Trysting Tree Golf Course

General Course Description

Trysting Tree Golf Course is an 18-hole public course, home of the Oregon State Beavers, just across the Willamette River from Corvallis. Trysting Tree Golf Course is a links-style course that is pretty flat and generally open (more trees narrow some fairways on the back). But the curves of the holes and undulations of the fairways and greens make it an interesting and challenging course. Almost all the greens are slightly elevated, surrounded by mounds (sometimes in front) and multi-tiered. The course, a part of which was remodeled in 2017, is very well maintained (especially for the price). Although it is on the Willamette, you don’t see the river. Flat, easy walk. Forward tees provide the benefit of shorter holes and better angles.

Course History

Opened in 1988, with a remodel completed in 2017 by Dan Hixson. The nines have recently flipped. Since its opening, it has held many a state high school championship and college regional championship including multiple Pac-10 and Pac-12 Championships and the 2001 NCAA West Regional Championship. The 1992 Pac-10 Championships featured Phil Mickelson (who had just won the Tucson Open), Jim Furyk, and Casey Martin (it was won by Christian Cevaer of Stanford).

Why It Is There

Larry Giustina, whose father Nat built Tokatee, played on the Oregon State golf team. He then became successful as a partner in the timber and land business. Oregon State University owned the land on the which the course was built, but did not have the funds to build a course. So Larry Giustina did, using the same architect that his father did at Tokatee, Ted Robinson Sr. The Giustina family is still involved in the operation of the course, and Oregon State has a pretty nifty practice facility.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

With the course looking so open and seeming so flat, you might be tempted to tee it up from the back tee boxes and blast away. But the slides and run-outs in the fairways will slowdown the forward progress of your ball. Pick the right tee box to have an enjoyable round (this is a general rule, but applies more so here). And bring a range finder as there is no pin information and limited yardage information.

Did You Know

It is named for a tree on the OSU campus where two OSU students regularly met for romantic purposes and were caught by Thomas Gatch, then President of the Oregon Agricultural College (now OSU). The tree was originally planted in 1880, but fell in 1986. A graft of the original tree was then planted in its place. I was told that a graft of this second tree grew into a tree between the 18th green and the 10th tee box.

Good For Them

It is the home course for OSU. It is also the home course for Corvallis and Crescent Valley High Schools. It provides lessons for Corvallis Parks and Recreation and the Peter Jacobson Junior Golf Challenge Program.  The course annually hosts many charity events, but two will be mentioned here: The Mick Golf Tournament, benefiting the Mickey Riley Foundation, which provides scholarships to students from Corvallis and Crescent Valley High Schools and ALS research; and the Raider Shootout Golf Scramble benefiting Crescent Valley High School sports.

Why Play This Course

Because of the openness of the course, multiple tee boxes, and undulating fairways, it is a challenge from the back tees but playable from the front. Multiple skill levels can be tested on this very well maintained and interesting course that has very reasonable rates. The practice facility and friendly staff are a plus.

General

• • Type: 18-hole public course
  • Price: $$$
  • Phone/webpage: (541)713-4653/www.trystingtree.com
  • Address:  34028 NE Electric Road, Corvallis, Oregon 97333
  • Operator: Trysting Tree Golf Club
  • Designer: Ted Robinson, Sr.; Dan Hixson remodel
  • Pros: Sean Arey (PGA, OSU graduate), Robert Janes (PGA), Hogan Arey (PGA Associate)
  • Practice Facilities: Driving range on grass and mats, practice chipping and sand area, practice green (OSU has a separate practice area)
  • Pro Shop: Well stocked with clothing and equipment
  • Food: The Tree House Grill, upstairs from the pro shop, has a wide variety of burgers and sandwiches, sodas, and beer (call for times)
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
  • Yardage Markers: 250, 200, 150 and 100 in ground markers; no pin-position information (take a range finder if you have one)
  • Clothing: T-shirts and non-holed jeans are OK
  • Walkable: Flat, easy walk
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes and air hose (the latter in the cart shop)
  • Rentals: All plus golf boards
  • Open all year (but can flood in winter)