For years, the property just north of Bandon Dunes was the stuff of legend, a free-form course that wasn’t easy to access.
Despite 20 years of acclaim, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort continues to find new ways to stay relevant and remain on every golfer’s bucket list. June 1, 2020 saw the official opening of the resort’s sixth golf course: Sheep Ranch.
For years, visitors to Bandon Dunes heard tales of the Sheep Ranch, an oceanfront property just north of Old Macdonald. Those who had the opportunity to play there – it was a wild collection of tee boxes and greens – knew it was likely some of the most stunning property on the resort. Now, it’s a championship course available to all resort guests.
Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw – the duo responsible for Bandon Trails and Bandon Preserve – Sheep Ranch presented something of a challenge. The site earned its breathtaking ocean views by virtue of being perched high above the beach. Because the smallish site was trapped between steep bluffs and a deep ravine, Coore and Crenshaw had to design a smart, concise route that maximized usage of the land along the ocean.
Coore spent several days walking the site with Bandon Dunes owner Mike Keiser and his business partner, Phil Friedmann. The latter had always considered the Sheep Ranch a hidden gem that he cherished; Coore convinced him that it could be something greater.
Recognizing the potential along the coastline was easy, but Coore knew that making compelling holes inland was equally important. With that in mind, he worked from the coastline inwards, occasionally placing the tees for two holes (2 and 18, 5 and 15, and 8 and 10) in proximity to create width.
“You can’t have holes that are strictly parallel because of the wind,” Coore says. “We tried to cluster tees for holes. That means you can get tees in a small area, but radiate from different angles and create wider playing areas. The places you’re playing golf are almost like a piece of pizza—you’re playing from the center out. And that’s the way you make it interesting and create different holes. We’ve done it a time or two at other places, but never as frequently as at the Sheep Ranch.”
The result is an incredible, old school routing that really feels in touch with the origins of the game, and the Bandon ethos of not placing too much emphasis on length. Coore says the course is different than any at Bandon Dunes, comparing it to Cabot Cliffs in places. However, even that comparison doesn’t quite fit, as the coastline at Sheep Ranch is far less linear, allowing the golfer to strategically challenge the rugged cliffs for position on several holes.
One thing that’s unique about the Sheep Ranch is the lack of formal bunkers. It was a decision that saves on maintenance – sand blows out of the bunkers at Bandon – and gives the course a unique feel. Instead of bunkers, the course features grassy areas reminiscent of long-abandoned bunkers. “I think golfers are going to find them very interesting,” Coore said.
The question now becomes whether or not Sheep Ranch will be the swan song for Bandon Dunes. Keiser has been quick to say that Sheep Ranch will, indeed, be the last full course built at Bandon. “With the completion of Sheep Ranch, we’ve used all the great land.”
The property features five full-length courses, a par-three course, a putting course, and a world-class practice facility. With a variety of lodging options on-site and around the area, it’s a destination that’s accessible to everyone.
With the potential for Sheep Ranch to be on everyone’s mind in 2020, it’s probably best to book your trip now. If you wait, you may find yourself waiting for a round on the ranch.
