Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and Mick Peters, a long-time resident of Bandon, has been a key figure in the resort’s history. Peters, a former barber who passed down his business to his son, has had the honor of hitting the opening tee shot on each course at the resort, becoming a good-luck charm for the operation.
Peters first heard about the new resort back in the late ’90s and initially doubted its success due to the remote location. However, he ended up landing the first tee time on the opening day through a fortuitous connection with Bob Gaspar, a patron of his barber shop. Since then, Peters has had the opportunity to hit the opening shot on every course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.
Despite his nerves, Peters recalls his first shot on Bandon Dunes as a slice that managed to stay in the fairway. Over the years, he has faced various opening shots, some more nerve-wracking than others, but his tradition of hitting the first ball has continued. The openings have evolved into major events with larger crowds, but Peters remains a central figure in the resort’s grand openings.
With the upcoming opening of the new Shorty’s par-3 course in May, Peters is set to once again hit the opening tee shot, continuing his streak of being the first to play on each course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Despite his modest skills as a golfer, Peters’s role in the resort’s history is a testament to his connection to the community and the success of the resort.
As Bandon Dunes Golf Resort marks its 25th anniversary, Mick Peters’s story is a reminder of the resort’s beginnings and the impact it has had on the local community. His tradition of hitting the opening tee shot symbolizes the enduring relationship between the resort and the people of Bandon, reflecting the spirit of camaraderie and shared passion for the game of golf that has defined the resort’s legacy.
