Blog

General Course Description

As you make the turn from River Road in farmland just north of Eugene, you enter a long drive surrounded by newly planted hazelnut trees and approach a large, yet understated, clubhouse with three large gables. The introduction to the private 18-hole Shadow Hills Country Club is one of casual elegance.  And the course may be described as one with comfortable difficulty. It is an attractive and well-maintained course with a nice variety of holes. The six tee boxes (plus the further-forward family tee box) provide the player with options from very difficult to a pleasant but still interesting round. The course has a bit of everything — mature trees of a wide variety, lots of sand (over 60 bunkers with sand on every hole, and next to every green, except 7), some water and a few turns. Greens are generally slightly elevated and back to front, consistent and quick (and for me, hard to hold). Forward tees provide the benefit of better angles and shorter distances. The course is flat and compact, a very nice walk.

Course History

Opened in 1962 by Bohemia Lumber Company on former orchard land. In 1986, the course was bought by its then 300 members. Between 1992 and 1995 the course went under a massive remodel by William Robinson, who switched 9s and added traps, mounding, water and a new irrigation system. In 2012, the new clubhouse (with a pool and fitness center) was completed. The course has hosted many OGA and NWPGA events, including the Oregon Amateur in 1974 (won by US Amateur champ Mary Budke), the NWPGA in 1966 and 1972, and the Northwest Open in 1996. It has also hosted a number of national events, including the Pacific Ladies Golf Classic in 1967, the Pay Less Classic from 1968 to 1971, and the Nationwide Tour Oregon Classic from 1998 to 2008 (except in 2001). The club was named the OGA’s Facility of the Year in 2014.

Why It Is There

Built as a private course by Bohemia Lumber Company. Now has a strong membership and fan base.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Except on the 7th hole, there is at least one trap behind every green (note where they are). By and large, the course is in front of you and it might be best to lay up on some holes, like the par-4 11th hole (where a trap pinches you towards the water at 106 yards out), and the par-5 15th hole with a sweeping dogleg (where a  trap left pushes you into the trees at about 110 yards out). Two green warnings. On the short par-4 14th hole (with a pond in front of the green), the green is slightly humped — balls in the front will roll towards the pond, and balls long will roll towards the trap in back.  On the par-3 16th hole, with water front and right, balls hit to the right side of the green will tend to roll right (towards the water).

Did You Know

In the 1960s and 1970s, many tournaments were held at the course, and the par-5 18th hole (now the 9th hole) got a reputation. The hole was and is a sweeping dogleg right around a lake that starts in the driving area and goes all the way up to the green. The combination of west-to-east wind and the lake (referred to as “Jack’s Elbow,” not sure for who) would cause many a failure and curses including two years where then local golf-great (and later nationally renowned instructor) Jerry Mowlds took a 10 one year knocking him out of the lead.

Good For Them

The course holds 3-day junior clinics for members and non-members, hosts a PGA Junior League Team, and has family-forward tees with a separate score card.  The course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.  It hosts the Oregon Club Spring Scramble (to benefit University of Oregon athletics), and is a participant course for Patriot Golf Day to benefit Folds of Honor (providing educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled service-members).

Why Play This Course

An attractive course in a pastoral setting with interesting and challenging holes that is very well maintained. Include the amazing practice facilities, great staff and friendly members, and why wouldn’t you play the course if you are fortunate to be given the opportunity?

General

• • Type: 18-hole private course
  • Price: Private
  • Phone/webpage: (541)998-2365/www.shadowhillscc.org/
  • Address: 92512 River Road, Junction City Oregon 97448
  • Owner: Shadow Hills Country Club, Inc.
  • Designer: Alex Kindsfather, William Robinson (remodel)
  • Pros: Gary Davis (PGA; OGA’s 2021 Club Executive of the Year), Jeff Smith (PGA Apprentice), Brandon Hepner (PGA Associate)
  • Practice Facilities: Extensive, one of the best in the state — 3 driving ranges (one with mats and grass, the rest on grass), large short-game practice area with multiple greens and traps, two putting greens, and the Eleanor McKay Training Center with 6 bays on the range with Trackman technology
  • Pro Shop: A good amount of clothing and some equipment
  • Food: Full-service restaurant for members and their guests that has a nice view of the course
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
  • Yardage Markers: Yardage on sprinklers; 200, 150, and 100 yard markers in ground and on cart paths; pin position is given by colored marker at the 150 marker (or on the tee for 3 pars)
  • Clothing: Proper golf attire
  • Walkable: Flat and compact, a very nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brush and air hose
  • Rentals: All
  • Open through the year, and plays well in winter

	Yards	Par	Rating	Slope
Black	7006	72	74.6	139
Blue	6469	72	71.9/77.7	135/141
Green	6113	72	69.8/75.4	131/138
White	5871	72	68.7/74.4	128/135
Gold	5616	72	67.7/72.8	125/133
Red	5394	72	71.3	128

General Course Description

The Pronghorn Golf Club (Fazio Course) is the newer, private 18-hole championship course northeast of Bend at the upscale resort of Pronghorn. Like its younger sister, the Nicklaus Course, the course sits in a beautiful place surrounded by Juniper trees and sage, with vistas of the Cascades. The course itself is immaculately maintained (maybe slightly better than the Nicklaus Course because of the lower number of rounds). Fairways are uniform and run out well (even in the rain), and the greens are quick and true, but seem to have more curves than the Nicklaus Course. Juniper, lava rock, and sage come in and out of play, and there is some water and an abundance of sand. Add length, rolling terrain, and doglegs and you have a very good test. The course is a bit more forgiving than the Nicklaus Course because of wider driving areas and several places where an errant shot will be brought back into play (or end up on the green). There are some houses on the course, but that does not take away from its beauty. Service is impeccable and the practice facilities (including a portion unique to the private side) extensive. It is flatter than the Nicklaus Course, but there are distances between some holes (note the frequent shortcut trails), making it, overall, a good walk. Forward tees provide ample benefit of shorter yardage and improved angles. [Much of the following information is contained in the post for the Nicklaus Course.]

