American golf course developer Mike Keiser may be about to take an interest in the restored Old Tom Morris course at Askernish in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.

Keiser is the creator of the Bandon Dunes resort in Oregon, whose fourth course, the Tom Doak-designed Old Macdonald, is scheduled to open next spring. He is also the principle backer of the Barnbougle Dunes development in Tasmania, where architect Bill Coore is currently completing a second course. Rumours that he was interested in becoming involved in a Scottish project have circulated for some time.

Askernish Golf Club chairman Ralph Thompson told GCA: “We are speaking to a range of people about the future development of Askernish. One of these is Mike Keiser.” The developer visited the course during a recent trip to Scotland.

Meanwhile, Askernish’s rebirth continues. Thompson said that power problems at the small clubhouse had been solved by the installation of a wind turbine. The clubhouse is being staffed seven days a week during the summer season, with positive results according to Thompson. “We have had a considerable number of visitors, especially Americans, this year,” he said.

An exclusive interview with Mike Keiser will appear in the forthcoming issue 18 of GCA, due for publication in October.