Scott, you might appreciate this
i was there the week before you were and it just so happens that Gonzaga was hosting the Bandon Dunes Championship at the same time with three rounds at Old Mac. five of the top 25 collegiate teams were in the 16 team field (Oregon, Auburn, Colorado, Texas A&M and Texas Tech). obviously they were playing from the tips at ~6950 yards but it looks like they were playing to a par 72. i still don't know which par 4 they turned into a par 5, but if i had to guess it would be the 500 yd #4 (your favorite) which is the 1 HC and plays into the prevailing wind this time of year.
the main reason i bring this up is because i think it's interesting to have played the same course they did on the same day with the same weather (from different tees, obv), and based on your trip report you seemed to have a similar three day weather pattern in reverse just a week later. goes to show how much better these players are than us hacks.
all rounds started first thing in the morning
R1: blue sky and calm - mid 50s. fantastic for oregon in early march.
R2: damp, winds from the south at 10-15 with passing light showers.
R3: super thick damp fog/heavy mist and wind from the south at 15-20 sustained and gusting ~30+. we could barely see the flag from the tee on the 180 yd 5th hole at pacific during our morning round.
below is a chart of the collegiate players that finished at par or better. their WAGR rankings are at the far left. for reference our 2+2 golf thread hero Will Zalatoris is currently #14 in the WAGR ranking.
i can understand the three Oregon players finishing 2-4 with most likely a local knowledge of the course having played it at least a few times, but Ronneblad at the top two shots clear of the field is very impressive.
what's probably more impressive is witnessing the piles of food these college players heaped on their plates at the breakfast buffet at the Lodge, and also hearing the sound their ball flight made while watching them hit balls on the range. let's just say i chose to warm up on the other end of the practice facility.