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A Sixth Course at Bandon? By Torleif Sorenson on 10/29/14
 The second course at Bandon, Pacific Dunes, was design by the "retro-traditionalist" architect Tom Doak. A sixth course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in southwestern Oregon appears to be on its way toward reality. At this point, we do not yet know if "Bandon Links," a planned municipal facility with support from Oregon's governor and the state parks department, will be an 18-hole or 27-hole facility, but we are happy to see that the project finally seems closer to fruition. Golf Channel's Matt Ginella has some details: The notable "retro-traditionalist" architect Gil Hanse has already been retained to design the course. Presumably, Hanse and resort owner Mike Keiser will have an easier time getting this course built than Hanse has had getting the 2016 Rio Olympic golf course constructed. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is already world-renowned for being a "West Coast" version of golf's Holy Land. Five critically-acclaimed courses are augmented by a fully-equipped practice facility and a Doak-designed putting course. Other good news delivered by Matt Ginella is that Keiser's projects near Sand Valley, Wisconsin and in Ireland are progressing, as well. All of this has happened because Mike Keiser developed a deep knowledge and appreciation of golf architecture. His first "dream golf course," Bandon Dunes, opened in 1999 with a design by Scottish architect David McLay Kidd. Since then, Keiser has become something of a modern-day "Johnny Appleseed" of traditional golf architecture in natural settings. Although Keiser himself is not a full-time professional architect, he is arguably as important to the development of quality over quantity in the world of golf. In this writer's opinion, he has earned the same importance and respect as the architects he has retained for all of his courses: Kidd, Hanse, Doak, and the team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. SkyGolf members, if you have played any of the courses at Bandon, we want to hear from you about the experience! Have you seen an interesting golf story? Tell us about it! Image via Bandon Dunes Golf Resort [ comments ] no comments posted yet. [ post comment ]
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