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Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

On July 27th, a group of DragonRidge members and I headed to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort for a few days of golf and fun.  For those of you who may be unfamiliar, Bandon Dunes is golfing mecca on the coast of central Oregon nestled between the towns of Bandon and Coos Bay.  Developed by Mike Keiser and his company Dream Golf, the Bandon Dunes course, which was the first of the five courses, opened in 1999.  The renowned Pacific Dunes opened in 2001, with Bandon Trails, Old MacDonald, and Sheep Ranch to follow.  The property boasts four golf courses in the Golf Digest America’s Greatest 100 courses and one in America’s Second Greatest 100 courses.

Travel to the resort can be done by flying into Coos Bay (a 30-minute drive to the resort) via SFO or by flying into Eugene (a 2.5-hour drive to the resort).  The resort offers its own lodging and dining options.  However, with the overwhelming demand for travel to the property, a trip to Bandon Dunes is likely not scheduled until well into 2025.  Our group stayed at the Bandon Manor, a property located a half mile away from the resort.  The Bandon Manor offers four master bedrooms, a large great room with individual soft seating for eight, a large dining table, a pool table, a ping pong table, and a hot tub in the backyard.  A Golden Knights flag proudly flew off the house as we arrived at the property. 

Bandon Dunes is undoubtedly known for epic golf and stunning views, but the unpredictable weather has also made a name for itself.  The golf gods were looking down on us that week when we caught what our local caddies described as “Ban-Diego” weather.  Our trip ended with a fun two-person scramble contest on the 13-hole Preserve short course.  I highly recommend carving out some time to play the Preserve one afternoon or morning. 

We returned to Las Vegas after five days with great memories and an appreciation for the vision that Mike Keiser and his team had for the property.  If you love golf and have not been to Bandon Dunes, this trip is an absolute must. 

Brian Sanders

Director of Golf

*For more information on Bandon Dunes, the Bandon Manor, or interest in a trip to Bandon Dunes, contact Brian Sanders at bsanders@dragonridgecc.com

Over the next few months, Las Vegas-based golf writer Bill Bowman will give readers a look at DragonRidge Country Club and all it has to offer for members and prospective members. From a challenging golf course to impressive dining options to a variety of other high-end amenities, we will showcase the ultimate lifestyle DragonRidge has to offer on and off the golf course.

Well, almost on the course. We seem to have a swing problem as there have been a few sprayed tee shots (we refuse to call them a slice or a hook). There have also been a few putts that didn’t have the line or the speed correct and, worst of all, there have been a few scores turned in that are nearing the temperatures in Las Vegas.

Not good.

But, there’s not a whole lot to be done except go out and keep working at it…even though we’re not sure how or what to work on. Right?

Nope…nothing could be further from the truth.

This is where Mike Davis, Director of Instruction at DragonRidge Country Club, comes into the picture.

Just a short chip from the first tee is Davis’ office–well, actually it’s the practice facility.

Most country clubs have plenty of outdoor hitting areas to work with students. The same is true with DragonRidge.

But there’s more. Davis also has a second home: a state of the art indoor facility that is climate controlled for your comfort on hot days, windy days, cool days, rainy days or anything else that might come up.

Ever tried to hit golf balls in front of your instructor when it’s 100-plus degrees outside? Of course you have, we’re in Vegas.

The indoor bay portion of the facility also includes the high-tech bells and whistles of a video system and launch monitor. Whether it’s an outside chipping lesson or one indoors, Davis is committed to making sure students’ lessons fit them to a ‘T.’

In fact, Davis says so in DragonRidge’s website. His goal is to find out where a student wants to take his or her game and work on a plan to achieve that goal.

It’s that simple.

Well, not quite that simple as there’s plenty of work the students need to put in before players will achieve those goals–or at least get them heading in the right direction.

Davis, who has 50 years of lessons under his belt, has plenty of successes to fall back on. Are you next? If you’re looking to take your game to the next level…or levels…Davis certainly has the experience, patience and knowledge to ensure when you head up to the first tee in the near future, you’re taking a new-found game onto the course.

And with a golf course like DragonRidge Country Club, there’s nothing better than having your ‘A’ game on an ‘A+’ rated layout.

That will wrap up our six-part series on a look at DragonRidge. We’ve given you glimpses on and off the course but have barely scratched the surface of what the club has to offer…both on and off the golf course.

