Bandon Dunes is one of my favourite destiniations in the world. The brain child of Mike Kaiser,it has legitimately grown to be recognized as the premiere golf destination in North America. It is a pure example of " build it and they will come". The 4 golf courses are unique, provide stunning vistas and of course are challenging by design and the ever changing weather conditions.A good read on the building of Bandon is a very informative book, " Dream Golf",by Stephen Goodwin.

This is the fourth year that I have come to play in the Amateur golf.com two man best ball tournament. This year we have 6 players from Point Grey and again I am paired with the ever entertaining Butler. Historically we have driven here in by "Burgundy Bus", my '97 suburban which is large enough to carry 4 of us comfortably and can easily accommodate the packing idiosyncrasies of McGuire.This year due to other commitments Butler and I flew, first to Portland the a 3 hour
 layover in before boarding a 9 seat cesna via Seaport air. The only hooker was having to retrieve our bags and check in again due to a lack of baggage agreement between Seaport and other airlines.

The landing in Coos Bay was into high winds and the small plane was buffeted , the skill of the pilot very apparent.A short 30 min drive from the hotel shuttle, accelerated check in and we were on the tee by 4:30. The wind was howling! Par a very elusive score and bogies and doubles the norm. After 5 holes we caught up to a somewhat slow group and Doug, one of the Marshalls , took us to #10, we were able to complete 18 holes in 3 1/2 hours and meet up with Brian Mcguire, Bayne Boyes,Ivan Bern and Ted Williams.

I was buoyed by the earlier success of my Habs being able to tie their playoff series and we settled to watch the Canuck, San Jose game. It ended in an overtime loss, and me down $10.00 on various bets.

It is different flying in and joining the others who had driven to the resort, playing Chambers bay and overnighting in Portland. The bonding of being in the bus does indeed make a difference.
That is not to say Butler and I did not visit the bar for a night cap and met up with George Stevens, one of the founding players in this tournament and recent Oscar winner! A true gentleman and as always, modest of his accomplishments,





Today is the skins game, Butler has had repeated success in this venue, mine mixed.So far the wind is calm but it will be up this afternoon, and Old Macdonald will be at it's toughest.

Butler appears prepared, calm and clearly well rested!!