Laurelwood Golf Course

General Course Description

Laurelwood Golf Course is a  9-hole course owned by the City of Eugene, tucked away in the hills next to the University of Oregon. Although short (except from the tips), the rolling nature of the landscape makes Laurelwood Golf Course play a lot longer (and can provide many awkward lies). The course is fairly open without water, few bunkers, but many old, beautiful fir and oak trees. Fairways are mixed and can be spotty, but the small greens are good and have a lot of nuances. Being so close to U of O and part of the city park system, it has a very laid-back feel. Because of the hills, it is a good walk. Forward tees provide favorable distance and angles.

Course History

Opened in 1929 as Laurelwood Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole public course. It quickly became an important part of Oregon golf, hosting many high school championships, the Oregon Open, and the Oregon PGA. In 1950, the course was purchased by a group of Eugene dentists and in 1952 the course became private. In 1958, 4 acres were sold and the course became a 9-hole course. In 1965, the course was sold to the Eugene School District for the purpose of constructing a school. In 1968, after going to the voters for the second time, a financing bond was approved and the City of Eugene bought the course. In 1969, the course was annexed to the City of Eugene. Debbie and Will Benson operated the course for several years and made remarkable improvements.  Management of the course has recently been turned over to EBD Enterprises. In 2018-19, Dan Hixon did a renovation of the course that included a remodel of the last three holes.

Why It Is There

A group of Eugene doctors (including Robert Prescott and Clarence Sutton) wanted a public course near Eugene. The course has fought off closure and repurposing and has found its footing (and renewed popularity).

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Hole 4 is a par 4 where the left front of the green is a false front and any shot landing there will roll off the green. The newly redesigned 7th hole is a shortish downhill par 4 where you may be tempted to go for the green on your drive. But note the steep up-slope in front of the green will cause your ball to go back and right bringing the trees right into play.  The newly redesigned 9th hole is a short par 5 with a severe dogleg at 250 yards from the green. The second shot is generally blind as the fairway rises and narrows. But at about 60 yards from the green the fairway drops leading to the green. It is possible to reach the green in two if you check your line (so walk up the hill and see if you are about to hit anyone).

Did You Know

The course is under city parks, so the dress code follows those for city parks–it is one of the few courses in the state where men can go shirtless. In addition, you can walk your dog on the course, provided it is on a leash.

Good For Them

Course maintenance is 99 percent organic; they do not use any fertilizers or pesticides, they make their own compost on site, and they use molasses on the greens (but they don’t run slow!). The course is now a participant in The First Tee (encouraging kids to play).

Why Play This Course

Attractive, solid track with some interesting holes close to downtown Eugene for a very reasonable price and with a friendly staff.

General

• • Type: 9-hole public course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage: (541)484-4653/www.golflaurelwood.com
  • Address:  2700 Columbia Street, Eugene, Oregon 97403
  • Owner: City of Eugene
  • Designer: Clarence Sutton, Dan Hixon (2019 remodel)
  • Pros: Lex Goduti
  • Practice Facilities: Covered irons-only driving range on mats, three practice greens
  • Pro Shop: Clothing and some equipment
  • Food: The Pub, a full-service restaurant open for lunch and dinner, is above the pro shop and has great views of the course
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
  • Yardage Markers: Yardage on sprinkler heads (somewhat faded); no pin-position information, but greens are small
  • Clothing: Be legal
  • Walkable: Hilly, a good walk
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes and air hose
  • Rentals: All
  • All seasons