Course History

Opened in 2006 as the newer and private course in the Pronghorn complex. Originally built by High Desert Development Partners, the development fell into financial trouble in the recession and was taken over by a lender. In 2012, the development (including the course) was purchased by The Resort Group through Pronghorn Golf, LLC.  Like the Nicklaus Course, the Fazio Course has regularly won awards as one of the best places to play in the country, including, but not limited to: 2015, # 144 on Golf Digest’s Greatest Courses in America; 2019, #7 on Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play in Oregon; and 2018, #57 on Golfweek’s Best Modern Courses in America.

Why It Is There

Built as one of two courses (the other is a public course) at the Pronghorn Resort.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

There are several places on the course where banks or ridges will provide you with a favorable roll: if you hit your approach shot to the left on the par-4 3rd hole, a drop in the fairway and a bank will slide you on to the green (as will a shot over the left side of the trap on the right, but you have to clear the trap); on the par-3 11th hole, shots to the left will run back and right; on the approach shot on the par-5 12th, shots to the center right of the trap in the center of the fairway will filter to the green (shots to the left will move away from it); and on the short par-4 14th hole, shots short or just on the green will run down and to the right (meaning if the pin is in front, leave it short or have good spin).

Did You Know

A lot has been written about the 8th hole, a par 3 named in 2017 by the OGA as one of the most interesting holes in the state. When the property was being blasted to create a chasm between tee and green, two lava tubes were revealed and several basalt cliffs exposed. This resulted in a hole where you hit from an elevated tee over a 50-foot deep chasm with basalt edges and lava tubes going to the left and right, to a green perched in front of and to the side of another set of basalt cliffs. (Yeah, it’s pretty stunning.) The club does host an occasional party in the lava tubes (which would be good on a hot day). In addition the Huntington Wagon Road went through the course between holes 5 and 6 and 12 and 13. The Road was used in the 1860s and 1870s to haul supplies from The Dalles to Fort Klamath. (There is an interpretive trail with more information about the Road on BLM property northeast of Bend.)

Good For Them

Low water use is achieved through wetting agents and daily review of moisture content in the soil. The course has an integrated pest management plan. The course works with the local homeowners association to put up bat and bird boxes to encourage breeding. The course works with the Trumpeter Swan Society and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to re-introduce Trumpeter Swans to the area. Coyotes are not discouraged, as they help with rodent control. The course annually holds the Ghost Tree Invitational, supporting local children’s charities and athletic programs, and The Duck, a golf tournament supporting athletic scholarships for the University of Oregon.

Why Play This Course

Like the Nicklaus Course, playing this course is a treat. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The practice facilities are extensive. The course is surrounded by the natural beauty of the high desert with views of the Cascades. The course has many interesting holes and is immaculately maintained. When you take this all in, you feel fortunate to be playing this course. If you ever get the chance to play this course, play it.

General

• Type: 18-hole public course
• Price: Private
• Phone/webpage: (866)320-5024/www.pronghornresort.com
• Address:  65600 Pronghorn Club Drive, Bend, Oregon 97701
• Owner: Pronghorn Golf LLC
• Designer: Jack Nicklaus
• Pros: Jerrel Grow (PGA), Josiah Neuhaus (PGA), Andrew Silvestri (PGA), Christopher Rosenquist (PGA)
• Practice Facilities: It shares the practice facilities with the Nicklaus Course: driving range off grass, two sand and pitching areas, and a very attractive putting green (around a juniper). But it also has a private, short game area of about 100 square yards with multiple greens and traps
• Pro Shop: Full of clothes and some equipment
• Food: Lots of options. Grill on The Green (the grill at the turn), a full-service cafe with outdoor seating next to the putting green, is open during play; Trail Head Grill (across the parking lot) is a full-service restaurant open for breakfast and lunch; Cascada (next to the pro shop) is a full-service restaurant open for dinner; and Chanterelle Restaurant (a bit further west) is a full-service restaurant open for dinner
• Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course (the ones on the course may be the nicest in the state)
• Yardage Markers: On sprinkler heads, but take a yardage book; and take a pin sheet for position
• Clothing: Proper golf attire
• Walkable: A bit of an effort on the long and rolling course
• Spikes: Soft
• Shoe Cleaning: Brushes
• Rentals: All (carts are included with green fees)
• Open all seasons, but will close when it snows

Yards	Par	Rating	Slope
Tips	7456	72	74.8	141
Black	6934	72	72.5	136
Rust	6431	72	70/76.4	131/148
Gold	5866	72	67.6/73.3	124/141
Silver	5028	72	68.6	130

General Course Description

The Corvallis Country Club is an 18-hole private course in Corvallis.  Classically designed and tree-lined, it is an attractive course situated over rolling terrain. The course plays much longer than its yardage because of elevation changes, twists and turns, and trees infringing into the fairways. There are many traps and some water, but it is the generally small, slanted, and quick greens that provide the primary defense. Although some houses are near the course, most views are of trees and the nearby coast range. Fairways and greens are mixed but generally well cared for. Solid practice facilities and an accommodating staff. Hilly, but compact — a good exercise if walked.