If we’ve piqued your interest, more information is available online or with a phone call to the helpful staff.

Hopefully we will see you in the fairway down the line.

Over the next few months, Las Vegas-based golf writer Bill Bowman will give readers a look at DragonRidge Country Club and all it has to offer for members and prospective members. From a challenging golf course to impressive dining options to a variety of other high-end amenities, we will showcase the ultimate lifestyle DragonRidge has to offer on and off the golf course.

OK, we’re heading back onto the course for an eye-popping view you won’t believe.

The saying is simple: Keep your eye on the ball.

As simple as that advice seems, a couple of holes at DragonRidge Country Club make that a tough, if not impossible, prospect.

And the par-3 5th hole is a prime example. The 165-yard hole sits above a huge, inviting green. There’s a water feature as well as a couple of bunkers that can (but shouldn’t) come into play.

But that’s not the first thing golfers will notice. Not by a longshot.

Off to their right is the famed Las Vegas Strip…and not just part of it. The whole impressive 4.2 miles of glitz and glitter.

Having played in a shotgun event years ago, our group finished up on this scenic hole just as darkness was starting to set in.

There may not be a more stunning sight that screams Las Vegas than seeing the Strip’s brilliance start to light up while you’re waiting to hit a tee shot at a daunting green.

Oh, don’t get us wrong. The green itself is huge. It’s an inviting target.

But it’s the multiple levels on the green that can pose the problem… or problems. If the pin is in the front and your tee shot winds up on the upper level, good luck stopping your putt anywhere near the hole. But after all, this is Vegas and luck is part of the equation.

If your ball comes to rest on the lower level and you’re putting uphill, it’s simple: Make sure you get the ball to the proper level or you may find the ball right back at your feet and hitting the same putt again.

It’s certainly a challenging hole, both picking the right club to hit as well as turning away from that stunning view.

Just standing on the tee and looking at the Strip, it’s impossible to not be impressed.

Now, whether this golf hole, and the golf course in general, is more impressive than the views around the layout is one of those debates better settled over a drink as we finished up and raced back to the clubhouse to beat the sunset.

And you will have that same debate once you pull your golf cart up to the tee box and look out at the stunning views…both on the hole and on the famed Vegas Strip.

Now, back to concentrating on that tee shot and the rest of your round that lies ahead.

Next up: It’s more than just golf that attracts people to DragonRidge Country Club…much more.

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Over the next few months, Las Vegas-based golf writer Bill Bowman will give readers a look at DragonRidge Country Club and all it has to offer for members and prospective members. From a challenging golf course to impressive dining options to a variety of other high-end amenities, we will showcase the ultimate lifestyle DragonRidge has to offer on and off the golf course.

Welcome back to the DragonRidge clubhouse.

Now that you’ve finished your round at impressive DragonRidge Country Club, it’s time to take a breather, sit back, grab a drink or bite to eat and reflect on this course, the area and all a membership here has to offer.

Oh, don’t put the golf clubs away, we’re going to head back out on the course in future musings and highlight a few more impressive golf holes.

But right now, hunger calls. It’s time to check out the dining options and the rest of the stunning 40,000-square-foot clubhouse.

That’s right, we said options…as in more than one.

There’s the Dragon Grille, the Montrose and the ONYX. And, that’s just in the main clubhouse. Wait till the new café opens at the Fitness Center.

For those just looking to grab a mixed drink or beer after the round, the ONYX Bar is a favorite. In addition to its own bar menu (which includes both “highbrow” and “beerbrow” options), bar patrons can often order from the Dragon Grille or Montrose menus, so as not to miss any important plays while catching the sports action on the screens in the ONYX. Members can also dine outdoors on the ONYX covered patio where there is an additional TV screen, and a section favored by those who enjoy their afternoon Cohibas.

And, as you probably saw on the course, there’s also a snack shack between the 9^th and 10^th holes but we are going to concentrate on dining choices before or after the round.

Whatever your choice, prepare to be impressed and your hunger satisfied. The choices of food options will please any palate. From hearty meals to heart-healthy choices and anything in between, you won’t be disappointed.

One of our favorites is the half-pound Dragon burger. Maybe it’s because we were a little hungrier after a challenging round of golf, but the burgers here seem to have that little extra “flame broiled to savor” flavor.

