Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/78601
162 Continued From Previous Page to hit it, where not to miss it and reading greens lead to a series of pars and birdies that kick started my best round of the year. Old Macdonald is a tribute to the design elements made famous by heralded course architect C.B. Macdonald. The blind tee shot uphill over a sand ridge around an ominous looking tree on the 3rd hole is one of those true leaps of faith in golf. As we crested the hill we were in awe of the overwhelming undulating rolling links framed by views on the expansive Pacific Ocean. We knew it was going to be a great day. In true links fashion bump and run was the go- to shot especially off the tight lies. A premium is placed on the short game where 100 foot putts are not just conceivable but may be reality. The view from the 7th hole may be one of the best on property and this course is fast becoming one of the most popular tracks to play on site. After our round it was off to the pub to reminisce about the day. There were many golf buddies and boys' trip participants laughing and trash talking. There were a few couples at dinner, most that came as a foursome. It was golf camaraderie at its best. The next day we received the same delightful wake up call then it was off to play 36. We met Minnesota Mike on the first tee at Bandon Dunes, the original course on property and also its namesake. Opened in 1999 to rave reviews this McLay Kidd design is truly spectacular natural golf. On this eighteen, nearly every hole is in sight or sound of the sea and the fescue and Irish gorse that line most of the course gives you that European feel. Many of the fairways are generous and the greens large. Club selection is vital especially when the seemingly ever present winds begin to blow. At times you will have a 3 club wind and knowing where to make your misses will keep the big numbers off your card. The four par 3's may be the best I have ever played on one course and the 16th on Bandon Dunes was my favourite of all 72 on property. It's a postcard come to life with an enchanting vista and is risk / reward at it finest. After the round we scooted over to Bandon Trails, a Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design, debuted in 2005. After a quick bite in the clubhouse we were off. It is vastly different than all other courses on property. This course comes full circle. We kick-started our day on the newest track, Old Macdonald, designed by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina... Since it was my first time and I wanted to make it a memorable experience, I opted for a caddie. It begins off massive dunes peppered with natural grasses, followed by generous meadow land, and transported into dense forest lined fairways almost reminiscent of mountain style courses. The holes in the back stretch bring players back to the dunes with an incredible finishing hole to an elevated green. On day 3 our first round was at the acclaimed Pacific Dunes designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2001. Pacific Dunes is often rated as the finest among the four tracks and deserves every honour. The starter had heard rumblings about me being a long drive champ and insisted I hit off the pro tees closed to the public. This was an elevated tee located right in front of the clubhouse. Opting for sleep instead of a practice session I was soon regretting my decision with many curious eyes on the tee. I luckily hit a great shot that found the fairway and had the weak legs walking off the tee like Annika at Colonial with a silent sigh of relief inside. There are so many fabulous holes on this course. The 4th hole runs along the Pacific ocean and truly is St. Andrews meets Pebble Beach. The breathtaking back to back par 3's are simply golf at its finest. The natural shaped bunkers throughout the course, though attractive, are thoroughly penalizing. You won't be able to play Pacific Dunes just once. You will feel you left too many shots out there and that you need to try again. Yet you never leave disappointed. After the round we hustled over to Bandon Dunes to replay her. We finished our round in the setting sun and it was pure magic. We wrapped our trip up with drinks and dinner in the Tufted Puffin Lounge overlooking the 18th green and talking about every missed putt, holed bunker shot, and billy goat lie. Bandon Dunes' tag line, "Golf as it was meant to be"…brings every golfer back to the roots of this great game. No real estate on site, no screeching cart brakes, no clubhouse poised on the ocean's edge, those views are left for golf. As for the daring comparisons to the Home of Golf… all I know is it is the most authentic links golf in North America, it made my heart skip a beat on the first tee and there is reverence there…it is a place for those who love the game. It may not replace a trip to St. Andrews but it will surely make you feel like you've been there. Lisa is the reigning 7-Time Canadian Long Drive Champion for women, a Golf Entertainer and a Motivational Speaker. She can be reached through her website at www.lisalongball.com OREGON