Course History

One of the oldest courses in the state with the first 9 being opened for play in 1918 and the second 9 in 1954. Since the course became 18 holes, there have been five major revisions and annual efforts to improve the course and play (2018-2019 saw a significant repair of the sandtraps). Although presently owned by its members, the course is set to be sold to the Mayo Group in Spring of 2019, but will continue as a private course. The course has hosted the Oregon Open (1970 and 1976, the latter being won by Peter Jacobsen) and the Pac 8 (1967) and Pac 10 (1982 won by Corey Pavin) Championships.

Why It Is There

A group of local business leaders and faculty from the Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University), including A.J. Johnson, R.H. Dearborn, A.B. Cordley, Rev. Snyder, and Dr. A.D. Browne wanted, a golf course in town. Since its founding, it has been supported by its members and the University and has been a center of social events for Corvallis.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

The greens are tough and there are several blind shots — it was good to be in a group of friendly and knowledgeable members. On the short par-4 4th hole, you drive over a hill. There are a set of traps on the left side that are in the driving area (a pond on the right comes into play a little further on). On the short par-4 9th hole, the green is tucked to the right behind a few oak trees. Unless you are taking the risk to drive the green, play your drive up the left of the fairway to avoid the overhanging branches guarding the right side of the green.  On the par-5 12th hole, a dogleg left, the green is perched on a hill to the left and runs significantly left to right. Short right may be better than on but left. And on the par-4 13th hole, which has a sharp dogleg left going up a steep hill, you need to drive to at least the 150 post to have a clear shot to the green. But mainly it’s the greens — quick and slanted. Being below the hole is a good rule here, more so than most courses.

Did You Know

The course has a long relationship with Oregon State University dating back to at least 1928 when the entire course was reseeded by students of the then Oregon Agricultural College, supervised by G.B. Hyslop, Professor of Farm Crops. Presently, Oregon State University annually holds classes in turf management on the course.

Good For Them

For a private club, they do a lot to encourage non-members to play. They annually hold women’s-only golf clinics for both members and non-members. They also hold at least three junior golf clinics per year for both members and non-members. The course has family-friendly forward tee markers. They annually host many charity events, but I’ll note two here: “Wine on the Green” to benefit the Corvallis Public School District Foundation to help homeless students; and the “Play It Forward Scramble Tournament” to benefit the local United Way. And you have to admire the long relationship they have with the local university.

Why Play This Course

A classic, attractive, tree-lined course with a variety of challenging holes. In many ways, it is a quintessential Willamette Valley course. The solid practice facilities, friendly members, and accommodating staff are pluses.

General

• • Type: 18-hole private course
  • Price: Private
  • Phone/webpage: (541)752-3471/www.corvalliscc.com
  • Address: 1850 SW Whiteside Drive, Corvallis, Oregon 97333
  • Owner: Corvallis Country Club
  • Designer: Founding Members (first 9), Fred Federspiel (second 9)
  • Pros: Ryan Moss (PGA), Kyle Hosch (PGA Associate)
  • Practice Facilities: Driving range on grass and mats, short-game practice area with two traps and green, pitching area, and putting green
  • Pro Shop: Some clothing and equipment
  • Food: Full-service restaurant and bar, with a nice view of the 9th green and 10th hole, open to members and guests
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
  • Yardage Markers: In-ground markers every 25 yards from 250 to 75; 150 posts; 150 mark on the cart paths; yardage on some sprinklers; note pin-position number at pro shop and follow the pin sheet in the scorecard
  • Clothing: Proper golf attire, but jeans allowed in winter
  • Walkable: A little hilly and a solid walk
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: A powerful air hose and brushes
  • Rentals: All
  • Open all year and plays pretty well in winter (particularly the greens)

	Yards	Par	Rating	Slope
Black	6128	71	70.1	131
White	5787	71	68.5/73.9	128/135
Orange	5209	71	69.4	124

General Course Description

Salemtowne Golf Course is a 9-hole private executive course in an adults-only subdivision in Northwest Salem.  (Non-residents over 50 can become members.) The course essentially has three short par 4s (the longest is 286; the blue tees have an additional par 4 and the red tees have a short par 5) and the remainder are par 3s (125 to 169 yards). Every green is raised and has at least one bunker next to it. Most holes are pretty open, and although houses line almost every hole, trees and distance generally prevent them from coming into play. Although the fairways and greens are mixed, they are well tended. There are some very nice trees and you do get the occasional glimpse of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson. There are some distances between holes, but the short course is a nice walk (and you can use the funicular).

Course History

Opened in 1967 on property that was formerly an orchard. The development (and course) became subject to financial difficulties and was placed into receivership in 1972. During this period, the local residents volunteered and maintained (thereby saving) the course. Eventually, the community association became the owner of the course.

Why It Is There

Built as part of the Salemtowne housing development by James G. Watts (who built Oregon State University’s Gill Coliseum). The development is modeled after Dell Webb’s “Sun City” complex near Los Angeles. The course is an integral part of the local community, who essentially saved the course in the 1970s.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

The green on the 3rd hole is a bit deceiving. The front part of the green rolls away from the fairway and the remainder of the green is much flatter than the back-to-front, right-to-left appearance. Also, on the 6th hole, there is a small pond at the bottom of the hill on the left that you may not see from the tee.