Besides burgers, the choices are endless: From grilled chicken to a Rueben to vegan Korean tacos to Philly cheesesteak… everyone will find mouth-watering options that will fill them up. And the menu changes often to add to the options. In fact, the toughest choice will be narrowing down your choices.

If you’ve got a morning tee time, a breakfast of well-done bacon, scrambled eggs and crisp hash browns in the Dragon Grille hits the spot without being too filling.

And if the weather is great, (as it often is) the outdoor Grille dining area with its covered patio, ceiling fans and seasonal space heaters, is an ideal spot to enjoying watching the practice putting and the peaceful surroundings of the upscale MacDonald Highlands neighborhood.

Great ambience, killer views and dining options galore. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Stay tuned. We’ll be back in this massive clubhouse soon to look at some of the other amenities DragonRidge has to offer its members.

But next up, we’re going to show off a golf hole that is challenging in more ways than one.

Get ready to tee it up on the par-4, 5^th hole. This one gives new meaning to keep your eye on the ball…if that’s even possible with the amazing views right before your eyes.

Over the next few months, Las Vegas-based golf writer Bill Bowman will give readers a look at DragonRidge Country Club and all it has to offer for members and prospective members. From a challenging golf course to impressive dining options to a variety of other high-end amenities, we will showcase the ultimate lifestyle DragonRidge has to offer on and off the golf course.

Now, where were we?

Oh, yes…we were telling you about DragonRidge Country Club’s layout and everything the club has to offer.

Let’s start with the Jay Morrish and David Druzisky golf course that features 18 holes of pure challenge. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s plenty of risk/reward holes to challenge everyone.

Today’s adventure will take us straight to the 18^th hole which, during your round, will give you 17 other holes to plan on how to attack this impressive finishing hole.

Believe us, you’ll need it.

The 18^th, a par-5 reaching 530 yards, is one of those golf holes players either swear by or swear at. There is no middle ground.

Well, actually there is a middle ground but it’s certainly not the place to be on this impressive hole. The middle ground is a wash that splits this fairway and can give players nothing but trouble–along with lost golf balls and added strokes. Steer clear…which is easier said than done.

So which fairway is the best landing area? This one’s easy. The fairway on the right has a much larger landing area. There’s also a bunker further down this fairway that provides a nice aiming point for the layup shot…unless players are going for the green in two. If that’s the case, you’re on your own. We have no tips or bits of wisdom for that type of shot as it, sadly, isn’t in our arsenal.

And, nice guys that they are, the design team has provided a fairway left that can catch errant shots and keep golfers in play. (Read: severe hook for right-handed golfers).

From both fairways, players need to decide if it’s worth the risk going for the green in two. There is a lone bunker fronting the green as well as two other bunkers behind.

Oh, and that pesky wash is still hanging around in front of the green ready to cause a little more pain should players come up short.

Once on the green, there’s still more challenge awaiting. The undulating green has two distinct levels. The front-left and back-right are separated by a ridge that will test players’ putting skills to the max. But find the right level with your approach shot and you’ll have a solid look at birdie–and possibly that elusive eagle if you’ve found the green in two.

Overall, it’s a hole that needs to be played smart but it can provide a scoring opportunity to end the round in high style. But beware: Get too aggressive and big numbers can come into play.

But, no matter your score on the hole (and for the rest of the round) you’ll be able to celebrate/commiserate in the restaurant/lounge areas after taking on this masterpiece.

Come back next time and we’ll let you in on the dining and drinking options the club has to offer.

Like the golf course, those options are plentiful.

Bill Bowman is a Las Vegas-based writer who has more than 45 years in the sports-writing business. He’s spent the past 18-plus years covering the golf scene in Vegas and has teed it up for a wide variety of magazine and website profiles with celebrities including comedian Bill Engvall, actor Jeffrey Donovan (USA’s Burn Notice), former ESPN personality Colin Cowherd, NASCAR’s Kurt Busch, Collective Soul’s Ed Roland, the Baltimore Ravens’ Jonathan Ogden and many others.

Over the next few months, Las Vegas-based golf writer Bill Bowman will give readers a look at DragonRidge Country Club and all it has to offer for members and prospective members. From a challenging golf course to impressive dining options to a variety of other high-end amenities, we will showcase the ultimate lifestyle DragonRidge has to offer on and off the golf course.

Bill Bowman

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