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Golf destination trips

Posted on 9/17/20 at 4:03 pm
Posted by DukeSilver
Member since Jan 2014
2720 posts
Posted on 9/17/20 at 4:03 pm
Anyone ever been to any of the big dogs?

Bandon Dunes, Pebble, Pinehurst, Sawgrass, etc?

I'm starting some early planning for a trip next year, did a search of the board but didn't see much. Would be interested in hearing some reviews if anyone has done anything like this.

Pinehurst has a package that has 3 rounds, 2 nights hotel, breakfasts and dinners included for $1500 per person, +195 to play No 2. So $3500 for a couple. Seems like a decent deal for a bucket list trip like that.

I tried looking at a package similar to that at Bandon Dunes and Pebble but don't see any packages or anything offered there, guess that would need to be more of a DIY.
Posted by wareagle47
Member since Dec 2009
1365 posts
Posted on 9/17/20 at 4:52 pm to
Just got back from a 4 day trip to Pinehurst a few weeks ago. Its got everything you could ever need from a bucket list golf trip, including a number of great courses in the are that aren't associated with the resort. Our group had a blast and we're probably going to go back there every 3-5 years now.

Bandon is probably the #1 destination from a pure golf perspective, but its a difficult trip for anyone located in the Southeast. I think you need a full week out there to make it worth it.
Posted by DukeSilver
Member since Jan 2014
2720 posts
Posted on 9/17/20 at 4:59 pm to
Pinehurst seems like a great choice for a first true "golf trip". Would love to hear more details and get any tips on your trip.

This is the package I was looking at LINK
Posted by wareagle47
Member since Dec 2009
1365 posts
Posted on 9/17/20 at 5:08 pm to
Happy to answer any questions you might have. We did a similar 4 night/5 round package. A lot of how you should plan your trip will depend on how much golf you want to play. We played 36 holes every day we were there except the day we left. There are so many good courses there we wanted to fit them all in.

#2 and #4 are in a clear tier above anything else on the resort. The rest of the PH courses are good golf courses, but nothing super special. Tobacco Road, Mid Pines, and Pine Needles are better than anything at PH that's not #2 or #4. You could argue that those three are better than #4 as well.

Also, I wouldn't include dinner in your package if you go that route. It cut our cost down by a good bit. There are plenty of good places to eat nearby that are much cheaper than the dinner package. The breakfast is worth it though.
Posted by DukeSilver
Member since Jan 2014
2720 posts
Posted on 9/17/20 at 5:11 pm to
Did you stay on site? I’ve read the Carolina is the way to go?

Did you do a package or just book your own tee times and lodging separately?
Posted by wareagle47
Member since Dec 2009
1365 posts
Posted on 9/17/20 at 5:19 pm to
We stayed in the Pinehurst condos, which are the cheapest accommodations on site. We ate breakfast everyday at the Carolina and it looks very nice. Just wasn't worth the extra cost for our group of 4 guys since we basically only slept there. If I ever went with my wife I'd probably stay in one of the hotels.

The package we booked include 5 tee times on Pinehurst courses. We played #7, #4, #8, #2 (upcharge), and #3. We booked our own tee times for the off-site courses we played (Tobacco Road, Mid Pines, Pine Needles).

There's also the Cradle short course and Thistle Dhu putting course right next to the main clubhouse. You'll want to make sure you allocate enough time to kill a few hours there at least one evening. The Cradle cost $50 but you can loop it as many times as daylight allows.
This post was edited on 9/17/20 at 5:21 pm
Posted by DukeSilver
Member since Jan 2014
2720 posts
Posted on 9/17/20 at 6:17 pm to
So if you’re gonna play 5 rounds on your trip would you recommend # 2 and 4 and then playing these 3, Tobacco Road, Mid Pines, Pine Needles? I guess those 3 courses aren’t far if you stayed on Pinehurst grounds the whole trip?

I’m gonna do more research on a Pinehurst trip as well and I’m sure will have more questions.
Posted by Hou_Lawyer
Houston, TX
Member since Jun 2019
1869 posts
Posted on 9/17/20 at 6:23 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 10/26/20 at 2:11 pm
Posted by m57
Flyover Country
Member since May 2017
2084 posts
Posted on 9/17/20 at 7:13 pm to
Its been awhile but the Capitol Hill facility in Prattville was a great experience. All 3 courses were good and you are a close driving distance other RTJ courses.
Posted by wareagle47
Member since Dec 2009
1365 posts
Posted on 9/17/20 at 7:18 pm to
Those are the top 5 courses in the area in my opinion. They are also 5 big boy golf courses that can punch you in the mouth if you aren't on top of your game as well though.

