Gresham Golf Course

General Course Description

Gresham Golf Course is an 18-hole public (but there are standing reservations for large men’s and women’s clubs) course 17 miles east of downtown Portland. Gresham Golf Course is park like with community feel (probably driven by the family ownership and operation). Although a bit short and surrounded by apartments and houses, there is water, traps, and trees. It is well maintained (although soggy in places in winter), and a great course to step up to if you have been focusing on executive courses. A fair value and a friendly place to play (both members and staff). Flat and an easy walk.

Course History

Front 9 opened in 1965 as Gresham Golf and Country Club. The second 9 was added in 1967. At some point the name was changed to Gresham Golf Links before it settled on its current name. It has experienced several hard luck events: two oil spills, acts of vandalism, and, in March 2001, a plane crashed on the course.

Why It Is There

Sam and Peggy Wolsborn were developers who wanted to build a golf-course development in East Multnomah County. With the aid of Eddie Hogan (Pacific NW PGA Hall of Fame inductee, namesake of the Hogan Cup, and longtime pro at Riverside Country Club), they designed and opened the course. Sam died in 2004 and now his children own and operate the course.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Hole 4, a narrow tree-lined par 4, has a trap hidden on the right side of the driving area. Hole 13 is a par-4 dogleg left, so favor the right side off the tee but note the downhill and the creek coming in on the right at about 100 yards from the green. On hole 17, a downhill par 4, about 30 yards from the middle of the green, another downslope will cause the ball to run (on a dry day) over the green, so hit and stop on the green or play the run.

Did You Know

Mr. Hogan was the first buyer of a lot next to the course. The men’s club has a cross country tournament called the “Horse Races” because you start as a large field and fall off if you can’t match the low score.

Good For Them

Great junior programs, with multiple clinics for multiple ages and skill levels (staff reaches out to local schools to encourage kids to attend). PGA Junior League.  Home to Gresham High School, Barlow High School, Renyolds High School, and Corbett High School. And they have an excellent commitment to the community: they annually host a tournament to benefit SnowCap Community Charities; and in 2014, the course won the OGA Club of the Year for, among other things, raising more than $40,000 for scholarships and donations to local food banks and shelters.

Why Play This Course

An alternative in the Portland Metro area that has a nice practice area, is fairly priced, is nicely maintained, and is a friendly place to play.

General

• • Type: 18-hole public course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage: (503)665-3352/www.greshamgolf.com
  • Address:  2155 NE Division Street, Gresham, Oregon 97030
  • Owner: Gresham Golf Real Estate, LLC
  • Designer: Sam Wolsborn and Eddie Hogan
  • Pros: Jim M. Chianello (PGA)
  • Practice Facilities: Driving range on mats, practice chipping and sand area, two practice greens
  • Pro Shop: Good supply of both clothing and equipment
  • Food: Pour Sports Bar & Grill, a full-service restaurant, is next to the pro shop and overlooks the 10th green and a putting green (check for times)
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course, and a porta potty on course
  • Yardage Markers: 150 trees; 200, 150, 100, and 50 yard stakes on either side of the fairway; in-ground 200, 150, and 100 markers; no information on pin position
  • Clothing: Be dressed
  • Walkable: Flat, easy walk
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes and air hose
  • Rentals: All
  • All seasons but a bit squishy in winter