Sandpines Golf Links

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Meet The Team: Director of Golf – Nik Remer

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Everyone knows and loves our Director of Golf, Nik!

Nik has a history that runs deep with Sandpines Golf Links, and we are so very lucky to have him as the face of our operations!

A wealth of knowledge, learn more about Nik’s journey (back) to Sandpines & Florence:

“I was born in Oregon, but my childhood was far from typical. My entrepreneurial parents moved frequently, and by the time I was 12, I had already lived in Oregon, Hawaii, California, Nevada, and back to Oregon.

In 1991, we settled here in Florence, where I discovered my passion for golf. At the time, my family had just opened The Westward Ho! Paddle boat business, which kept my parents busy, leaving me searching for something to do. My dad, an avid golfer with a single-digit handicap, was eager to introduce me to the game. I spent my summer at Ocean Dunes Golf Links, where the golf pro, Vern Smith, took me under his wing. In exchange for cleaning carts and picking balls on the range, I had free access to the course and early instruction from Vern, which set me on the right path with my swing.

By 1993, I was playing on my high school’s state championship golf team and working my first paying job at Sandpines Golf Club, a new course in Florence. I was hired as a cart kid under Jim Skaugstad, the first golf professional at Sandpines. Over the next few years, I balanced high school, golf, and working at the course. My game progressed to the point where I earned a spot in the 1996 U.S. Junior Amateur in Flagstaff, Arizona, and received a golf scholarship to Portland State University.

After college, I took a job at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, where I spent four summers at their Ghost Creek course. There, I started the PGA program and learned to teach from top instructors such as Jerry Mowlds, Verne Perry, Bruce Furman, and Christopher Smith. It was at Pumpkin Ridge, mentored by Ben Hay and Dylan Campy, where I discovered my love for teaching golf.

In the winters, I spent time in Indian Wells, California, at a private club called The Reserve and eventually moved to La Quinta full-time in 2003. The Coachella Valley, with over 120 golf courses and perfect weather, became my new home. I earned a position as an assistant golf pro at Bermuda Dunes Country Club, a prestigious club where over the next 10 years I was able to become a PGA member, advance through the ranks, and host the Bob Hope Classic for many years. Over that time I got married, became a father, and was promoted all the way to Director of Golf. I grew in my career and life, but my passion for teaching and helping others improve their game remained constant.

In 2014, when my daughter Violet turned 3, the desire to raise our family in Oregon grew stronger. Unfortunately, the catalyst for our move was a cancer diagnosis for both my father and father-in-law within six months of each other. Christina and I decided to move back to Florence in 2015 to be closer to family. During the next few years, I worked for my in-laws at the Oregon Home Center. We welcomed our son Mikey into the world, and spent a winter in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, as the Director of Instruction at Querencia Golf Club.

In 2018, I heard that Sandpines Golf Club had been sold and renamed Florence Golf Links. I sent the new owners a letter, hoping for an opportunity to return to my roots. I shared my experience in the golf industry and expressed my love for raising a family in Florence. In June of 2019, I was hired as the General Manager and Head Professional at Florence Golf Links. Coming back to the course where my golf career began has been one of my proudest moments. It is why I was so thrilled to be able to contribute to the restart of the Siuslaw high school golf program after it had been gone over a decade! 

Over the past five years, our family’s connection to Florence has deepened. We settled into our forever home, adopted a golden retriever named Caramel and a German Shepherd named Chai, and now have two cats, 10 chickens, and a 5-foot ball python named Uni. Christina has been the middle school art teacher for several years, and both kids thrive in school, enjoy the performing arts, sports, and love their hometown.

Today, I’m incredibly grateful for the journey that brought me full circle. I am excited to share my passion for golf through our community’s youth programs. Watching my own children, Violet and Mikey, grow in the game, along with other young golfers, is incredibly rewarding. My love for golf, my family, and my community have shaped who I am and it’s very fulfilling to be able to give back to a sport and community that has meant so much to me throughout my life.”

Nik Remer

Director of Golf, Florence Golf Links

PGA Member

A History of Sandpines Golf Links: West Coast’s First Renowned Links Course

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Nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Florence, Oregon, Sandpines Golf Links has become a beloved destination for golf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Known for its stunning natural beauty, challenging layout, and rich history, the course provides a memorable experience for golfers of all skill levels. But like many great courses, its story began with a vision and a deep connection to the landscape that surrounds it.

