Welcome To Bandon Visitors Guide 2009

• Bandon Crossings

Bandon Crossings Golf writers have named the South Coast's newest 18-hole golf course, Bandon Crossings, one of the best in the state and among the top 10 new courses in the country.

Opened for business in mid-July 2007, the par-72 course - nicknamed The Crossings - is located five miles south of Bandon on the east side of U.S. Highway 101 off Dew Valley Lane.

The routing for The Crossings follows the natural contours of ancient sand dunes, roams through links-style terrain and coastal forests of pine, fir and madrone, and crosses picturesque streams. Developed and owned by Rex and Carla Smith of Eugene, the layout totals about 7,000 yards, with four tee boxes on each hole.

The course was designed by Oregonian Dan Hixson, who grew up in a golfing family and spent several years as a golf pro at Columbia-Edgewater Country Club in Portland before switching to golf course design.

The fairways at the new course have taken shape "over millennia," according to the Smiths, who added that Hixson's design included only minor changes to the way the land was when the Smiths found the 340-acre parcel.

The perennial rye grass fairways and bent grass greens play fast and firm even after substantial rain.

"Full cart path expansion has recently been completed to allow continued play with carts even on those rainy days when only Oregonians would consider golf as a form of recreation," said Mark Fiore, club pro.

Golf Magazine included The Crossings on its listing of the country's top 10 new courses of the year. Golfweek magazine recently ranked the course as the No. 7 course to play in Oregon, new or otherwise. The Crossings also has been nominated for Golf Digest magazine's Best New Courses for 2008 list, to be released early in 2009.

Golf Magazine's article said, "Majestic coastal trees, classically sculpted bunkers and uneven terrain provide the main challenges" on Hixson's 6,855-yard layout. The magazine also described The Crossings as "a refreshing alternative and well worth every penny."

The Smiths wanted to offer golfers a challenging 18-hole course that would complement, but not compete directly with, other courses in the area. One major difference between The Crossings and the renowned courses at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is that powered golf carts are available at the new course. The Crossings also can provide caddies (with advance reservations), or players can bring their own.

The Smiths built a driving range and practice green just north of the clubhouse site, and also added practice facilities for short-game and bunker work. Golf lessons are available from Fiore.

The learning area and clubhouse are located in the northwest corner of the golf course property near the intersection of Highway 101 and Dew Valley Lane. To reach the course, turn east off the highway at Dew Valley Lane, then take the first right.

The Crossings, which offers year-round playability, is only a few minutes south of the Bandon State Airport and about a mile from the Pacific Ocean.

The golf course staff continues to monitor customers' needs and wishes before deciding what type of permanent clubhouse to construct. A large farmhouse near the driving range has been remodeled for use as a small events center or as a bed-and-breakfast for a foursome of golfers.

The staff has developed two discount programs - Crossings Club and Preferred Club - that allow reduced rates on golf rounds throughout the year. Informal tournaments are planned on Friday afternoons throughout the year.

Two two-day tournaments are planned for this summer, the first to be held on the weekend of the Fourth of July. The second - the Oregon Golf Association-sanctioned Bandon Open - takes place Aug. 23 and 24. Each event is open to the public, with several divisions and open and handicap flights.

The Smiths have made their golf course available for high school tournaments, and also for fundraisers for school and community projects.

Pricing at The Crossings is competitive when compared with similar Oregon facilities. Regular summer rates are $75 for 18 holes, $45 after 3 p.m. The winter rate is $45 ($35 twilight). In the spring and fall, non-club members pay $55 ($40 twilight). Replays are half-price.

Powered carts cost $30 for two people, $18 for singles. Pull-carts can be rented for $5.

Travelers can call the course at 347-3232 or 1-888-GOLFB18 (888-465-3218) to inquire about golf/lodging packages. E-mail queries may be sent to info@bandoncrossings.com. More information about the new course is available on the Internet at http://www.bandoncrossings.com.

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