Claremont Golf Club

General Course Description

Claremont Golf Club is a pleasant 9-hole public course on the west side of Portland that most people don’t know about. With two holes in excess of 500 yards, Claremont Golf Club is not an executive course even though the total yardage seems short. Most of the short holes have something (trees or water) to make you think. The greens are in good condition but the fairways are a bit spotty. Although there are trees, traps, water, and fairway undulations, the course winds its way through a housing development, and houses do come into play. Six sets of tee boxes allow play for a wide variety of skill levels. The course is very walkable.

Course History

Built in 1993.

Why It Is There

Built as part of the surrounding housing development.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

The 2nd hole is a long par 5 where you drive up a hill and then the fairway bends slightly to the right with trees encroaching on the right. Best to favor the left side on your drive.

Did You Know

In 1994, nationally syndicated cartoonist Jack Ohman was trying to break 50 for 9 holes and was standing with a 36 on the 8th tee believing he could not miss. There are ponds on the 8th and 9th holes and Mr. Ohman failed to achieve his objective.  Turning bad into good, the experience caused Mr. Ohman to write a collection of cartoons entitled “Why Johnny Can’t Putt.”

Good For Them

Teaching practice course for  Sunset High School.

Why Play This Course

Although it lacks practice facilities, it is a nice, close-in, alternative course in Portland. Not as crowded as most of the Portland courses (still, call ahead for availability), it is laid back, while still being a reasonable test. Six set of tees allow for a wide variety of skill levels.

General

• Type: 9-hole public course
• Price: $$
• Phone/webpage: (503) 690-4589/www.claremontgolfclub.com
• Address:  15800 NW Country Club Drive, Portland, Oregon 97229
• Owner: Claremont Golf Association
• Designer: Billy McMonagle
• Pros: Anthony Wik (PGA)
• Practice Facilities: Putting green
• Pro Shop: Some clothing and some equipment
• Food: Pro shop has drinks and snacks
• Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course (but you need the code on your receipt to access the on-course restrooms)
• Yardage Markers: 250, 200, 150, and 100 in-ground markers on fairway and poles near the cart path; yardage on some sprinkler heads; pins color-coded for placement
• Clothing: Proper golf attire
• Walkable: Very walkable
• Spikes: Soft
• Shoe Cleaning: Brush and air hose
• Rentals:  All
• Open year-round