Corvallis Club

General Course Description

The Corvallis Club (fka 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 at Corvallis Club 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. The course has two family-friendly tee boxes. The course at Corvallis Club is 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). The course has been owned by several entities, including its members. In 2019 the course was sold to its present owner. 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. Originally known as Corvallis Country Club, the club shortened the name in the 2020s.

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. OSU business students assisted Corvallis Country Club in its re-branding to Corvallis Club and used to hold 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. 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. The multiple tee boxes make is a good course for the whole family.

General

• • Type: 18-hole private course
  • Price: Private
  • Phone/webpage: (541)752-3471/www.corvallisclub.com
  • Address: 1850 SW Whiteside Drive, Corvallis, Oregon 97333
  • Owner: Corvallis CC Holding, LLC
  • Designer: Founding Members (first 9), Fred Federspiel (second 9)
  • Pros: Jordan Ropp (PGA)
  • Practice Facilities: Two-tiered driving range on grass and mats, short-game practice area with two traps and green, pitching area, and putting green; golf simulator in the clubhouse
  • Pro Shop: A fair amount of 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; yardage on some sprinklers; get pin-position sheet in the clubhouse
  • 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)