Did You Know

The course has what may be the only ground funicular on an Oregon golf couse — taking players from the 9th green up to the level of the clubhouse. Also the course’s first pro was Charlie Perkins, who was a Major League Baseball pitcher and member of the 1930 World Champion Philadelphia Athletics.

Good For Them

Although there is a paid maintenance crew for the course, there is a strong network of volunteers that work on special projects (e.g., flower beds, benches, clubhouse improvements), maintain an inventory of the identity and health of the trees on the course, and maintain an active list of bird sightings. In addition, the woodworking facility for the community is purported to be the only volunteer shop assisting the Oregon Department of Transportation in maintaining the state’s historic information signs.

Why Play This Course

The course is golfer-friendly, short, nicely maintained, and rarely crowded.  The folks in the neighborhood seem pretty friendly as well.  Overall, the course is a good place to relax while hitting the ball.

General

• • Type: 9-hole private executive course
  • Price: Private
  • Phone/webpage: (503)363-4729/www.salemtowne.us
  • Address: 2900 Oakcrest Drive NW, Salem, Oregon 97304
  • Owner: Salemtowne Civic Association
  • Designer: William Schafer
  • Pros: None
  • Practice Facilities: Putting green; there is a 90-yard practice chipping and sand area off the 7th tee
  • Pro Shop: None; there is a clubhouse for the Men’s and Women’s Clubs
  • Food: None (unless someone makes coffee or brings cookies)
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
  • Yardage Markers:  150, 100, and 50 in-ground markers and on cart paths; lower flags on pins provide pin-position information
  • Clothing: Non-ratty T-shirt and jeans OK
  • Walkable: Short and pretty flat, a nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes and two airhoses
  • Rentals: Pull carts and clubs are available to use
  • Open all year and plays well in winter

	Yards	Par	Rating	Slope
Blue	1821	31	29.5/30	98/98
White	1674	30	28.9/29.2	96/92
Red	1607	32	28.7/29.5	96/99

General Course Description

Arrowhead Golf Club is an 18-hole private course near the small town of Molalla, about 25 miles southeast of Portland.  The course has a modern, but rural feel. Modern because it is well cared for (including excellent greens) and has a variety of holes. Rural because of its surroundings, an abundance of tall trees, and a relaxed feeling. It is slightly short, but the well-placed traps (particularly on the front), abundance of trees (making some holes narrow), smattering of water (including the Molalla River), a few doglegs, and the undulating greens make the course play longer. Very good practice facilities, welcoming members, and a very friendly and accommodating staff. The course is flat and provides a nice walk.

Course History

The course has been a family affair from the start. The first 9 holes opened in 1961, and the second 9 opened in 1966. They were built by the original owner, designer, and operator, Gilbert “Kip” Kappler, who opened the course as a public course. In 1972, Mr. Kappler sold the course to Joe Clarizio and his wife, Jean.  Joe had worked at the course since 1964. The Clarizios made the course semi-private. In 1981, as the new clubhouse and athletic club (indoor pool, weight room, raquetball courts, cardio room, and locker rooms) were being completed, the course became a private course. In the 1990s, renovations were made to the course designed, by Mr. Clarizio’s son, JD Clarizio. A substantial remodeling occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s by Craig Schreiner.

In 2015, the course was sold to the Fisher family through its LLC (which also owns gas stations, car washes, and convenience stores). Howard Fisher worked as an assistant pro at Arrowhead from 1971 to 1976. Marcia Fisher is a seven-time Oregon Women’s Amateur Champion and PNWGA Hall of Fame member who took lessons from Mr. Clarizio while on the Molalla High School boys’ golf team. The Fishers’ children, Stacie, Bryce, and Robert, are involved in the day-to-day operations.

The course has hosted several OGA events as well as the 2015 Sectional Qualifier for the U.S. Senior Open. In 2017, the OGA named the course its Facility of the Year.

Why It Is There

Mr. Kappler wanted to build a course on a dairy farm in southeastern Clackamas County. The course has continued through the efforts of the Clarizio and Fisher families.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

There is minimal yardage information, so take a range finder (even if you have to rent one). By and large, the course is in front of you, but there were a couple of places where experience would have been handy. On the par-4 6th hole, you drive with a pond on your right towards an elevated green that is guarded on the left and center by a large tree and then two traps. If the pin is set to the left, best to challenge the pond and favor the right on the tee shot. On the par-5 10th hole, after you make the turn on this dogleg right, there is a creek, which is about 100 yards from the slightly elevated green.  Unless you can reach the green in two, leaving your second shot short of the creek is not a bad option. On the par-4 17th hole, which has the Molalla River up the left side, from the tee it feels like a risk-reward hole (wanting you to clear as much of the river as possible). But there is plenty of fairway on the right. And almost all the greens are multi-level or undulating, and are quick (even in the winter) and true. No need to over-read or be aggressive on your putts.

Did You Know

New owners Howard and Marcia Fisher were married in 1974 and spent the first year of their marriage living above what is now the course’s Legends Bar & Grill (then, the Farmstead Restaurant). In addition, the course pro, Rob Gibbons, is Mr. Clarizio’s stepson.  He played on the course as a child, worked at the course since the 1970s, was the Oregon PGA Player of the Year in 1988 and 1990 (and Senior Player of the Year in 2015), and had a part ownership interest in the pro shop that he sold to the Fishers.  As a freshman, Mr. Gibbons was on the Molalla High School Golf Team whren Mrs. Fisher was a senior on the team.

