Florence Golf Links

General Course Description

Florence Golf Links is an 18-hole public course in the north part of Florence on the central Oregon Coast.  A beautiful, very well-maintained course where you do not view the ocean, but see and feel its presence. The holes are divided into three parts, each very attractive: between the tall pine trees, among the dunes, and around the water. The greens run very well and the new clubhouse is very comfortable. Forward tees shorten distance and improve angles. Although there are some hills, Florence Golf Links provides a nice walk.

Course History

Opened in 1993 as Sandpines Golf Links, with course architect Rees Jones, by Jack Roake and Ellis Vandehay as Floreco/Florence Resort Community Inc. Because of financial difficulties, the company filed for bankruptcy within two years after opening and the course was purchased out of bankruptcy by Akiri Oregon Limited. The present owners purchased the course in 2017.  In 2018, the name was changed to Florence Golf Links. When it opened, it was named the Best New Public Course in America by Golf Digest. In 2000, it was named one of the Top 50 Greatest Golf Destinations by Golf Digest, and in 1998 a Top 50 Places to Play for Women by Golf Magazine. In 1999, The Oregonian selected the 18th hole as one of the best 18 holes in the state. The course hosted the OGA Tournament of Champions in 1996. Only material remodel was moving the 7th green (because of dune encroachment) in the early 2020s.

Why It Is There

Built by Floreco/Florence Resort Community Inc. as part of a 291-acre development (with planned housing and hotel).

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

By and large, the course is in front of you, but the wind is as much of a hazard as are the traps, water, and trees. Be sure to take the wind into account on every shot and remember that the moisture in the air (both from the Pacific Ocean and the Siuslaw River) will shorten the flight of your ball.

Did You Know

The course was built on sand between 80- to 120-feet deep, which provides excellent drainage (although there is constant encroachment by the neighboring sand dunes). When the course was being built, holes would be formed during the day, but would disappear at night when the wind would shift the sand.

Good For Them

The dune stabilization program uses native grasses and fencing. The water for the course comes from underground wells, which are tested often to confirm no contamination happens. Thewy host junior camps every summer and is the host course for the local high school.

Why Play This Course

A beautiful, well maintained course, at a great price and with the feel of three different courses. If you are playing golf on the Oregon Coast, this would be a good course to add to the trip.

General

• • Type: 18-hole public course
  • Price: $$$
  • Phone/webpage: (541)997-1940/www.florencegolflinks.com
  • Address:  1201 35th Street, Florence, Oregon 97439
  • Owner: APIC Florence Holdings, LLC
  • Designer: Rees Jones
  • Pros: Nikolas Remer (PGA; a Florence High graduate)
  • Practice Facilities: Driving range on grass, pitching and sand areas, three practice greens
  • Pro Shop: Good-sized, with equipment and lots of clothing
  • Food: Restaurant in clubhouse re-opened in December 2022 with limited offerings, but intends to become full service soon; open noon to 6pm
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse; porta potties on course
  • Yardage Markers: 150 stakes in fairway; in-ground markers scattered in fairway; pins in a rotating zone placement — check at the pro shop for position
  • Clothing: Proper golf attire requested
  • Walkable: It’s a little hilly, but walkable
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes and air hose
  • Rentals: All
  • Open year-round (excellent drainage)