Oak Knoll Golf Course

General Course Description

Oak Knoll Golf Course is a rural, 9-hole (18 with dual tee boxes) public course to the southeast of Ashland. Oak Knoll Golf Course is fairly open, but has beautiful trees and rests in a beautiful area, surrounded by hills, farms, and vineyards. Some interestingly designed holes, with trees, some traps, and rolling fairways. The fairways are of mixed grass and spotty, but the greens are generally elevated and in good condition. Everything (fairways and greens) breaks towards the highway. Although rolling, it is a nice walk.

Course History

Built in 1927 on a farm owned by the Wells family. After it opened, it closed and served as a sheep ranch, but then re-opened as a golf course in the 1930s. It also closed during World War II, but re-opened in the 1950s. In the summer of 2022, because of the drought, water stopped being provided to the course and they went to temporary greens. Newly seeded, fertilized, rolled and watered greens are set to be put into play by mid-May 2023.

Why It Is There

The City of Ashland wanted a golf course.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Hole 6 is a short, downhill par 4. It is drivable, but there is a creek that runs right in front of the green that is not readily evident from the tee. Also the duel tee boxes are sufficiently different that you should make time to play 18.

Did You Know

The Wells’ family cemetery is next to the 4th green. And the course is Southern Oregon’s only municipal golf course.

Good For Them

Minimal use of chemicals, and spot hand-spray fertilizer only. Works with the Ashland Nature Center to improve environmental practices and host bird walks. Hosts classes in golf for Ashland Parks and Recreation.  PGA Junior Golf participant. Home course for both Ashland High School and Southern Oregon University Golf Club. Several charity events are annually held, including for the local fire district (to support fire victims).

Why Play This Course

A challenging course with good service at a reasonable price. Multiple tees allow for golfers with a variety of skill to play, and the 4-hole “Short Loop” allows a quick practice round. The attractiveness of the surrounding area is a bonus.

General

• • Type: 9-hole public course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage: (541)482-4311/www.oakknollgolf.org
  • Address:  3070 Highway 66, Ashland, Oregon 97520
  • Owner: City of Ashland
  • Designer: “Founders”
  • Pros: None
  • Practice Facilities: Driving range with mats and grass, pitching and sand areas, and putting green
  • Pro Shop: Minimal with balls, tees, gloves, and some clothing
  • Food: Snacks, soda, and beer with deck overlooking putting green
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
  • Yardage Markers: 200, 150, and 100 in-ground stones; yardage on some sprinkler heads: pins color-coded for placement
  • Clothing: Be dressed
  • Walkable: A little rolling but a nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Vacuum and brush
  • Rentals: All
  • Open all year

Dual tee boxes are sufficiently different that both are shown below