Time spent on the Oregon Coast during the winter months might seem like a bad idea, but after four days being tested at America’s #1 golfing destination, Jon Meyer can’t imagine it any other way.

For the most dedicated, golf is a spiritual experience. It’s a dance featuring rhythm and an ever-changing environment full of uncontrollable obstacles. Faith is required. Physical and mental stamina is necessary to succeed. One can practice all they like in the basement or office, but when it comes down to it, a church (golf course) is needed to fulfill the golfer’s fate, and right now, there’s only one place that can truly answer the calling — Bandon Dunes.

I caddied for two summers at Bandon Dunes, the first being so good I had to return for another post college graduation. Residing 20 minutes south of Coos Bay along the Oregon stretch of 101, one of the largest golf facilities in America has risen to such status since my departure that all four courses are in Golf Digest’s top 15, with Pacific Dunes topping the list. To this day I still consider it the best job I’ve ever had, picking up moist dew on my shoes in the morning and witnessing one tangerine sunset after another drown into the ocean every evening. I carried 28 days straight — that’s how enjoyable it was.

Like most good things however, it had to end. Pockets full, I moved to Seattle wondering when I would return to the place that held so many fond golfing memories. Once established in Seattle, it wasn’t just thoughts of Bandon that began fading, but the game I loved for more than half my life. I lost touch with golf and its highs. Somehow, I survived weeks without even attempting the perfect shot — that one that keeps you coming back for more. The hobby of golf dissipated. Even in the summer, my free time went to other activities. My calluses subsided, the addiction faded, and before I knew it I wasn’t even putting golf balls into a pint glass on my carpet. The light turned off.

Then, six months ago a friend came to me with an offer: Bandon Dunes this upcoming February. I shuttered at first, thinking about what dismal weather would be gusting through, but that’s why the off-season price is the off-season price. For meals, five rounds of golf, and lodging the bill would turn out to be less than $900. At peak rates the same package would be well over $1,600. Having spent time there during a few marginal months, I also knew that even in February, the sun still shines.

It was with this optimism (and more harassment) that I finally signed over a check, and I couldn’t have been more rewarded.  Since my departure in 2005, what I will call the Bandon Resort Complex has continued its growth, which kept my head on a swivel and my companions constantly annoyed with my “this and that” observations.  The new inn, built.  The newest course, Old Macdonald (which was always a dark rumor to us caddies), finished and heralded.  Bandon Trails, a course that in 2005 I was lucky enough to step foot on opening day, has matured into the fine track I always hoped for.  Of course, Bandon and Pacific Dunes need no further compliment — they are the Natalie Portman and Cameron Diaz of golf courses — exquisitely attractive now and forever.  To walk about them is to know you are amongst something larger than yourself.  Even during spells of bad play, I could only achieve a certain level of disappointment because of my surroundings.  Frustratingly throwing a ball into the ocean is much more rewarding than a pond at the local municipal.

The food was no slouch either.  For breakfast each morning we dined on a buffet complete with French-toast bar and Eggs Benedict.  Exhausted and tired, our evenings were filled with a complimentary starter and entrée’ at either McKee’s pub or the Gallery Dining room.  Both excelled, filling me with braised short ribs and a surf and turf made up of sirloin and prawns.  The portions were enough to make me blush, and then promptly drift off into a coma.

Accordingly, my bed was never more than a five-minute walk away. Our lodgings at the Lilly Pond estate were comfortable but not pushy. Two sinks allowed for un-congested, groggy prep for my roommate and me while the TV possessed two ESPN channels — need I say more.  Everything we required (except masseuses, who are located at the main lodge) were present. Like Vegas, Bandon is a place where the room is really just used for showers and sleep anyways.

Feet hurting and bushed, we piled into the car after our final round at Pacific Dunes. Rain had just begun to sprinkle, and we smiled at one another with the feeling that we had stolen something. In the middle of February, we played 90 holes of weather friendly golf, ate like kings, and each had a shot of the trip to brag about on the way home.  Heavy eyed we hit Highway 101, laughing about our fortunes and wondering how the weekend could be possibly better.  Personally, I felt I had somehow salvaged my golfing life by returning to the game’s American mecca, and while my interest in the delicate sport may fade again, my memories from that trip will stay ever present.

To salvage your golfing life too, go to bandondunesgolf.com and orchestrate the trip of a lifetime.