The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department has entered into an agreement with the owner of Bandon Dunes golf resort to sell 280-acres of the Bandon State Natural Area’s 878-acres to develop another golf course. Chicago-based developer Mike Keiser has been in negotiations over the property for five years and finally came up with an offer that he describes as a win for all involved. The offer includes giving Oregon State Parks two smaller coastal property, plus splitting the cost of a third, put up additional cash to control the invasive weed Gorse, and place another $2.5 million into an account which would allow State Parks to buy additional property in the future. The State Parks Commission voted 4-2 to accept the proposal. Keiser wants to build a 27-hole course that he says will be more affordable for local golfers who might not be able to pay the green fees at his five world-class courses north of the city at Bandon Dunes. Prices can run as much as $310 during the peak summer months. Bandon Muni would cost about $20 a round south of the city. However, out-of-staters would pay resort rates. The properties Keiser offered are a former Coos Co. park just south of the Bandon State Natural Area, an eroding spit at the mouth of the Coquille River at Bandon, and an 11-acre cover in Lincoln County on the Central Coast.
