Recently I found out I have to travel to Portland OR (from CT) for business. I was dreading this trip, because of the long flight for a 2 hr meeting etc, until I finally realized that I can play some of the best courses in the US. So I see the drive from Portland would be 4.5 hrs or so... Is there a closer airport to fly out of after playing Bandon, as opposed to driving back North to Portland? And, am I "ok" to show up as a single and play 36 on a weekday (Thursday) on each Dunes couse? All help greatly appreciated, thanks.

Fly into North Bend and there are very nice shuttles that can take you out to Bandon. It is just under a 30 minute drive from the airport. Portland has daily shuttle flights into Northbend on Horizon Airlines.

http://bandon-golf-transportation.com/index.html

www.horizonair.com

Not for sure, but I think you should be able to get on as a single. As for lodging, that might be a different story, but you can always stay for a lot less money in Bandon at one of the hotels/motels. Have fun!

I played Bandon Dunes last month, and Dawgman is absolutely correct. My aunt lives in Bandon, and she took this flight up to Portland to meet us at the airport. If you drive down from Portland, it's close to about 5 hours.

I called and made a tee time as a single about a week in advance, plenty of hotels and vacation rentals in the area right on the coast. Great area to visit.

I've made the flight from North Bend to Portland many many times, lets say the planes are kind of rickety. I hate that flight. But yeah, Bandon is fun especially if you don't care what you shoot (that goes mainly for Pacific which can be an absurd course). While your there ask around about the new course south of Bandon called Bandon Crossings. It may be open by the time you are there. (Late June openining I'm told).

Oh and something you San Fran Bay Area people might like to know, the SF airport will have a direct flight to the North Bend airport in the near future. Just one more way to get to Bandon!

Thanks for all the help guys. I think I am going to make the drive from Portland, as I am going to get a rental car for the business portion of the trip anyway. Going to try and play 36 holes, on Bandon and Pacific, and of course get a caddie. Looking forward to it!

Before you go make sure you read Dream Golf by Stephen Goodwin...it is mandatory reading.