McNary Golf Club

General Course Description

McNary Golf Club is an 18-hole semi-public (reserved tee times for members) course just north of Salem. The course is park like, through a housing development, but with a good amount of trees, water, and traps. Although the course is a bit short, most holes are narrow and there is trouble on almost every hole. McNary Golf Club is very well maintained (the greens are in great shape). The course is very flat and walkable even though there are some long walks between some holes.

Course History

Opened in 1962. It was built on the homestead of Charles McNary, Congressman and Vice-President candidate with Wendell Willkie. Since the course opened in 1962, it has been reconfigured several times, with the last significant remodel occurring in the 1990s. The course has also been owned by several entities (including a housing developer). The course is presently owned by residents and players (who are proud of the course and their ownership).

Why It Is There

Jim Still wanted to build an enjoyable course for the average golfer in the underserved Salem area. It is now a well-priced, popular course.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Most water features are not visible from the tee. It is important to take the free yardage book and determine where the water is before your drive (and, sometimes, your second shot). Also, the green on the 5th hole has a significant lift in the back. If the pin is in the back, better add several yards to get there.

Did You Know

The original clubhouse was Congressman McNary’s home.

Good For Them

The course hosts a week-long golf camp, participates in PGA Jr. League, and is the home course for McNary High School. The Women’s Club hosts a social to encourage women to start playing and has a very low-key nine-hole club to help new players learn and improve.

Why Play This Course

It is an attractive, well-maintained course with a wide difference between tees, allowing play for a group with a variety of skills. The price is an added attraction.

General

• Type: 18-hole public course
• Price: $$
• Phone/webpage: (503) 393-4653/www.mcnarygolfclub.com
• Address:  155 McNary Estates Drive N., Keizer Oregon 97303
• Owner: McNary Golf Club
• Designer: Fred Federspiel (original design); Fred Sparks (remodel)
• Pros: Larry Bent
• Practice Facilities: Practice net just off the first tee, pitching area with green, and putting green
• Pro Shop: Good-sized, with clothing and equipment
• Food: The View, a full-service restaurant and lounge is open to the public with a patio overlooking the 10th tee and 18th green
• Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
• Yardage Markers: 200, 150, and 100 markers in ground; yardage on sprinkler heads as you approach the greens; pins color-coded for location
• Clothing: Collared shirts
• Walkable: Flat with distance between some holes, but fine overall
• Spikes: Soft
• Shoe Cleaning: Air hose and brushes
• Rentals: All
• Open all year