Pacific Gales: Fueling South Coast "Golf Boom" In Greater Bandon?

John Gunther of Bandon Western World gives us a sneak peak at the Pacific Gales project in the greater Bandon area that is about to go public with its plans and effort to get permitted.

If built, Gunther wonders if another independent project separate of the Bandon resort will put the area on the trajectory of a Kiawah, Pinehurst or even Pebble Beach for golfers.

The driving force for the project has been Jim Haley, the managing partner of Elk River Property Development, LLC, and the head shaper when Bandon Dunes was built. Haley owns an Indiana-based company called Highland Golf Services.

The course architect is Chicago-based designer Dave Esler, who has worked with Haley on a number of projects over the years. His best-known course is Black Sheep Golf Club in Illinois, ranked among the country’s top 100 courses by Golfweek Magazine.

With their experience and the natural setting, they think they can make Pacific Gales into a top-tier golf course.

“Honestly, we’re a great deal of work away from being compared to anything, but we have a team that has literally been through this before and that gives us all a lot of confidence, “ said Esler. “Plus, they’re just a bunch of fun to be around and the course and the management will no doubt reflect that.”

The property itself is visually stunning.

“In addition to the beauty and variety of the terrain on the actual site, the local views are spectacular,” Esler said. “The Elk River valley and coastal range around Port Orford, including Humbug Mountain, are fabulous assets that we’re able to work with to beautifully frame an exceptional golf course site.”