Emerald Valley Golf & Resort is an 18-hole public course south of Eugene that has an old-style feeling with very beautiful and mature trees. The course at Emerald Valley has well maintained fairways and very good greens — fast but true. Trees, traps, bends, and fairway undulations provide the main obstacles, but there are a few water spots as well. Very good practice facilities and a nice staff. Forward tees provide shorter distances and improved angles. Emerald Valley Golf & Resort is a nice place to play and a nice walk.
Course History
The first nine was completed in 1967 and the second nine in 1968. The present owner (a former member of the University of Oregon golf team and winner of several OGA events) purchased the course in 2002. The Pacific Northwest Amateur and US Open qualifiers have since been played here. In the summer of 2026, they were building a new clubhouse and restaurant closer to the driving range that will allow for a new short-game practice area (not sure what will happen to the existing building). It is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
Why It Is There
Originally a dairy farm, the property was converted to a course by Eugene Russell, James Russell, and Marv Ruby. Mazana Lumber Co. bought the course and built a resort around it, but after bankruptcy and change of ownership, the course is now separate from the surrounding development. The present owner has made many improvements (and Scott Larsen won OGA’s Co-Superintendent of the Year in 2014). The course now has a strong following and is the home course for the University of Oregon. The University of Oregon has a dedicated 6,000 sq. ft. practice facility called “The Jake” after funders (and golf pro) Peter and Jan Jacobsen.
I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played
Greens are quick but true, generally sloping back to front (the 10th hole has a nasty turtleback green). Best to be in front of the pin. The 4th hole is a par 4 dogleg left. Trees come in on the right on the approach shot, so best to be middle or left of the turn. The long par-4 14th has water on the left of the driving area. At the end of the driving area, the fairway then shifts (not really a bend) left with water then coming in on the right.
Did You Know
Emerald Valley Golf & Resort often hosts the area Drive, Chip, and Putt competition and has hosted many US Open qualifiers. The last day of qualifying for the US Open is known as “Golf’s Longest Day” but in 2026 at Emerald Valley it took even longer. At the end of regulation, Andrew Putnam and Spencer Tibbits were tied for the last available spot. They then played six holes of sudden death but were still tied when darkness fell. They came back to Emerald Valley the next day and after three more holes Mr. Putnam prevailed.
Good For Them
Uses reclaimed water. Holds junior camps in the summer. Is the home course for South Eugene, Sheldon, Churchill, and Criswell High Schools (and U of O). Annually hosts a tournament to benefit the Oregon Athletic Foundation.
Why Play This Course
Very attractive, well-conditioned course with good practice facilities. For the price, it is well worth a visit.
