Fairways & Getaways: Part I – Bandon Solstice

“Here at the edge of the continent, Mike knew that his search was over: he’d found a site that matched his capacity for wonder.” – Plaque on the 14th Tee box of Bandon Trails

Welcome to the newest series here at MyGolfSpy: Fairways & Getaways. In this series, we’ll share some of the coolest golf experiences around the globe for those of us who will never tee it up in a pro event. Whether you’ve heard of it or not, pack your travel back and find that passport, we’re going on an adventure.

For those that live or have ventured out to the Pacific Northwest, there’s one message that rings clear.

”You have to go to Bandon”.

What makes Bandon Dunes special isn’t just one thing. It’s the collection of people, location, courses and memories held within its one of a kind coastline. And while it may not have been the first to host a “solstice” event, it might arguably be the best. Admit it, where else can you play four courses, at a premier golf resort in the United States, all ranked within the top-16 of the Golf Digest Best Courses?

Oh, and that’s not even including their TWO short courses: The Preserve and Shorty’s.

The Solstice, as it has become known, was started in 2011 and proves to be one of the most rewarding (albeit challenging) events in casual golf. Each year one-hundred lucky golfers make the pilgrimage to Bandon, Oregon to partake in an event so unique that sports stars Deron Williams, JR Smith, and Roger Clemens have even taken part. Golfers walk four courses in one day, total over 26.2 miles in steps, and make one memory that they will talk about for the rest of their lives. I know because I did it in 2019.

In his “Adventures in Golf” YouTube series, Erik Anders Lang (Founder of Random Golf Club) documented his own Solstice journey and ignited the interest and mystique of this coveted event to those who may not have been introduced to it. Seeing this adventure on Youtube sent me down a rabbit hole of questions which ultimately ended in me calling the resort and asking for sign-up details.

While details on how to sign-up have varied over the years (list, calling, Google Form, lottery) Bandon Dunes has not lost the magic that makes the event so special. Sign-ups normally go live at the end of October/early November and the list is finalized by December. And if you’re one of the lucky few to be selected, buckle up for an amazing ride.

Where to begin

The trip begins with your decision on flight. Saving a few bucks and flying into Eugene is 100% the move. Two hours of towering pines and winding creeks give way a significant drop in temperature and overwhelming sand dunes. Logging camps and riverside lumber mills add to the aura surround the trip as you make your way south down the coastline. Eventually, the resort sign exposes its locations and the playground reveals itself. Welcome to Bandon Dunes.

Upon arrival, you are greeted with a welcome putting competition at the Punchbowl with tee gifts, new faces, and tales of previous years. Interacting with past and current participants, you would believe everyone was long-lost buddies who have finally reconnected over the years. Friendliness CANNOT be overstated, you’re now part of a group once claimed to be more exclusive than getting tickets to the Masters.

Knowing full and well what is in store the following morning, grab an early dinner (eat at Pacific Dunes and enjoy an evening beverage at their PunchBowl fire pits) then straight to bed. Remember, it’s quite literally a marathon (not a sprint) and rest is of the utmost importance. Breakfast the following morning and a quick shuttle ride to the range/tee box follows suit and then you’re off.

The “Ghost” Tree

And here, we, go!

Pace in round one is crucial. Depending on factors this will be the easiest and most enjoyable rounds of the day before wind (and maybe rain) rain on your golf parade.

Shuttles seamlessly transition you from course to course, caddies provide jovial small talk between shots of stories that would rival FDR’s fireside chats. Soak in their knowledge of the courses, tales of previous rounds, history of the land, and local wildlife. Before you know it, you’ll be walking down the 18th fairway on your way to a crisp $100 dollar bill and a truly lifelong memory.

My grouping was fortunate enough to play the Pacific – Trails – Old Mac – Dunes rotation which meant sunset views on the course that started it all. Holes 16-18 were some of the best I have ever had the pleasure to experience in my entire life. Watching the sun set with the Pacific Ocean in the background is easily one of my top-five golf memories. The day, coupled with good friends, superb weather (we were very lucky), and a truly top notch golf resort made it arguably the best golf trip I have (and ever will take).

After the chaos dies and the dust settles, a dinner is waiting in McKee’s pub. Overlooking the first tee of the resort’s original course, participants swap stories, share memories, and joke about their rounds. You’ll see familiar faces from the day before and meet new ones who are all a part of this special brotherhood.

Looking back, I would do this event again in a heartbeat. Walking 72 holes is not for the faint of heart. There are tricks and tips that will help you have the best time of your life. Tips and tricks are plentiful and willingly shared to all those who ask. However, that next morning, boy nothing can prepare your body for how you feel as the resort a scene out of the Walking Dead.

My only regret was that I couldn’t stay longer.