Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, located in Bandon, Oregon, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The resort was developed by Mike Keiser, who wanted to prove that links golf was superior to the traditional American golf courses of the time. The courses at Bandon Dunes were designed to favor the ground game in strong winds, similar to the conditions experienced in the British Isles.
In the early days of Bandon Dunes, there was skepticism about whether American golfers would be willing to travel to a remote location on the Oregon coast to play golf. However, Keiser’s vision paid off, as the resort quickly gained popularity and exceeded expectations in terms of the number of rounds played. This success led to the development of additional courses at the resort, such as Pacific Dunes.
Keiser’s approach to golf course development was influenced by his love for sand dunes and natural landscapes. He believed that courses built on land with natural features like sand dunes and ocean views had the potential to be successful. This philosophy has been evident in Keiser’s other golf course developments, such as Sand Valley in Wisconsin and Barnbougle in Tasmania.
The architects who worked on the courses at Bandon Dunes, including David McLay Kidd, Tom Doak, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw, embraced a minimalist design aesthetic that prioritized the natural terrain and routing of the courses. This approach resonated with American golfers who appreciated the visual interest and authenticity of the links-style courses.
Despite the success of Bandon Dunes and other golf course developments, Keiser remains humble and grateful for the support of golf enthusiasts. He credits the appeal of links golf in America to the unique experience offered by courses like Bandon Dunes and the appreciation for natural, minimalist design principles.
Keiser’s sons, Michael and Chris, have also followed in his footsteps and have found success in the golf course development industry. Their commitment to building courses that embody the spirit of links golf and minimalism is a testament to their father’s influence and the enduring appeal of natural, authentic golf experiences.
As Bandon Dunes celebrates its 25th anniversary, Keiser reflects on the impact of the resort and the growth of links golf in America. He is grateful for the support of golfers who have embraced the unique courses at Bandon Dunes and looks forward to seeing the legacy of links golf continue to thrive in the future.