Good For Them

For a private club, they do a lot to encourage non-members to play. In the summer, they have twilight golf specials involving golf and dining to encourage women (including non-member women) and couples to play. They hold junior golf camps for members and non-members (ages 7 to 17) and they are the home course for Molalla High School. They host the Ralph Capasso Memorial Golf Tournament (named after the longtime Molalla High School golf coach) to benefit the Molalla High School golf teams. Since 1967, the course has hosted the Molalla Buckaroo Golf Tournament, inviting all the participants of the Molalla Buckaroo Rodeo. The course also hosts the OGCSA Crew Tournament, where all courses in the state are invited to send their maintenance crew members for a day of scramble golf, refreshments, and prizes.

Why Play This Course

An attractive and well-maintained course that has interesting holes and a rural feel. In addition, the practice and athletic facilities are solid, the members are friendly, and the staff is welcoming and accommodating (and the restaurant looks great). For the price, it’s very inexpensive for the Portland metro area and should be considered a place to join.

General

• • Type: 18-hole private course
  • Price: Private
  • Phone/webpage: (503)829-8080/www.golfarrowhead.com
  • Address: 28301 S. Highway 213, Molalla Oregon 97038
  • Owner: Fisher Golf Group, LLC
  • Designer: Kip Kappler, JD Clarizio (remodel), Craig Schreiner (remodel)
  • Pros: Rob Gibbons (PGA), John Cassidy (PGA), Robert H. Fisher (PGA apprentice), Bryce Fisher (PGA apprentice)
  • Practice Facilities: Driving range on grass and mats (some covered spaces with heat), two practice pitching areas with sand traps, putting green, large indoor golf simulator, TrackMan monitors
  • Pro Shop: A fair amount of clothing and some equipment
  • Food: Full-service restaurant and bar, Legend’s Bar & Grill, is open to the public for lunch and dinner (and breakfast on the weekends), and has a nice patio called the “Heckle Deck” overlooking the 18th green
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
  • Yardage Markers:  200, 150, and 100 in-ground markers on the sides of the fairways; pins color-coded for position (but they are going to a pin sheet in Spring of 2019)
  • Clothing: Proper golf attire, but jeans allowed in winter
  • Walkable: A nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: Air hoses and brushes
  • Rentals: All
  • Open all year and plays well in winter (particularly the greens)

	Yards	Par	Rating	Slope
Black	6708	71	72.4	134
Blue	6176	71	69.7/76.1	130/139
White	5751	71	68/73.6	123/132
Red	5193	71	70.2	126

General Course Description

This is the private 3-par course that is part of the private country club that annually hosts the local LPGA Championship in Northeast Portland, Columbia Edgewater Country Club,  Although no hole is longer than 120 yards, it is a good par three course with lots of trees and traps. The biggest challenge is the large, well-maintained, multi-tiered, undulating greens that hold very well and are consistent and true. Overall, the course is well maintained and a pleasure to play (despite the jets going to and from neighboring Portland International Airport).  There is a great practice pitching area (and separate putting green) next to the course with multiple pins and traps to practice your short game before you test your short game on the course. Short, compact, and a very nice walk.

Course History

Opened in 2004.  In 2020, the faculty was named Club of the Year by the OGA.

Why It Is There

Members wanted a place to practice and encourage juniors to play. They just happened to have excess land and secured the talents of two of the region’s top course designers to put in a par-3 course.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

In general, putts will tend to break away from the burm you cross between the first and second holes.

Did You Know

There are multiple yardage markers in-ground on each hole. These are alternative tee positions (but can be used as yardage markers if you are short of the green).

Good For Them

The club does a lot to maintain the environment. They have an automatic sprinkler system activated only when the moisture content in a particular area of soil is low. They were, and are applying to be, a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. They hold multiple junior camps (for children of members), from just starting to elite golfers. It is the home course of Concordia University. For over 20 years the course has held the Annual Women’s Cancer Fundraising Tournament for Providence Hospital.

Why Play This Course

Separate from the main course and its practice facilities, this course (with its great greens) and its adjacent practice area is a great place to learn and practice. When you include the main course and its facilities, it is a great club to join for a seasoned golfer or beginner.

General

• • Type: 9-hole, 3-par private course
  • Price: Private
  • Phone/webpage: (503)285-3676/www.cecc.com
  • Address:  2220 NE Marine Drive, Portland, Oregon 97211
  • Owner: Columbia Edgewater Country Club
  • Designer: Gene “Bunny” Mason and Dan Hixon
  • Pros:  Adrian Burtner (PGA); Carrie DeGee (PGA); Bryan Tunstill (PGA; 2005 and 2006 Oregon PGA professional of the year)
  • Practice Facilities:  A multi-pin, multi-trap practice pitching area and a putting green near the first hole; the club has additional excellent practice facilities — range off grass (some mats), chipping and sand practice areas, two putting greens, indoor simulator with Trackman
  • Pro Shop: Good amount of clothing and equipment
  • Food: Clubhouse has a main restaurant as well as a grill, both full service, open to members and guests
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse; none on course
  • Yardage Markers: None (other than tee markers)
  • Clothing: Proper golf attire only
  • Walkable: A little hilly, but a nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes and air hose
  • Rentals: All
  • All seasons, good drainage in winter

	Yards	Par
	860	27

General Course Description

An attractive, very-well-maintained, and private 18-hole course northwest of Bend. Built in and around the upscale Awbrey Glen housing development, Awbrey Glen Golf Club has great views of the Cascades. The course has a variety of holes, from wide-open, sweeping, dogleg par 5s, to narrow, tree-lined, downhill par4s. Along the way, you encounter trees and traps (on almost every hole), water (on many holes), good-sized basalt outcroppings (on a few holes), elevation changes, and many a dogleg. The course provides a number of challenges, but rarely seems unfair. Fairways roll out nicely and the greens are true and consistent. An excellent practice facility (including a 5-hole, par-3 course that has a variety of pins on each green, each with a different circumference for different levels of play), providing a nice space to learn and improve. Forward tees provide shorter distances and better angles. The course is hilly and there are distances between some holes; a cart is recommended.

