BANDON, Ore. – Bandon Dunes isa rugged golf expertise. No carts. No frills. Simply pure, unadulterated golf. So as to keep snug throughout 36-hole days wherethe climate can differ from sunny and heat to wet and chilly, you will have to packthe proper gear. Throughout my three-day sojourn at this magnificent seaside resortI examined some Nike and FootJoy attire, in addition to the brand new Winn grips. By theend of the journey I used to be extra than simply glad to have it – I puzzled what I wouldhave achieved with out it. For starters, you will wish to pack a water-resistant rain swimsuit.It is not assured to rain when you’re right here, however there is a good probability thatit will. And with chilly and wind additionally an element, it is good for that too. I examined the NikeStorm-FIT Elite golf jacket and pants, a glossy, slim-fitting getup thatkept me dry and heat. With a retail value of $500 it’s kind of on the priceyside, however when you may use a rain swimsuit anyhow, it could be well worth the splurge. Adrawstring on the waist ensures the right match whereas zippers from the underside upto the knees guarantee they go on and off simply over your sneakers. The jacket issimilarly high-tech however comparatively easy, with the identical waterproof zippers asthe pants. For a roomier match within the legs and arms strive the FootJoy DryJoys jacket and pants, whichis extra inexpensive ($420) and simply as waterproof because the Nike. Fleece-linedpockets within the jacket are a pleasant contact.
Below my jacket I wore a long-sleeve, compression-fitmock with an everyday golf shirt (no pressing have to spend money on new golf shirts forBandon Dunes, however the undergarment is important). Not surprisingly, Nike’scompression shirt is spot-on, and the FootJoy various is simply nearly as good. Inmy thoughts, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with both choice. The Nike half-zip cover-upand FootJoy efficiency half-zip pulloverare sweatshirt-type clothes good for sporting across the resort earlier than, after or between rounds. Ifit’s not raining and never too windy, additionally they work properly on the golf course. As for sneakers, you will wish to spend money on one thing that’sdurable and waterproof, each of which describe the Nike Air Bandon, which seems like a zippered basketball shoe with softspikes. Yow will discover them at most golf retailers and in addition on the Bandon Dunespro store. They might look funky, however at Bandon Dunes perform is extra importantthan trend. In the event you’ve been searching for a motive to re-grip your golfclubs, a visit to Bandon Dunes is an effective excuse. I attempted the brand new WinnLiteFirm grips and located they’retacky to start with, and solely get tackier when moist. In case your preconceived notion of Winn grips is that they’reheavy, know that the WinnLiteFirm (26 grams) is significantly lighter than the moretraditional Golf Delight Tour Velvet (51 grams). Grip weight is probably not of utmostimportance to you, however at Bandon any benefit is value contemplating.