Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and it all started with David McLay Kidd, who designed the first course at the resort. Kidd, a Scotsman who grew up around golf, caught the eye of novice developer Mike Keiser in the mid-1990s, landing the job to design the course on the remote shores of southwestern Oregon. Named Bandon Dunes along with the resort, it kicked off Kidd’s career as a golf course architect, with over 20 courses around the world to his name, earning high praise from course rankings, including Golfweek’s Best.
Reflecting on his first visit to Bandon in July 1994 with his father, who was a golf course superintendent in Scotland, Kidd recalls being intrigued by the potential of the land that was covered in gorse. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Kidd’s enthusiasm and vision for creating a true links-style course resonated with Keiser, who eventually gave him the green light to start shaping the course. It wasn’t until April 1997 that Kidd officially started shaping the course, with the first green and 17th green receiving praise from Keiser and others involved in the project.
For Kidd, the opportunity to work on Bandon Dunes was a dream come true, despite the lack of attention or expectations from the golfing world at the time. Building the course with minimal oversight and interference allowed Kidd to create a unique and authentic links experience that emphasized the importance of the ground game in golf. This approach was a departure from the common two-dimensional style of American golf courses and reflected Kidd’s deep-rooted belief in the traditional aspects of the game.
Looking back on those early days of building Bandon Dunes, Kidd fondly recalls the simplicity and camaraderie of the project. Working closely with main shaper Jim Haley, the duo faced challenges such as inclement weather and limited daylight hours. However, their shared commitment to the project led to unique experiences, like Kidd doing laundry for both of them at a coin-operated laundry in Bandon every Wednesday afternoon.
Ultimately, the success of Bandon Dunes as a golf destination can be attributed to Kidd’s bold vision and Keiser’s willingness to challenge conventional norms in golf course design and development. By embracing the natural features of the land and eschewing unnecessary embellishments, Kidd was able to create a course that honored the true spirit of links golf. As Bandon Dunes celebrates its 25th anniversary, it serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Kidd’s work and the continued commitment to authenticity and excellence in golf course design.
