In our second episode with Michael Keiser Jr., “Talking GolfGetaways” hosts Mitch Laurance and Darin Bunch dive deeply into Michael’s own journey through the Keiser Golf Universe — how Bandon Dunes, Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania and medical office buildings in Chicago are all part of the tapestry of Michael’s path to managing partner for project development and his newest project, the unfolding Sand Valley Resort in Rome, Wisconsin.
The discussion then turns to the passion the Keiser family has for its developments, and why the biggest key to success for Michael’s father, Mike, has nothing to do with the bottom line. You’ll find out the philosophy that’s driven every business decision at Bandon Dunes and Cabot Links (and soon at Sand Valley) — and why golfers are always at the heart of the Keisers’ destinations.
Michael then talks “Sheep Ranch” — the oceanfront “mystery course” just north of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (now a spectacular “play-it-any-way-you-like adventure”) and shares future plans for a full 18-hole course on the property, talking about how Gil Hanse is the “leader in the clubhouse” to design what would be the fifth full course at the resort.
We wrap up the episode with some thoughts on what’s next for the Keiser family — in addition to the Sheep Ranch, Michael mentions a project near Portland, Oregon, exploration of projects in Australia and Iceland (yes, your read that right), and consulting on a possible restoration of the nine-hole South Shore Country Club in Chicago, adjacent to Jackson Park.
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“Talking GolfGetaways with Mitch & Darin” is sponsored by StGeorgeUtahGolf.com and can be heard on GolfNewsNet.com. The podcast is also available for download on iTunes Podcasts. New episodes post daily, five days per week.
Mitch Laurance can be found on Twitter @MitchLaurance and Instagram @MitchLaurance.
Darin Bunch can be found @GetawaysGolf on Twitter and @GolfGetaways on Instagram.