If you have some high handicappers in your group you may also want to consider throwing one of the shorter courses into the mix. PH #1 and #3 are good options for that. Both old Donald Ross designs but are much shorter and easier to play. Good for afternoon rounds after getting ejected by #2 if you are playing 36 hole days.
Posted by TitleistProV1X
Member since Nov 2015
3511 posts
Posted on 9/18/20 at 5:34 am to
Don’t start off with Bandon Dunes because then you’ll be very underwhelmed with every other golf trip. Went to Streamsong earlier this year. Nice accommodations and courses were good, but it’s no Bandon!
Posted by DukeSilver
Member since Jan 2014
2720 posts
Posted on 9/18/20 at 8:22 am to
Have you done a Bandon trip?
Posted by mikedatyger
Orlandeaux, FL
Member since Jun 2005
4011 posts
Posted on 9/18/20 at 8:28 am to
I've been to Bandon twice. You will not find package deals for it. It is what it is, but IT IS AMAZING! Best golf experience you will ever have. Nothing but golf. Get in shape. 36 holes a day. No carts. Great food. Great people. AMAZING golf.
Getting there can be a pain, but it is well worth it. I could talk about Bandon all day.



This post was edited on 9/18/20 at 10:42 am
Posted by DukeSilver
Member since Jan 2014
2720 posts
Posted on 9/18/20 at 9:24 am to
quote:

I could talk about Bandon all day.


Talk to me.

Wouldn't be upset with a 5,000 word essay on all details of the trip.
Posted by mikedatyger
Orlandeaux, FL
Member since Jun 2005
4011 posts
Posted on 9/18/20 at 10:14 am to
I work with the guys at Plugged in Golf. Was fortunate enough to go there twice with the PIG guys. I could be the spokesperson for this place. I LOVE IT. I told my family that I wanted my ashes sprinkled there when I leave this place. Totally serious.
Here are some links to get a better idea ...

Beyond Expectations

Bandon Tips

Get Ready For Trip

What to Pack

You have options getting there. There are flights into Bend OR, but only one on Sunday and one on Wednesday. Connection is from either Denver or SF. Flying into Eugene is an option, but you would have to rent a car for the 3 hour trip. All depends on the air travel and rates. It can actually be cheaper to fly into Eugene, rent a car, and just let it sit there for 4 days. This place is like DisneyWorld of golf. All the landscaping is immaculate, the shuttles are everywhere and prompt. The food is excellent. The people are what make it. Always smiling. Always asking if they can help. 5-STARS.

What would you like to know?
This post was edited on 9/18/20 at 10:47 am
Posted by nobigdeal69
baton rouge
Member since Nov 2009
2174 posts
Posted on 9/18/20 at 3:42 pm to
We're thinking about going to Scottsdale next summer. If you go in July, it's bad cheap. Flights, badass Airbnb, and world class golf for under $700. The only thing is, you may die. It's a chance I'm willing to take. Same trip is probably double/triple the price in November.

I've heard people from AZ say they'd rather play there in the summer than in TX/LA summer.
Posted by Nodust
Member since Aug 2010
22631 posts
Posted on 9/18/20 at 6:53 pm to
quote:

I've heard people from AZ say they'd rather play there in the summer than in TX/LA summer.


I spent a summer in Scottsdale and when I got back to Louisiana my first thought was damn it’s hot here.

Golf is cheap then.
Posted by Front9Bandit
Member since Dec 2013
15432 posts
Posted on 9/18/20 at 8:20 pm to
Bandon is cool and like craft beer, but there are a lot better courses to play.

Keiser’s OG Dunes Club in Michigan is his GOAT
This post was edited on 9/18/20 at 8:21 pm
Posted by DukeSilver
Member since Jan 2014
2720 posts
Posted on 9/18/20 at 10:33 pm to
quote:

I work with the guys at Plugged in Golf.


oh nice that’s pretty awesome.

quote:

What would you like to know?


I’ll read your links and do a little more research then hit you up.
Posted by DukeSilver
Member since Jan 2014
2720 posts
Posted on 9/18/20 at 10:33 pm to
Anybody been to Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri?
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