Columbia Edgewater Country Club

General Course Description

This 18-hole private course that annually hosts the local LPGA Championship is located in Northeast Portland, a wedge from the Columbia River (although you cannot see the river from the course). The course at Columbia Edgewater Country Club is an old-school,  attractive course. The generally narrow holes are lined with beautiful old tall trees, and include many traps and a smattering of water features. The course is very well maintained, with true greens, and a pleasure to play (despite the jets going to and from neighboring Portland International Airport). Columbia Edgewater Country Club has an excellent practice facility and attractive club house. The golf course is a little hilly, but a nice walk.

Course History

Opened in 1925 as the 5th private course (and 7th 18-hole course) in the area. In 1948, the course was decimated as part of the Vanport flood. Recovery efforts included the planting of over 250 Sequoia saplings. The original clubhouse was located on the Columbia River. It burned down in 1979, and the new attractive clubhouse was built in its present location. Since it opened, the course has hosted many a state and national championship including several Oregon Opens (the  one in 1929 was won by Horton Smith over a field that included Gene Sarazen, Tommy Armour, and Walter Hagen), several Oregon Amateurs (going back to 1928), several Northwest Opens, the Portland Open (a former PGA stop), and a US Open Sectional. For many years the course has hosted, and currently does host, the LPGA Portland Classic (formerly the Safeway Classic).  In 2020, the faculty was named Club of the Year by the OGA.

Why It Is There

Local businessmen, lead by B.C. Darnall, president of Swift & Co. which had a plant nearby, formed the club in 1924 and quickly bought the farmland on which the course was to be located.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Holes are generally narrow, but the areas in front of the greens are consistent and generally suitable for running the ball. Unless you are consistently accurate with the driver, laying off the drive will help. In addition, on the 8th hole, a par 4 dogleg right where the fairway drops as it makes the turn, there is a pond on the right at the turn — so trying to cut the corner is a risk.

Did You Know

The club is alleged to have the highest number of single handicap golfers in the Northwest (with more awards, trophies, and titles won than any other club in the Northwest).

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 are a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. They hold multiple junior camps (for children of members), from just starting to elite golfers. It is a practice course for Portland State University. For over 20 years the course has held the Annual Women’s Cancer Fundraising Tournament for Providence Hospital.

Why Play This Course

In addition to being a beautiful course that is very well maintained, you get to play on a course that has hosted many a national event. The course has one of the best practice facilities in the Northwest (annually ranked in the top 50 nationally for practice facilities at private clubs by Golf Range Association of America). The attractive clubhouse facilities and friendly and knowledgeable staff are a plus.

General

• • Type: 18-hole 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: Arthur Vernon Macan
  • Pros:  Adrian Burtner (PGA);  Tara Tokonitz (PGA); Bryan Tunstill (PGA; 2005 and 2006 Oregon PGA professional of the year)
  • Practice Facilities:  Driving range off grass (some mats), chipping and sand practice areas, two putting greens, indoor simulator with Trackman; there is also a nine-hole par-3 course (discussed separately) that has a multi-pin, multi-trap practice pitching area and a putting green
  • 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 and on course
  • Yardage Markers: Yardage on sprinklers; flags color-coded for position and pin sheets offered
  • 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