WAVES BREAKING AT THE SHEEP RANCH
My first job in golf course design and construction was on the business end of a rake at the Sheep Ranch just north of the Bandon Dunes Resort. I returned there in February for the first time in seven or eight years and was really pleased with what I found.
The Sheep Ranch consists of thirteen greens, a handful of bunkers and fairways that meander all over the place. The idea behind the place is that there is no set routing, but that the winner of the hole in match play gets to decide which green to play to next. There are endless ways to play the course, although I suspect that most people hug the coast which juts out into the Pacific, creating amazing views both up the coast and back down towards Old Macdonald and Pacific Dunes. (video after the jump)
The greens shaped by the team at Renaissance Golf were in perfect condition and were even more interesting then I remembered them. Built to be approached from multiple angles, they often have one large contour and a number of smaller ones. They remind me of some of the great greens at Prestwick.
The best things about the Sheep Ranch are the solitude and pureness. The only other person on the property was the superintendent, who was knocking around a bunch of balls, practicing his game. He (I am ashamed that I did not catch his name) informed us that play was limited to two foursomes a day, and even that was rare. It is quite a contrast to the resort next door, which was bustling, even in late February.
The Sheep Ranch does not have irrigation and the only water it gets is from Mother Nature and an old fire truck that has been there since construction. I can only imagine how cool the play must be in the summer when it browns out and you have to play approach shots seventy yards short of the green downwind. I understand that they will be filming Golf in the Kingdom there this spring and I cannot think of a place in the U.S. that is more appropriate.
Access to the Sheep Ranch is through Bandon Golf Supply.
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Thank you for the memories. Playing The Sheep Ranch is a special experience.
My son and I spent 9 wonderful hours as the only golfers playing The Sheep Ranch on April 28, 2009. The most fabulous golfing experience we have ever had, and I have played and caddied at some great venues like Olympic Club, Spyglass Hill, Bayonet & Black Horse, Pebble Beach, Cherry Hills CC, Spanish Bay. It was cold, windy, raining, cloudy, part sunshine…..just would you expect along the Oregon Coast in April. We played 18 per the track score card, warmed up and dried out with some Calif vino fino, then went back out and played the “match play” format of whoever wins the hole picks the next green to pay to. I played with 7 clubs, Justin who is a big lefty played with four and was out driving me into the wind with his 5 iron. If we had one last course to play on “the grass side of the dirt” it would be The Sheep Ranch.
We’re playing it Friday for the first time……………..it will be a special day…..
Let us know what you think.
Greetings, I’m still processing the experience of May 22. Sheep Ranch is memorable. The Bandon Summer winds were blowing steady from the north at 25, gusting to 35…about 55 degrees without wind chill.. John,Bill & I had the entire course to ourselves.. There are 13 greens and numerous tee boxes, we played the scorecard 18 routing, it was 5 hours of pure golf,spectacular scenery & solitude, nothing marked, unbelievable greens, especially the huge cliffside green that we played as a par 5 into the wind and as short par 3 downwind over the beach &rocks. #18 a par 5’s into the wind was brutal.. 4 solid shots to get green side! Bill & Jim didn’t keep score, didn’t care to on this day ( good thing!) John shot low 90’s.. great round in the conditions!…… I will email a slideshow of the day if you wish to post it.
I agree with Jim’s assessment. I haven’t played Carnoustie, but I can’t imagine that it could be any harder. John has played and caddied at most of the great tracks. I asked him how he felt Spyglass would hold up in Sheep Ranch-like winds. He replied “It would be almost unplayable.” Two of the cliff-hanger holes are as beautiful as you’ll ever see. Leave 5 clubs in the trunk and bring a small video camera and a dozen balls.