The Nines Golf Course

General Course Description

The Nines Golf Course, fka Bayou Golf Course, is a 9-hole public course to the west of McMinnville, just off of Highway 99W. The Nines Golf Course is a rural course, surrounded by farmland. The wide variety of mature trees make it an attractive course.  Fairways are mixed (with a good amount of clover), but mowed.  Greens are very spotty and have been shrinking over the years. Most of the holes are creative with trees, water, or contours that can get you into trouble (traps that did exist have now been converted to grass depressions). Only real hill is getting back to the clubhouse after the 9th hole. Otherwise, it is a pleasant walk. The adjacent 3-par course is separately described.

Course History

Opened in 1964 and then quickly hosted a number of pro-am tournaments. Hosted the NW NCAA Small College Tournament in the 1960s.  Originally built by the White family, it was intended to be 18 holes. In the fall of 2021, the course (and attached manor) was purchased by Headquarters Concepts LLC, based in Portland, with financing provided by an entity of Terrance Kay whose family runs Salem Golf Course.  Although improvements to the course were promised, including it serving as the future home of a 75-room boutique hotel and conference and events center, in 2023 the course closed, fell into foreclosure, and reverted back to the lender. The property is now owned by Minto Brown Place LLC, an entity owned by Mr. Kay, and the course re-opened and is now operated by West Yamhill LLC, an entity owned by Mr. Kay’s son Joshua Kay.

Why It Is There

Originally built by the White family as part of White Manor Retirement complex. Local fans kept it going. Although it closed, it has now re-opened with the new operator promising substantial changes and improvements.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

There are several holes that have little “tricks” to them. Hole 2, a par 4, has an Oak tree on the right, but trees on the left guard the green. Playing to the 150 pole or just to its right will provide the best chance of hitting the green in two. The 4th hole is a tree-lined par 4.  On the drive, the fairway opens up on the left after the power pole. Playing up the left will keep the plum trees on the right out of play.

Did You Know

The pine tree in front of the manor is over 100 years old.

Good For Them

As the course just changed hands and re-opened, possible benefits to the community and the environment are still being planned.

Why Play This Course

A laid-back, family-friendly course with some interesting holes and nice trees.

General

• Type: 9-hole public course
• Price: $$
• Phone/webpage: (503)472-4651/no web site (but working on one)
• Address:  9301 SW Bayou Drive, McMinnville, Oregon 97128
• Operator: West Yamhill LLC
• Designer: William Sander
• Pros: None
• Practice Facilities: Driving range is now closed; putting green with limited pitching is open
• Pro Shop: Minimal clothing and equipment
• Food: Snacks and soda ( alcohol license has been applied for)
• Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and porta potty on the course
• Yardage Markers: 150 poles; 200, 150, 100 markers in-ground on fairway; pin placement marked by color on the 150 pole (on the 3-pars the color is on the yardage sign)
• Clothing: Be dressed (including a shirt)
• Walkable: Very, except the hill to the clubhouse
• Spikes: Soft
• Shoe Cleaning: Brush and air hose
• Rentals: All
• Seasonality: Open year-round