Bandon Dunes Solstice Podcast (Bandon Dunes Solstice Podcast)

Episode 1: In the inaugural episode, host Mike and playing partner Bob provide a deep dive of why the Bandon Dunes Solstice is the ultimate golf event on the planet. During our conversation, we talk about the obvious stuff like the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and the Summer Solstice event. We also talk about more interesting topics like summer solstice induced insanity, playing golf under the influence, human sacrifice, and playing golf with Condaleeza Rice.  

Follow Bandon Solstice on Instagram at @bandonsolstice

Episode 2: Mike speaks with another Bandon Dunes Solstice first timer, Jared Bragg about expectations about the event and what the day will bring. The bravado is strong for two golfers with single digit vanity handicaps who feel that completing more than 72 holes of golf in one day will bring career rounds along with riches and glory.

Follow Bandon Solstice on Instagram at @bandonsolstice

Mike talks with a Bandon Solstice OG - Akbar Chisti, the CEO of Seamus Golf. Akbar has not only played the Bandon Dunes Summer Solstice six times but was a caddie at Bandon Dunes while in college. Akbar provides some great (and hilarious) stories from Solstice's past plus some "you better do this" advice to having a great day at the Bandon Solstice. And we discuss Akbar's dilemma about whether to attend the 2020 Bandon Solstice or another important event.

Follow Bandon Solstice on Instagram at @bandonsolstice

Mike and Bob are excited to host Jeff Simonds, Director of Resort Operations for Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Jeff talks about the history of the Solstice event, provides some great insight into how the event is run, and talks about some of his favorite stories from the event. Also, Jeff provides an interesting glimpse of the new course - Sheep Ranch.. Last,  Mike gets fair warning about trying to go beyond 72 holes in a single day, something he is desperate to do. 
Note: incredible thanks to Jeff and his team for the hard work that will allow Bandon to open to guests in the next few days. This was recorded well before the covid-19 pandemic and we can only imagine what the team at Bandon is doing right now to prepare for the re-opening. 

Follow Bandon Solstice on Instagram at @bandonsolstice

Bob and Mike are deep in quarantine due to Covid 19 and talk preparation to date for Bandon Solstice. Bob has gone from 4 hour round to a 2:30 round with his caveman attitude of "see ball, hit ball". Mike hasn't touched a club in 49 days but contends he looks good in a bathing suit. But the question remains in terms of expectations -  Do we need to play well to have fun at Solstice? 
Note: we recorded this 2 hours before we received news that Bandon Dunes is open for play. As of May 11, people are playing at Bandon.

Follow Bandon Solstice on Instagram at @bandonsolstice

We speak with Leo Rooney and Rick Sessinghaus from Urban Golf Performance in Southern California to explore how to prep both mentally and physically for Bandon Solstice. Urban Golf Performance is THE place to improve as a golfer, offering golf instruction plus fitness and mental coaching along with club fitting/building. While we just scratch the surface of what can be done in prep for Solstice, Leo offers up several suggestions on how to use the next month to improve physically both on the cardio and anaerobic side. With the mental coach, Rick, we talk about we can do be doing today to maximize our enjoyment and performance on the day of Solstice plus developing some fall back strategies when the inevitable (one swing doubles, hosel rockets, and sod layers) happens.
Check out Urban Golf Performance at www.urbangolfperformance.com or on IG at @urbangolfperformance to see many of their workouts including the ultimate golf warmup routine. And check out their podcast to really dive deep into the mental and physical side of the game. 

Follow Bandon Solstice on Instagram at @bandonsolstice

Mathew from The Breakfast Ball Golf Blog talks about his memories from the 2019 Bandon Solstice. Mathew talks about his strongest memory one year later and his favorite story from his experience. We talk about the favorite courses at Bandon during the Solstice and how we love some Tom Doak for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Check out Mathew's reviews and experiences at The Breakfast Ball Golf Blog. 

Follow Bandon Solstice on Instagram at @bandonsolstice

Now the fun begins... Mike and Bob have the final pre-Solstice conversation where we negotiate our matches for the day and we find out how much of a sandbagger Bob is. Also we talk output from Mike's sessions from his mental coach where we discovered that we are both terrified of the first tee. Also, Bob recaps his several month prep for Solstice and goes all Dalai Lama in his approach for fun. where we go deep. Mike talks about the most ridiculous golf shot of all time (ad nauseam) while Bob accuses Mike of forcing him to lay up and ruining his chances for glory and riches.

This was by far the best and most laughs we've had in our prep for Solstice - well worth the listen. Last - anybody up for a 72 hole wager at Solstice? Hit us up at @bandonsolstice on Instagram. 

After the big day, Bob and Mike finally sit down to recap the big, epic day. The main story is that the boys tried to climb Mt Everest - go for the full 90 holes with the introduction of Bandon's 5th course - The Sheep Ranch. Plus, we review our wagers and predictions to see where they succeeded and where they failed. Last, we learn about the mental side and see if performance is determined by great mental preparation or a quick nip from the legendary bourbon box at Bandon. Also included is a rundown of the main takeaways that any first time Solstice participant needs to know before they tee it up at the ultimate golf event - The Bandon Dunes Summer Solstice. Enjoy the show.  
******Play Fast. Carts are Evil.. Golf is Good. Amen.*********