Finally made my way out to Watson Ranch. I intended to play here last winter, but was frosted out that morning. Today, I came through town later and it worked out perfectly. Not too busy when I teed o... Continue »

Finally made my way out to Watson Ranch. I intended to play here last winter, but was frosted out that morning. Today, I came through town later and it worked out perfectly. Not too busy when I teed off a little before 11:00, but the course was fairly busy by the time I left. It was a rare picture-perfect winter day, so everyone came out I guess. The pro shop guy was one of the nicest I've ever encountered as he got me set up to play. I played by myself and played through a few folks along the way for a quick round. Price seemed a bit steep at $55 ($40 to walk and then an extra $15 for solo gas-powered cart--normally $17 to ride solo, but he gave me a slight discount). Like other courses on this trip, I was very pleasantly surprised by mid-winter conditions. Plenty of wet/soft spots with a lot of rain the past few days, but really not too bad. Otherwise, everything was lush and green throughout and well-kept. I was in three different bunkers and they all had different types of sand. However, all were decent to play from, soft but damp. The greens were in excellent shape. Soft but not too soft and rolling at medium/quick speeds. Being above the hole here is not a good idea. This is definitely a locals' course, but it offers plenty to like that would make it a good add-on for anyone planning a Bandon trip. It's just a half hour north and it's almost on the level of Bandon Crossings as a secondary 18-hole course outside of the resort. Really fun and interesting layout with a lot of variety. Front nine is more tree lined with some creeks and hazards in play. Back nine a bit more open playing through a marshy area. All the par-3s are really cool, highlighted by the signature 16th which features a severely elevated tee hitting over a pretty water hazard to the green. Several very memorable holes here and this is a course that deserves more attention than it gets. Truly a hidden gem along the Oregon Coast!