Ocean Dunes Golf Links

General Course Description

Ocean Dunes Golf Links is an 18-hole, attractive public course south of Florence on the Central Oregon Coast nestled in the dunes and trees slightly in from the coast (and Highway 101). It is a well maintained course with a very friendly staff. The course has several personalities: some holes are narrow and tree-lined (best to play a little short in favor of accuracy); some are open and in the dunes (bomb away); and some are among houses. Many holes are links type, and others are target holes. Hilly, and there is distance between some holes — a cart is recommended. Forward tees provide the benefit of shorter distances and better angles.

Course History

Opened in 1961 as a 9-hole course called Rhodo Dunes, a short vacation course. By 1963, the course was the subject of a bankruptcy case. It subsequently emerged in poor but playable condition. In 1989, the course was bought by William Robinson (golf architect) and Ted Johnson (the owner of the largest rose grower east of the Mississippi). Under their ownership, an additional 9 was added and the original 9 remodeled by Mr. Robinson. Randy Curtola bought the course in 2007, and the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians bought the course in 2012.

Why It Is There

Jake and Helen Mann wanted to build a vacation course in Florence. William Robinson and Ted Johnson wanted to convert the course to an 18-hole course. The present owners want to augment the experience of their casino visitors with a nice golf course.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Mr. Robinson provided many hints on how to play the course: drive to the widest part of the fairway (even though it may seem short), look for the aiming bunkers, and stay below the hole on your approach. Also, on the par-3 4th hole, there is a deep bunker on the left that you cannot see from the tees. On the short par-4 10th hole, the green is tucked right behind the dune that comes in on the right; a drive up the left side of the fairway may give you a view of the green.  A 2018 interview by Golf Smarter with the course pro (which includes tips on playing the course) can be found here 

Did You Know

In 1990, Mr. Robinson was remodeling the Gearhart Golf Links as well and transplanted some 1,700 beachgrass plants from this course to Gearhart. In 2017, the OGA named the 13th hole as one of the most interesting holes in Oregon.

Good For Them

They work with the local Boys and Girls Club and bring them to the course to experience golf. Host Ladies Night for beginning women golfers. Annually host many charity events including the Cool at the Coast Golf Tournament to benefit the programs of the Florence Rotary, Viking Cup Charity Golf Scramble to benefit Western Lane Baseball and Siuslaw Volleyball, and the Dare to Care Golf Tournament to benefit emergency funding for Three River Casino employees.

Why Play This Course

A fairly attractive, well-maintained course with a wide variety of holes. It is challenging, but fun. It is well priced for the condition and variety of holes.

General

• • Type: 18-hole public course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage: (541)997-3232/www.threeriverscasino.com/golf
  • Address:  3345 Munsel Lake Road, Florence, Oregon 97439
  • Owner: Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians
  • Designer: Fred Federspiel (original 9), William Robinson (second 9 and remodel)
  • Pros: Bob Rannow (PGA)
  • Practice Facilities: Indoor hitting net, practice green with limited pitching
  • Pro Shop: Attractive, mostly clothing and some equipment
  • Food: A full-service lunch restaurant is in the clubhouse
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and porta potties on course
  • Yardage Markers: 150 poles on the side of the fairways; 200, 150, and 100 in-ground stones; flags color-coded for position
  • Clothing: T-shirts and jeans are OK
  • Walkable: Hilly, with long walks between some holes; golf cart suggested
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes and air hose
  • Rentals: All
  • Open all year, drains well in winter and spring