just got back from Reynolds, and Oconee is a far more interesting and challenging GOLF COURSE in all respects to Great Waters (although the back 9 is beautiful). The other layouts there are good tests though. And as far as Pinehurst, a more challenging course is #7, better than either #8 or #9.
There's not a bad course on the resort (including the Preserve). Assuming a 36 hole day, I would not recommend Trails and Old Mac on the same day... as they are the most difficult walks. As someone else mentioned, Trails is a better bet for the afternoon rounds as it is a little shielded from the wind. If you have enough time, I'd recommend playing one of the Ocean courses (Bandon or Pacific) once in the morning, and once in the afternoon to get the "true" links effect, wind and all. I got great advice and a description of each course from the caddie (too long to type, but it was awesome). The take away is that all the courses have their own features, there's no wrong order to play them, and DON'T skip the Preserve.
Bandon...I don't know, I played Old Macdonald first and the trip over the dunes on the 3rd hole was magical. I don't think the order matters. As someone above said, people are going to play 36 or more per day, so it's just kind of going to run together. They're all superior golf courses.
Pinehurst...I had to hesitate for a minute when I saw #9 on there, thinking maybe it was a typo or something, then I remembered that the Resort bought Pinehurst National not long ago. I'd only take #9 over #7 if 9 is included in the price while 7 is still at an add-on fee. Last time I was down there, I think 7 was an additional charge, something far more than it was worth. For me, 9 was just not very good. I'm no Rees Jones fan, but I'd take 7 over 9 any day. If you have to pay extra for 7 and 9, I'd play #1.
This a great article insight like this is priceless, I am coming over and visiting Pinehurst, Kiawah and Hilton Head. I have been to the latter before but was finding Pinehurst a bit of a muddle. I can now do some research and get it right. Thanks.
I'm shocked over the Bandon advice, could not be worse. Here is the bottom-line, its going to get more windy as the day goes on. In the summer think 25mph plus post noon. That means that Pacific Dunes and Bandon Dunes are am rounds. Bandon by far the best course on the property (because it can be played in high winds) is an option in the afternoon but its very exposed as is Pacific which is virtually unplayable in winds above 25 mph. Old Mac is wide open and can be played relatively well in the afternoon winds. Trails is the best afternoon course option, once you cross the road and get away from the ocean the course is still windy but 10 mph less which is huge. Caddies who play for free and play for money only play consider one course in the afternoon...Trails. The other courses are just so wind exposed that it becomes less about skill and more about luck. The par 3 course is a great track and perfect post lunch round for those who don't play 36. BTW: It costs nothing to play if you play 36 first and an easy fun walk late in the afternoon.
I would add one other Golf resort to this article. The Innisbrook Golf Resort. While many know of the Copperhead course home to the PGA's Valparaiso Open, the resort offers three other courses for the golf connoisseur. I suggest that the Island course might even surpass the famed Copperhead.
T.U.L.--
GREAT point about trying to get cliffside for sunsets, and therefore playing PacDunes and BanDunes late in the day. I think your preferred order underscores the high quality of golf offered at Bandon - it's pretty much impossible to go wrong.
Best,
--Tim
Would suggest rotation at Bandon as follows:
Round 1: Bandon Dunes. The easiest of the 4, great ocean holes. Perfect start to a trip
Round 2: Old Mac. An afternoon round if playing 36, Old Mac plays best with big winds. Shadows and panoramic views if you play late enough are fantastic.
Round 3: Bandon Trails. An enjoyable walk in the morning, and generally not crowded. A tough walk if it's 2nd round of the day, and the most difficult course, nearly impossible in the afternoon winds.
Round 4: Pacific Dunes. Save the best for last once your links game and swing are in top form. Gorgeous afternoon walk. 2nd most difficult next to Trails but can score even in big winds.
Always stay a third night, becuase not playing the Preserve would be a shame. If a 3rd night allows you to get a 5th 18 hole round in I'd hit Bandon Dunes to wrap up the trip. Will be the chance for your best score of the week. BD can be had.
Love your website-great resource to me, so take my disagreement as that of a devoted fan.
As to Bandon, playing them in the order they were created seems arbitrary. There are so many non-arbitrary factors to consider. For example, I felt the sunsets over the Pacific should be enjoyed from the best courses on the property--Bandon and Pacific. So, given almost everyone plays 36 holes per day (at least), that would mean playing either Old Mac/Trails in the morning and then Bandon/Pacific in the afternoon. Then, on the second day, use the same formula, but switch courses. I also like the fact that Old Mac is fairly easy, so it can serve as a good warm up for a second round on a more difficult course. Another thing to consider is the fact that the resort is walking only and many people play 36 in a day. I suppose it is a personal preference as to whether you would prefer to walk the most arduous course (whichever that is) as your first or second round, but it is certainly something to consider.
Planning to head out there in June. Can't wait!
What about Pebble beach resorts?