Course History

The course opened in 1993, being built by Brooks Resources Corporation. The course has hosted the Oregon Open in 2011, and the Northwest Open in 1995, 1996, 1997, and 2000.  In 2020, the course superintendent, Kyle Watt, was awarded Superintendent of the Year by the OGA.

Why It Is There

Built as part of the Private Residential Golf Community of Awbrey Glen.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

In general, the course is in front of you, but there were a few points where I was glad I played with a local. On the short, narrow, downhill, tree-lined par-4 3rd hole, on your drive favor the center or right, which will tend to bring your ball back to center (and avoid the sharp drop-off on the left). On the slightly downhill par-4 7th hole, a pond guards the left front of the green, which you may not see when hitting your approach shot. The par-5, 15th hole has a late, sharp, dogleg right steeply down a basalt cliff. On your drive, stay left of the trap right. If you go far enough and left enough, you can get on in two. Otherwise, on the second shot, hit to the 150 marker, noting the tall pine on the right (that you want to be long or short of). Do not go right of the pine, as you may end up down the basalt cliff. And on the par-5 18th hole, your drive is into a sharp downhill dogleg left. Driving up the left side of the fairway provides you with the best chance to catch the hill (although you may end up with a downhill lie). Don’t cut the corner too hard, as there is a pond at the base of the hill on the left.

Did You Know

The development is built on and around Awbrey Heights, which was named for Marshall Clay Awbrey. Mr. Awbrey was born in Missouri, came to Oregon in 1850, and served in the Mexican and Rogue River Indian Wars. A mountain in Southeast Jefferson County and a waterfall on the Deschutes River (north of Tumalo) are also named for him.

Good For Them

The course is the home course for Mountain View High School.

Why Play This Course

A beautiful course with excellent views that is very well maintained. With a variety of holes, the course can be challenging, but is never unfair. Having six different tees (including a junior tee) and an excellent practice facility, the course is a great place for everyone interested in playing golf; you can learn, improve your game, and/or play a championship course.

General

• • Type: 18-hole private course
  • Price: Private
  • Phone/webpage: (541)388-8526/www.awbreyglen.com
  • Address: 2500 NW Awbrey Glen Drive, Bend, Oreon 97703
  • Owner: Awbrey Glen Golf Club, Inc.
  • Designer: Gene “Bunny” Mason
  • Pros: Tommy Ber (PGA), Tim Fraley (PGA), Meghan Dobbins (PGA)
  • Practice Facilities: 400-yard driving range with grass tees on both sides; a five-hole, 3-par practice course with three different pins on each green (each with a didderence circumference hole); practice chipping and sand area; large putting green; indoor golf simulator in winter
  • Pro Shop: A good amount of clothing and some equipment
  • Food: Nineteen, a full-service restaurant and bar in the clubhouse, with a great view of the course, is open to the public for lunch and dinner
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
  • Yardage Markers: 150-yard posts, yardage on sprinklers, flags color-coded for position
  • Clothing: Proper golf attire
  • Walkable: Hilly with distances between holes, cart recommended
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: Air hose and brushes
  • Rentals: All
  • Closed in winter

	Yards	Par	Rating	Slope
Green	6957	72	73	139
Gold	6503	72	70.7/76.9	134/142
White	5975	72	68.3/74.1	125/137
Yellow	5328	72	65.3/70.1	116/131
Red	4773	72	67.9	125
Junior	3707	72	61.3	108

General Course Description

The public can play this course just south of Salem, and it is not closing anytime soon. Resting in and around a wide valley with three creeks (Battle, Jory, and Powell), Creekside Golf Club has the feel of three different courses: some holes are lined with houses, some holes are in a meadow, and some holes are tree-lined. The result is an attractive,18-hole, semi-private course with a varied hole design — long, open par 5s where you can bomb away and short par 4s with trees, turns, water, and traps. With the three creeks, water is the primary hazard, touching 13 holes, but there are many traps and trees hanging over edges of the fairways. It is a challenging course that is rarely unfair. Well-maintained fairways and (often small) greens. A very nice staff and members. Forward tees provide shorter distances and better angles. Course is rolling, but with some effort you are provided with a rewarding walk (with glancing views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson).

Course History

The first 9 (the back 9) opened in 1993 and the second 9 opened in 1994 on a former Christmas tree farm. Opened as a public course, it became private in 1997. In 2016, certain tee times became available to the public. It was built by Larry Tokarski through Mountain West Development.  In 2002, a portion of the ownership interest was sold to Terry Kelly, and significant improvements (in particular, improving drainage) were made. In the mid-2010s the owners proposed converting the course to a 354-unit housing development. Local homeowners took the course owners to court, but lost in 2017. Fortunately, the course owners then reached an agreement to retain the course through a combination of becoming semi-private and increasing dues. The course hosted the Oregon Open in 2000, the Oregon PGA from 1995 to 1998, and the NAIA Championships in 2012 and 2013, and was a qualifier course for both the US Amateur and Senior US Amateur. When it opened in 1994, GolfDigest named it as one of the top new courses in Oregon.