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The Early Beginnings

The history of Sandpines Golf Links can be traced back to the early 1990s when the land, once home to sand dunes and wetlands, was transformed into what would become one of the most scenic and exciting courses in the Pacific Northwest. The vision for the course was to create a championship-level layout that would blend seamlessly into the natural environment.

In 1993, the course’s development began under the guidance of the course’s architect, Rees Jones, a renowned golf course designer with an impressive portfolio of courses across the world. Jones, often referred to as the “Open Doctor,” was tasked with designing a course that would not only be visually striking but would also provide a challenging and strategic test of golf.

Sandpines Golf Links was selected by Golf Digest Magazine as America’s Best New Public Golf Course in 1993!

The Design

Jones’s design for Sandpines Golf Links takes full advantage of the coastal terrain, incorporating the natural features of the area, such as towering sand dunes, dense forests, and sprawling wetlands. The course itself was created to offer an exciting yet fair challenge to golfers of all skill levels.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Sandpines Golf Links is its par-72 layout, which stretches over 7,000 yards from the back tees. The course is known for its wide fairways and large greens, which offer players ample opportunities for both long drives and precise approaches. But what truly sets it apart is the strategic placement of hazards and the winding paths through the dunes, creating a course that requires thoughtful decision-making and shot placement.

Opening and Early Success

After years of construction and careful planning, Sandpines Golf Links officially opened its doors in 1993. Right from the start, the course received rave reviews for its stunning beauty and thoughtful design. It quickly earned a reputation as one of the top golf courses in Oregon and became a must-play course for golfers visiting the Pacific Coast.

The course’s unique layout and breathtaking coastal views made it an instant hit, drawing both local golfers and tourists who were looking for a memorable round. The pristine setting, combined with challenging yet fair design elements, made Sandpines an iconic fixture in Oregon’s golf scene.

Recognition and Growth

As the years went by, Sandpines Golf Links continued to thrive and grow in popularity. The course garnered numerous accolades and was regularly featured on lists of the best golf courses in Oregon. Golf Digest, for example, named it one of the “Top 10 Courses You Can Play in Oregon,” and it remained a top contender for several years.

In addition to individual praise, the course also became a regular host to golf tournaments, further cementing its place in the competitive golf scene. Local and regional events, as well as charity tournaments, were held at Sandpines, drawing larger crowds and creating a sense of community around the course.

Environmental Stewardship and Preservation

One of the defining aspects of Sandpines Golf Links is its dedication to environmental stewardship. The course’s location in the coastal wetlands of Oregon has given it a unique responsibility to maintain the delicate balance between golf and nature. Over the years, the course has implemented various initiatives to preserve its natural beauty and protect local wildlife habitats.

The wetland areas around the course have been carefully preserved, and the course works to maintain its status as a “green” course by using environmentally sustainable practices. These efforts have earned the course recognition from environmental organizations and have played a major role in its appeal to eco-conscious golfers.

The Present Day

Today, Sandpines Golf Links remains one of Oregon’s most cherished golfing destinations. The course continues to attract visitors from across the country, drawn by its combination of natural beauty, challenging design, and warm hospitality. It has become a place where golfers can not only test their skills but also take in the serene views of the Oregon coast.

Beyond its role as a premier golf course, Sandpines is also deeply connected to the Florence community. The course provides jobs to locals, supports local businesses, and hosts community events that bring people together. Its success over the years is a testament to the vision, hard work, and commitment of those involved in its creation and ongoing operation.

Sandpines Golf Links is much more than just a golf course – it is a piece of living history that has become a staple of Florence, Oregon’s charm and beauty. From its opening in 1993 to its present-day status as one of Oregon’s premier golf courses, Sandpines continues to captivate golfers with its stunning landscape, challenging layout, and environmental responsibility. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, a round at Sandpines promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast.

If you ever find yourself near Florence, a visit to Sandpines Golf Links should be at the top of your list, offering not only a fantastic round of golf but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this exceptional course. Book a tee time here!