Bandon ruined me. I’ll come clean. When my wife mentioned a sweet trip to commemorate my 40th in 2005, I didn’t think twice. Monterrey, Orlando, Michigan, New Mexico all took a back seat to the southern coast of Oregon. Then, the event surpassed the anticipation. From the wonderful people of the town of Bandon to the folks at the resort, from the 1st tee at Bandon Dunes to the 18th green at Bandon Trails, the endeavor reawakened the wanderlust that all have felt.

It gets better. The extended family had an outer banks (N.C.) trip planned for July 4th week this year, but couldn’t properly pool the RCI points to make it happen. Without telling me, they switched the venue to … you guessed it, Myrtle Beach. As of right now, four of five days have been booked for early-morning golf, to get back in time to do things with the family. Don’t think for a second I’m not trying to get that fifth day locked down, so email me (montesano@buffalo.com), Myrtle Beach Course Owners. I’ll listen to/read any reasonable offers.

Having played St. Andrews many moons ago, having played Bandon, only one links style course still beckoned (well, two, but I can’t get to Nebraska just yet.) The links along the lake. Knowing the glory of the oceanside, I was able to con two western New Yorkers into a three-day jaunt to Kohler, Wisconsin. If all you know of Kohler is from the 2004 PGA at Whistling Straits, you fail with a 25%. The Irish Course, Blackwolf Run River and Meadows Valley course complete the quadrilateral.

There might be an additional sojourn to Nemacolin Woodlands in south-central PA, if time permits. The home of the up-and-coming 84 Lumber Classic, now is the time to profile this modern-day Homestead/Greenbrier.

Make plans for your own Monster Road Trips in 2006. Get the lasses and lads together, pool your resources and funds, and head off to satiate the wanderlust.

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