Tom Doak,
I apologize--a couple of employees at Bandon told me that Jim Urbina had been the go-to guy at the Sheep Ranch. I should have called Renaissance to confirm that. I hope that you otherwise found the story to be accurate.
As for the Sheep Ranch, count me among those who hope it remains a while longer...I didn't get there when I visited Bandon a few months ago. One thing that didn't make it into the story, though, that is worth reporting: Mike Keiser did tell me that he believed the site directly inland from Pacific Dunes was superior ground for golf compared to the Sheep Ranch, for its soil properties and natural dunescape. Now, that is the full extent of my knowledge on the subject of a possible fourth course at Bandon. Mr. Keiser is nothing if not a canny businessman, and obviously he won't do anything to distract from what should be a terrific launch of Bandon Trails, but the wheels are definitely spinning as far as the future is concerned....
I did not have time to explore the grounds of either the Sheep Ranch or the site east of Pacific Dunes--I'd certainly be curious, though, to hear about the pros and cons of both properties.