinner and an early night;-)  Good thing the plans called for a day of rest between golf days as we all needed it.  However – that doesn’t mean we weren’t doing something golf related.  Off to the 18 hole putting course – The Punch Bowl – for the afternoon’s activities.  The hardest 18 holes of putting you will ever experience – guaranteed!!  One thing that does make it better, however, are the cocktail waiters bringing drinks to make one feel a little better.

The 18 hole PunchBowl putting course had drink holders conveniently located on each hole.

Up and at ’em!  Another day of golf is upon us.  Today we play the last of the four courses added to Bandon Dunes – Old Macdonald.  Of all the incredible tracks around the world Mike Keiser had the opportunity to play, his favorite remains National Golf Links on Long Island.  Designed by Charles Blair MacDonald, the course opened in 1911.  One question burned inside Keiser: What would his favorite golf course architect have done with the pristine land at Bandon Dunes?  So – he asked Tom Doak and Jim Urbina to return and work the sand north of Pacific Dunes (the second course opened in 2001) and design a course in the tradition of C. B. Macdonald’s masterpiece at National Golf Links.  Voila – Old MacDonald opened in 2010. AND – today we were lucky.  All we had to do was enjoy the sights – NO clouds, NO wind and NO cold!!  Just a beautiful day – –

More beautiful beachscapes and almost no wind and on the Old MacDonald course.

Oh yes – on our day off there was some wandering at Face Rock State Park.  More stunning views and lots of fun running in the waves and through the rocks.

Face Rock on the Bandon beach.

Jim squeezing through a tunnel in the rocks. Gary didn’t even try.

Like all good things – this portion of our trip must come to an end, too;-(  But, we have lots of pics to remind us of these four wonderful days of great golf – and, best of all, super memories with super friends.

(We also have lots of clothing with various logos from Bandon Dunes to remind us of the good times.  Rumor has it that the merchandise sales from May to October cover overhead for the year.  Based on the number of bags we left with – I’d say the rumor is true;-)! )

Already planning ‘same time next year’ – E & G resting up after Bonnie Bandon