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 briefly 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/theninesgolf.com
- 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 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
| Yards | Par | Rating | Slope | |
| Blue | 3221 | 36 | 35.1 | 119 |
| White | 3103 | 36 | 34.6/37.6 | 118/134 |
| Red | 2610 | 36 | 34.8 | 116 |
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I have driven by this course (fka The Bayou) for years and always made assumptions about what it was like; as in flat, back-and-forth, boring. In August 2024 I finally made the time to drive out and see for myself. Having done a little research I knew Josh Kay had recently taken over and would be spending the next couple of years getting it whipped back into shape, so my expectations were low as to conditioning. Those expectations were more or less met, but not in a bad way. The course was clearly neglected for a very long time and you cannot reverse that overnight, or even in a single season. There is a fair amount of hardpan and the greens are mostly pineapple weed I think. There were two temporary greens as new ones were under construction (a great sign!).
What I wish I had been smart enough to account for were the mosquitos, especially on the first 4 holes. You'd think knowing this course was previously called The Bayou would clue me in, but nope. Bring bug spray or something to deal with them!
Now the good! This course clearly has some character in its bones. It is exactly the kind of course that rural Oregon needs and does best; interesting enough for seasoned golfers while being inviting enough for kids and those new to the game. The 2 par 3's (3rd and 7th) are picturesque and challenging. I think the par 4 5th hole was my favorite; a medium length gentle dogleg right with a fairway that falls away to the left and slopes down at about 220y until it gently rises back to the green. Good stuff.
I withheld the 5th star because that will hopefully be earned when I return in another year or two and check on the progress. I paid $13 or $14 for 9 holes and consider that an absolute bargain. Don't go for the conditions, go for a preview of the potential this little gem has.
I recently played at The Nines in McMinnville, Oregon, and I have to say, it was a major disappointment. The greens are in such poor condition that putting is nearly impossible. The surface is so bumpy and inconsistent that it feels more like you're playing mini-golf than on an actual golf course.
To make matters worse, they don't even have a driving range, which is a basic amenity you’d expect at any decent golf course. There aren't any sand traps either, which just adds to the feeling that this course is lacking in essential features.
Given the state of the course, the price they charge is outrageous. It honestly should be five dollars for nine holes, not the inflated price they’re asking. Save your money and play somewhere else—this course just isn't worth it.
My review is based on new ownership, and the vision they have for FORMERLY THE BAYOU. The new name is; THE NINES, which is based on one regulation nine hole course, and one par three golf course.
The Newly renovated Mansion Home and Event Center will be called; "The Preserve." The new owners (The Kay Family) have already invested heavily in reconstruction of the older building, and it's looks amazing.
They are now starting to reinvest into the golf course, and transform it into a one of the best 9 hole layouts in the Northwest. The original layout is outstanding. It has so much charm, character, and it's formidable. It will challenge even the best players.
Very happy to see the new direction at The Nines (between McMinnville and Amity) on Hwy 99W.
It's a very pretty course (and the folks are nice), but it has fallen in the past few years. Traps are gone and the greens are awful (looks like they have not been punched in a while). I think it is for sale and the owners are just letting it go for now.