Why It Is There

Developed as part of the Creekside Estates. Thanks to local homeowners and the course owners, the course remains open and available to all.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Some holes (particularly 2, 5, and 16) may need a few plays before figuring out the best line. Hole 2 is a short, tree-lined par 4 with a hard dogleg left. The turn (to the green with a creek behind) is before the last group of trees on the left. Hole 5 is a short par 4 with a bit of everything. As you drive over the creek, there are traps right (you can’t see them all) followed by a tree that would block your next shot. But straight away there are traps you cannot see, then trees right of the traps, and then a creek right of the trees. Aiming for, but not quite getting to, the trees slightly right may be the best line before turning right and seeing the elevated green beyond a creek that you cannot see. On the par-4 ninth hole, the fairway drops and turns right at about 150. Driving up the left side might give you the best bump forward if you reach the hill. On the short par-4 tenth hole, which crosses a creek on the drive and again on the approach, staying right on your drive (avoiding the traps right) will give you the best chance to avoid the trees left and reach the green in two.  And on the par-5 (4 for women) 16th hole, there is a blind tee shot up a tree-lined hill. Stay to the right side of the three tall fir trees off in the distance to avoid water left, but don’t go too far right as there is a complex of traps on the right side. Also, note a significant ridgeback in the center of the 16th green and try your best to send your approach to the same side as the flag. Note also that the forward (burgandy) tees are in-ground, generally in the center of the fairways.

Did You Know

When the clubhouse opened in 1996, it housed the offices of the OPGA.

Good For Them

To encourage women to play, the women’s club holds “Chicks and Sticks” events — a cocktail social followed by a lesson and course play. Host course for PGA Junior League. The course holds an all-summer-long golf camp for juniors (including non-members) with lessons one hour each week and play days. Home for South Salem High, Corban College, and Willamette University. Has no-chemical buffer zones around the creeks.  The women’s club hosts a Cancer Awareness Tournament, and the course hosts an annual tournament (and concert on the range) to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Why Play This Course

An attractive and well-maintained course with a variety of holes that keeps your interest. Challenging, but rarely unfair, five sets of tee boxes allow play by a wide variety of skill sets. With nice staff and good practice facilities, the course provides an overall solid golf experience at a reasonable price.

General

• • Type: 18-hole semi-private course
  • Price: $$$
  • Phone/webpage: (503)363-4653/www.golfcreekside.com
  • Address: 6250 Clubhouse Drive SE, Salem, Oregon 97306
  • Owner: Creekside Golf Course, LLC
  • Designer: Peter Jacobsen
  • Pros: Danny Moore (PGA), Blake Netter, Ryan Woodward
  • Practice Facilities: Driving range on grass and mats; three pitching areas–one with a with sand trap; putting green; indoor simulator
  • Pro Shop: A fair amount of clothing and some equipment
  • Food: Danny’s On The Green, a full-service restaurant and bar in the clubhouse with a great view of the course, is open to the public for lunch and dinner (and breakfast on the weekend)
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
  • Yardage Markers:  200, 150, and 100 in-ground markers; yardage on sprinklers; pins color-coded for position
  • Clothing: Proper golf attire
  • Walkable: Hilly in places, causing some exertion, but a nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: Air hoses and brushes
  • Rentals: All
  • Open all year and plays well in winter

	Yards	Par	Rating	Slope
Black	6887	72	73.9	139
Blue	6497	72	72/78.6	135/145
White	5939	72	69.9/75.6	131/140
Yellow	5196	72	70.8	129
Burgundy	4279	72	65.1	117

General Course Description

This 9-hole course is in a development just south of Bend. Although a par 36, the Old Back Nine is fairly short. But the fairways can be very narrow between tall pines. Some fairways bend or shift and some water comes into play (there are no traps). Fairways are a little long and can be soggy in places, but are nicely maintained. Greens hold well and are consistent. Although you may see houses, the trees predominate and there are the occasional vistas of the Cascades.  There is a family-forward tee box allowing play for a wide variety of skill sets. The course is basically flat and a nice walk.

Course History

The early version of the course opened in 1987 as Mountain High Golf Course. A second 9, which became the front 9, opened in 1990 and was designed by developer Jan Ward. The course closed in 2002 because of a dispute regarding water rights between the owner and the City of Bend. The homeowners sued the developer, asserting that the development covenants required a golf course within the development. The result was that in 2009, the first 9 that was built, which was the back 9 of the Mountain High Golf Course, reopened (there had to be a golf course, just not an 18-hole golf course). Although the owner has publicly considered closing the course in the future, right now the course is available to play.

Why It Is There

Built as part of the Mountain High housing development. Reopened because of the demands by local golfers.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Although short and generally in front of you, there are a few things you may miss when you tee off. On the short par-4 10th hole (holes are numbered 10 to 18), a pond (and then a stream) comes into play on the left side about 150 yards from the center of the green.  On the par-4 14th hole, a dogleg right up a hill, play to the right of the pine tree left of center. At 150, the fairway turns right and drops only to rise again to a very elevated green.

Did You Know

When the first 9 opened in 1987, it was the first full-sized public 9 in Bend since the 1920s.

Good For Them

The course hosts a CornHole Tournament to benefit Sparrow Clubs of Bend (to support children with substantial medical needs).

Why Play This Course

Attractive and nicely maintained course, it is the only public, regulation-length, 9-hole course in the area. Family-friendly, it provides a quick and low-cost (for the area) alternative that can be enjoyed by many skill levels.

