General Course Description
Salem Golf Club is a pleasant and attractive, classic-feeling 18-hole semi-private (members get preferred tee times) course in Salem. Salem Golf Club is without any surrounding housing, and is fairly open and flat. Beautiful old, tall trees are on almost every hole, which also have a little bit of everything: some water, some traps, and some mounding. Course is maintained well and the greens run nicely. Clubhouse and adjacent building are attractive and stately. Great practice facilities and pro shop. Forward tee boxes offer significant yardage difference and good improved angles. Flat and an enjoyable walk.
Course History
Front 9 opened in 1927 and the second 9 opened in 1928. In 1925, several local businessmen made contributions to purchase the John Hughes land grant. Ercel Kay, grandson of the founder of Thomas Kay Woolen Mills, then bought the property and designed and built the course. It has been in the Kay family since. An apple orchard dating back to the original land grant can be seen from several holes. The course hosted the 1959 Northwest Open.
Why It Is There
Local businessmen wanted to open a first-class golf course in Salem. The Kay family have kept it going since then.
I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played
On hole 7, par 5, dogleg right, you need to stay to the right side of the fairway, as trees come in from the left side. And on hole 16, short par 4 with a severe dogleg left, hit it long and a bit right to avoid the trees left.
Did You Know
The indent in the middle of the 13th fairway is called the “Hippo Hole.” Also, the Men’s Club does a “Super Tough” tournament (in honor of one-time-member Hack Johnson), where holes are stretched and combined and flags replaced with skull and crossbones.
Good For Them
Great junior programs, and junior memberships. Home for South Salem Academy, Salem North High School, West Salem High School, Corbin University, and Willamette University. Host for the Annual CSCAA Golf Tournament, benefiting the YMCA Silver Creek Camp, and the Corporate Shoot Out, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Salem.
Why Play This Course
A delightful and pastoral club experience close to downtown Salem. A well-maintained course that keeps its historic feel and is a challenging track. Forward tees allow players of multiple levels to have an enjoyable round together.
General
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- Type: 18-hole semi-private course
- Price: $$
- Phone/webpage: (503)363-6652/www.salemgolfclub.com
- Address: 2025 Golf Course Road S., Salem, Oregon 97302
- Owner: Salem Golf Club
- Designer: Ercel Kay
- Pros: Allan Reese (PGA), Julian Martin (PGA)
- Practice Facilities: Covered driving range on grass and mats, practice chipping and sand area (for a fee), practice green
- Pro Shop: Two of them, one for clothing and one for equipment; well stocked
- Food: As of winter 2023, the neighboring restaurant was closed, but is expected to open in late spring
- Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
- Yardage Markers: 150 trees; 150 and 100 in-ground markers; flags color-coded for position
- Clothing: T-shirts and non-holed jeans are OK
- Walkable: Flat, easy walk
- Spikes: Soft
- Shoe Cleaning: Brushes and air hose
- Rentals: All
- All seasons, but a bit squishy in winter
| Yards | Par | Rating | Slope | |
| Blue | 6137 | 72 | 69.5 | 119 |
| White | 5842 | 72 | 68.2 | 115 |
| Gold | 5401 | 72 | 65.9/70.4 | 109/121 |
| Red | 5108 | 72 | 68.6 | 117 |
Submit your review | |
Great golf course. Was in great condition considering the amount of rain we have had over the last 90 days. Greens were a little slow, but that will change once the summer weather has its effect on the speed.
Great layout with mature trees that leave you challenging recovery shots.
Disappointed the driving range is closed until 11 on Monday, but that may have helped my game.
Rough has white daisies in it, so finding a white ball is sometimes difficult. Playing a yellow or orange ball is suggested.
Beautiful, great course. Played great after a lot of rain (but it was a bit crowded and slow - 4.5 hours).