At Bandon Dunes, 18 times 4 equals 12

BANDON, Ore. - As one course gets set to open this summer, Bandon Dunes turns it's focus toward it's next project: planning for a new 12-hole course.

The resort currently features three 18-hole golf courses, and a fourth opens this summer.

Still in the early stages, Bandon Dunes recently got the green light from the county to construct a 12-hole course on the southern end of the golf resort's property.

According to General Manager Hank Hickox, the idea for this course has been talked about for many years but just recently picked up steam. However, planning is still in the very early stages.

"It will be running somewhat parallel to Bandon Trails and Bullards Beach State Park," Hickox said, "so it will have 12 holes, par 3 target holes."

Hickox said the still unnamed course, which for now is being called The Preserve because of it's location, will be designed by Bill Coore, who also helped design Bandon Trails, and Ben Crenshaw.

And why 12 holes as opposed to 18? Hickox said it's all in how you look at the area it's being put in.

"I think it has mainly to do with the site and wanting to make sure that the quality of each hole is an experience," he said. "Trying to push more than that in there would have deterred from that, so more it's probably of a practical decision than anything else."

He said because their newest course, Old Macdonald, is opening June 1, this next course won't be constructed until at least 2012.