Course of the Week: Sheep Ranch at Bandon Dunes gains Audubon Sanctuary status

Sheep Ranch at Bandon (Ore.) Dunes Golf Resort is now a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Course.

Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, Sheep Ranch opened for play in the summer of 2020. Beginning with Bandon Trails and the par-3 Preserve course in February 2011, continuing with Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes in June of that same year, then Old Macdonald in July 2016 and now Sheep Ranch, these six courses account for nearly a third of the 19 ACSP for Golf certified venues across the entire state.

Photo: Bandon Dunes

“Over the past two decades, Bandon Dunes has not only changed the landscape of American golf, but it has also set a high standard for stewardship in its state and across the nation,” Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International, said. “From day one, owner-developer Mike Keiser and his incredible crew of superintendents and agronomists have cultivated a culture of environmental awareness and sensitivity that’s second to none.”

To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in six main areas: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation and water quality management.

“The certification in our minds brings more awareness around the topic of being environmental stewards and how golf courses can actually work in harmony with the natural environment,” Ken Nice, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort’s senior director of agronomy, said. “It’s a great program and we’ve loved working with Audubon International. They have a love and appreciation for nature, something that we feel golf agronomy teams also resonate with.”

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