13 Construction of a new short course is under way at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon. The layout, being built on sand dunes immediately south of the resort’s Bandon Preserve course, has been designed by Whitman, Axland and Cutten (WAC Golf). It will join the resort’s six existing courses – Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald, Bandon Preserve and Sheep Ranch. WAC Golf becomes the first new design firm to work at the resort since Coore & Crenshaw designed Bandon Trails in 2005, although all three principals have previously worked on several Coore & Crenshaw projects. “The site for the new course is all sand dunes, but more undulating than elsewhere on the Bandon property,” Keith Cutten told GCA. “It would have been almost impossible to build longer golf on this site, but it is ideal for a short course. Our goal is to make the best short course in golf. I think we have a great chance to pull it off.” “We spent several weeks trying to get the routing just right,” continued Cutten. “Our initial walk with [owners] Mike and Chris Keiser proved very successful as our sequence of holes received one of the highest total scores ever given by Mike – he ranks every hole out of 10. I believe we did so well because the golf is right there in front of you. Our routing makes the most of 19 incredible and natural green sites.” The design had begun as a 12-hole routing, before the team expanded it to 15, then 18 and finally 19 holes. “The land was just too good to stop at 12 holes!” said Cutten. A second short course (the first being the 13-hole par-three Bandon Preserve layout) was a priority for the resort, to give more options for those who don’t want, or have time for, a full round. Cutten explains: “While more options for families is a priority, a second short course will also allow guests to add more great golf in between other rounds at the resort or even before late departures or after late arrivals, maximising everyone’s time golfing.” Clearing work began in early March, and will be followed by a six-month window for construction. Grassing is then expected to take place towards the end of 2023. “This will not be a simple pitch-and-putt,” said Cutten. “All 19 par-three holes will be of a quality to match the rest of the superlative offerings at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. However, multiple teeing areas will ensure that golfers of all abilities Photo: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
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