General

• • Type: 9-hole public course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage: (541)382-1111/www.oldbacknine.com
  • Address: 60650 China Hat Road, Bend, Oregon 97702
  • Owner: JL Ward Construction Co.
  • Designer: Michael Currie
  • Pros: None
  • Practice Facilities: Putting greens
  • Pro Shop: Minimal; balls, tees, hats, and gloves
  • Food: Snacks, beer, and soda
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and port-a-potty on course
  • Yardage Markers: 200, 150, and 100 in-ground markers (and on railing where there is a fence that lines the hole), no pin-position information
  • Clothing: T-shirt and jeans OK
  • Walkable: Short and pretty flat, a nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes
  • Rentals: All
  • Closed in winter

	Yards	Par	Rating	Slope
Blue	2952	36	34.2/36.9	125/140
White	2740	36	33.2/35.8	119/134
Red	2361	36	31.2/33.5	105/123

General Course Description

This quiet and attractive 18-hole private course is near the center of McMinnville, about forty miles southwest of Portland. Although relatively young (1964) and in a housing development, Michelbook Country Club has a classic feel, with a variety of large trees and rough being the primary defenders. There are also plenty of traps, a nice amount of water (in the form of both creeks and ponds), and several doglegs (some severe). Fairways are mixed, but nicely mowed and run out well. Greens hold very well and are true and consistent. Houses (all without protective netting) can come into play. Staff and members are friendly and accommodating. Forward tees provide shorter distances and improved angles. Although there can be distances between holes, the course is flat and a nice walk.

Course History

The first 9 opened in 1964 on an old dairy farm owned by Captain Francis Michelbook, as well as neighboring property, as part of an overall development called Michelbook Estates. The members wanted an additional 9 holes, so with funding from the sale of housing lots, the additional 9 was opened in 1984. There was a remodel of all 18 holes (adding traps, water, and trees) in 1985. The course hosted the 1989 Oregon Amateur.

Why It Is There

Local golfers were searching for a country club after the Yamhill Golf and Country Club closed during the Great Depression. In the 1960s, Kelton Peery, Chuck Colvin, Willard Cushing, Dr. Weldon Ross, and Philip Bladine, among others, came together to form the club and purchase the Michelbook property. It now has a steady membership.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Take and study the yardage book (it’s free). Because of the trees and turns, placement, rather than distance, is the key to several holes. For example, on the short but very narrow and tree-lined par-4 3rd hole, traps pinch both sides of the fairway at 150. Short of the traps is not a bad place to be considering the trees you have to avoid to get there. On the par-4 4th hole, the fairway turns right around trees at about 175. There is a creek that starts at the base of those trees and runs all the way up the right side of the fairway. Unless you are confident that you can clear the trees right, center or center left toward the 150 mark is a good place. On the par-5 7th hole, a dogleg left around trees, there is a pond straight away from the tee. To have a view of the green on your second shot, you need to play your tee shot to the front of the pond (noting that the rough starts coming in on the right at 225). And the very short par-4 15th hole is very narrow with trees pinching even more at 150. The fairway ends at 90 with a pond coming in from the left. You can try to power over the trees right, but placing the tee shot between the 150- and 90- yard marks is a nice alternative.

Did You Know

Country singer Willie Nelson was playing in a nearby venue. Mr. Nelson is an avid golfer and played the course before one performance. He liked it so much he came back after finishing his remaining performances.

Good For Them

In the summer, the course holds weekly junior programs, open to members and non-members, that involve a clinic and a chance to play the course. They provide summer junior memberships at a very reduced rate. Host for McMinville High School and Linfield College. Rainwater and runoff is collected in ponds and used for irrigation, which is delivered through a sprinkler system that has individually controlled heads. They have an integrated pest management plan to reduce the use of chemicals and have no chemical buffer zones around water. They also host multiple charity events including those for Susan G. Komen, See Ya Later Foundation (supporting youth in the area), Willamette Valley Cancer Foundation, and local Veterans.

Why Play This Course

An attractive and well-maintained course that is quiet (probably because of the limited number of members) and relaxing (even when you are playing poorly). The holes are varied and interesting and the facilities solid. With nice staff and members, the course provides an overall pleasant golf experience.

General

• • Type: 18-hole private course
  • Price: Private
  • Phone/webpage: (503)472-2129/www.michelbook.com
  • Address: 1301 NW Michelbook Lane, McMinnville, Oregon 97128
  • Owner: Michelbook Estates, Inc., dba Michelbook Country Club
  • Designer: Shirley Stone
  • Pros: Luc Miller
  • Practice Facilities: Driving range on grass and mats, pitching area with sand trap, putting green
  • Pro Shop: A fair amount of clothing and some equipment
  • Food: Full-service restaurant and bar in the clubhouse, with a great view of the course, open to the public for lunch
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course
  • Yardage Markers: 150-yard markers (using tee markers) in a color that informs you of pin position (on 3-pars, markers are on the tees); 200, 150, and 100 in-ground markers; yardage on sprinklers
  • Clothing: Proper golf attire, but jeans allowed
  • Walkable: A nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: Air hose, brushes, and wash
  • Rentals: All
  • Open all year and plays well in winter

	Yards	Par	Rating	Slope
Black	6572	72	72.1	131
Blue	6259	72	70.6/76.6	131/139
White	5956	72	69.2/74.7	125/137
Red	5420	72	71.6	129
Green	4399	72	65.8	116