Bandon Dunes Golf Adventure

At long last, here it is - my post about my boys' Grand Golf Adventure to Bandon Dunes, May 21-24, 2015!

Roger sorted out and edited the pics from over 600 taken,

so here goes!

Prompted by Josh's soon-to-enter-the-MTC status to study Mandarin in preparation for his mission to Hong Kong, Rick put together another fantasy golf trip for his son, Josh, his brother, Ryan and his dad, Roger. 

He and Josh chose the famous links golf resort at Bandon Dunes, Oregon.

Six years ago, Rick treated this foursome to a golf trip to Pebble Beach. 

Roger was like a kid waiting for Christmas! 

Happy memories of Pebble Beach played in his head, and he could hardly wait 

for the next golf adventure with his favorite golf buddies.

Ryan flew to SLC from Phoenix, and we drove Up North to Rick and Jodie's, then the boys flew to Eugene, Oregon.

They were starving when they got off their flight, so they found a tasty seafood lunch in Eugene.

Next up, they wanted to check out the home of the Oregon Ducks.

Josh and Roger are in front of the Duck's huge training facility.

They also saw their baseball and football stadiums and where they do their indoor football training.

What a gorgeous drive it is from Eugene to the Oregon Coast!

Three hours later, they arrive . . .

check in . . .

. . . and unpack in the Lily Pond Lodge.

Ryan is out on the lodge balcony, with the lily pond in the background.

After they had headed to the driving range to practice hitting, chipping and putting,

they enjoyed a wonderful seafood dinner at the resort that Rick had pre-arranged.

They shared a giant chocolate chip cookie, ice cream and caramel dessert that Roger said was to die for!

Roger and Ryan have both been on trips to Ireland where these golf caps were purchased,

but Rick gave firm instructions to not wear them on the golf courses,

so Ryan and Roger posed in front of one of the Signature holes for a pic.

Not able to wait until the next morning to see the ocean, they set out on a "short" three mile hike.

The game of golf was born on rugged, wind-swept land like that at Bandon Dunes.

It is where every hole, every hazard and every shot is defined by nature’s infinite presence. 

True links golf courses are rare, with only about 160 on the entire planet.

Bandon Dunes courses are rated #1 or #2, or in the top 10, depending on who is doing the rating, on the lists of "Best Golf Courses in the United States." 

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has four courses: Pacific Dunes, Old McDonald, Bandon Dunes and Bandon Trails.

Rick arranged for them to golf on all four courses during their two-day stay.

First up was Pacific Dunes.

With the first tee time at 7 AM the next morning, they warmed up on the driving range at 6:30 in the fog.

They were driving into the fog the first few holes, and their caddy just pointed to where they should hit the ball. They ended up playing this course again after they had played 36 holes and the fog was gone.Then they could see it was so beautiful along the coast.

They all had pull carts because riding carts are not allowed. So, the choices  are: carry your clubs, hire a caddy or pull your carts.  Thank goodness for pull carts, because they played 47 holes of golf the first day. 

They figured they did about 18 miles of walking and playing golf the first day.

This cute father/son duo each birdied a few holes.

Links golf courses are notorious for huge sand traps and bunkers.

Roger said he became acquainted with a few (note the lonely ball).

In another one that was about 12 feet deep, it just took him two strokes to get out of the trap.

His caddy said it took most people five or six, or they just cheated and threw the ball on the green.

They golfed 18 holes on Old McDonald that afternoon.

This was a great hole for Rick. They were all pulling for him to get a birdie on this hole. 

Notice the caddie helping him line it up.

 He struck the ball and it went rolling toward the hole. 

You can see it just before it rolls into the hole for a birdie, then . . .  

.  . . hand pump for a successful hole! 

On one of the holes, Rick, trying to conceal his smirk, asked Ryan to turn on his video camera as Josh was teeing up. Pow! Exploding smoke as the ball disintegrated down the fairway! Roger said it shocked the caddy and it made him (Roger) jump a mile! 

I can only imagine that; we all know how Roger jumps when he is startled!

Roger said they all laughed and laughed for a long time.

That night they ate at McKee’s Pub and they had Uncle Larry’s Burger, the largest hamburger Roger had ever seen - a large patty, onion rings, an egg, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sauce and a huge bun.  

Only Josh could put the whole thing down! 

From there it was to the hot tub to work out the sore muscles and take a look at the blisters from the long day. 

Next morning they were the first ones out to shoot 18 on the famous Bandon Dunes Course.

Roger said the pictures don't really do justice to how beautiful the courses were.

That afternoon, they played 18 holes of Bandon Trails.

Roger said they had so much fun kidding each other and just being together 

in this magnificent spot in God's creation.

They went back to Bandon Dunes and played the first 9 again.

That is a total of 47 the first day and 45 the second for a grand total of 92 holes in two days!

Ryan shot this of Roger gazing out over this spectacular scene.

I love this pic!

Once again, Rick, you're the man!

Here is a quote from Roger out of the book we made for the guys of their fabulous golf adventure:

Thanks, son, for another trip of a lifetime!  I never thought I would ever have the opportunity to play Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes Golf Courses! 

Thank you for facilitating this wonderful golf vacation for all of us. 

You have provided memories for your own son, your brother and your father that we will never forget. Your generosity is very much appreciated. 

I would rather play golf with you, Josh and Ryan than anyone.

 Everything went off like clock work on the trip, but of course it did, 

because that has become your legacy in the family. 

More than anything, I love you as a wonderful son.

Love,

Dad

That about sums it up!