Elkhorn Valley Golf Course

General Course Description

[NOTE Oct. 1, 2020: Due to the Beachie Creek Fire, Elkhorn Valley is now closed.] Elkhorn Valley Golf Course is one of the most pastoral and unique 18-hole public courses in Oregon. The course is located 50 miles east of Salem in the foothills of the Cascades. Although Elkhorn Valley Golf Course is in a rural area (you will likely see more deer than golfers), the conditions are a bit better than you would expect (the fairways are hard and have a mix of grasses, but are cut short and distinct from the rough, and the greens are well maintained and run reasonably well). The design of the course is very interesting with holes moving in and around huge Douglas Fir trees and well-placed traps and water (in the form of both ponds and creeks). Although the fairways are not narrow, they feel that way because of how tall the trees are. Errant balls will get eaten by the thick undergrowth (so bring extra). But if you ever feel frustrated with your round, just look up to the surrounding mountains and you will feel better. Forward tees do provide an advantage for distance and angle. There are some distances between holes, but it is fairly flat and a nice walk.

Course History

First 9 opened in 1976, second 9 in 2000. The original 9 received national accolades including 1998 Golf Digests Best 9 Hole Course, and Sports Illustrated called it one of the best 9 hole courses in the country. The course was sold by the family of the original owners to an investment group. In September of 2020, a vast area of the Western Cascades, including the course, was engulfed by the Beachie Creek fire. Because of damage that was caused by the fire, the course is closed.

Why It Is There

Don and Bonnie Cutler went fishing on the North Fork Santiam River in the early 1960s. They fell in love with the area and bought the property. Mr. Cutler then took 11 years building the first 9 holes to allow the course to fit into the natural surroundings. This meant transplanting trees and building the six ponds. After the front 9 opened to rave reviews, Mr. Cutler went to work on the back 9, but died in 1998. Don’s children, Elizabeth and Bruce, finished the second 9.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

The 1st hole is an uphill dogleg right with a creek that runs in front of the elevated green. Make sure you drive it to the 150 pole to have a clear approach. The 13th hole is a short tree-lined par 4 that shifts right at the 150 pole, but it is easy to hit through the fairway. Stay just short of the 150 or try to hit right of it.

Did You Know

Mr. Cutler is buried behind the 4th green. He did not believe in yardage markers and initially did not install any. After years of complaints, Elizabeth suggested installing birdhouses for 150 markers. There are still a few left on the front side (and the course now has standard, but hard to find, yardage markers).

Why Play This Course

A peaceful rural course deep in the forest of the Cascades that does not play like a rural course. Don’t let the dirt road scare you off. It is a unique and pleasurable experience for an inexpensive price.

General

• • Type: 18-hole public course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage: (503)897-3368/www.elkhorngolf.com
  • Address:  32295 N. Fork Road, Lyons, Oregon 97358
  • Owner: Low Volatility Lending LLC
  • Designer: Don Cutter (first 9), Don Cutter and family (second 9)
  • Pros: None
  • Practice Facilities: Practice chipping area and practice green
  • Pro Shop: Minimal (make sure you have what you need)
  • Food: Snacks, soda, and beer
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and porta potties on course
  • Yardage Markers: 200, 150, and 100 in-ground markers (often hidden); yardage on some sprinklers; flags
    set in a rotating zone system
  • Clothing: Be dressed
  • Walkable: Flat, but long — a nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brush
  • Rentals: Carts and pull carts (they may not have clubs to rent)
  • Can be closed for a month or three in the winterr