Virginia Golfer March / April 2015 | Page 29

Native Virginian Michael Chupka is enjoying working and playing at one of the finest resorts in the country. The par-4 16th hole at Bandon Dunes, above, and the par-3 11th hole at Pacific Dunes, top right, complement each course’s natural landscape. COURSE PHOTOS: WOOD SABOLD; MICHAEL CHUPKA Walking is required at Bandon. Caddies cost between $80 and $100 per round. If you request a caddie, one will be assigned for your entire stay. The golfers with whom we were grouped with at Bandon Dunes and Old Macdonald had caddies for the duration. Jordan took a caddie at Pacific Dunes but carried his bag the rest of the time. I pushed a cart ($5 a day) and used yardage books. EMBRACE THE EXPERIENCE The weather was kind for our day at Bandon Dunes and Bandon Trails (where Chupka joined us): sunny and warm with a nice breeze that evolved into a flag-snapping wind for the afternoon finish at Bandon Trails. At Old Macdonald the next morning, the sun, warmth and breeze continued until midday when nature turned the fan to the “howling” setting. That afternoon at Q