Michigan Golf Journal January 2022

negotiations with government officials for ten years to get the project started. A new par-3 course will be created by Tom Doak and sit adjacent to the existing Bandon Preserve. Both Doak and Kidd have history at Bandon. McLay Kidd designed the first course at Bandon, Bandon Dunes. Doak is responsible for Pacific Dunes, Old MacDonald and the Punch Bowl. The award-winning team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw designed Bandon Trails, the Sheep Ranch, as well as, the 13-hole par-3 Bandon Preserve. Obtaining the necessary Federal permits before construction can begin makes it impossible to predict an opening date. “The bureaucratic ball is beginning to roll,” said Keiser, “We’ve just begun the process of getting approvals on both of the new courses. You never know whether they will be forthcoming or whether they will demand changes, or who knows what.” Another reason more courses will be needed at Bandon Dunes Resort is that the USGA will hold 13 national championships on Bandon Dunes’ courses through 2045. The resort has already hosted a very successful USGA Four-Ball Championship and the 2020 U.S. Amateur. Mike Keiser has set the standard for how new golf resorts are conceived. He along with his two sons, Mike and Chris are involved in all aspects of the courses. The Keisers also own Sand Valley in Wisconsin, Cabot Cape Breton, in Nova Scotia, as well as, Cabot Saint Lucia, which is currently under construction in the Caribbean.

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