Highlands Golf Club

General Course Description

Highlands Golf Club is a 9-hole, public executive course just south of Astoria (and immediately north of Gearhart Golf Links). It is an attractive and well-maintained course (with nice greens) that wanders through an attractive housing development. Although an executive course, Highlands Golf Club provides challenges mostly in the form of encroaching (sometimes in the fairway) shore pines, but also in the form of rolling fairways and the occasional trap. It is a coastal course, but you only see the ocean from one hole.  Although there are some hills, it is a very nice walk.

Course History

Opened in 1988. In 1990 the original owners, John Q. Hammons Industry and the George Marshall Development Company, sold the course to the head pro, Dan Strite. Mr. Strite subsequently sold it to the local homeowners association. The course is operated by Matt Brown, through his company Downtown Golf Co., LLC. Through another entity, Mr. Brown owns Manzanita Golf Course.

Why It Is There

Built as part of the surrounding housing development. The course was originally conceived as an 18-hole course, but that project was stopped because it contained nesting habitat of the endangered Silver Spot Butterfly.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

No reason to hit it long on this short and narrow course. On the 6th hole, it is uphill, and you will need at least a half club more to reach.

Did You Know

The bird houses that are on each hole used to serve as 100-yard markers. But the course has been slightly altered, and you should not rely on the houses for accurate yardage.

Good For Them

They have reduced rates for juniors (both for play and for lessons). They also have forward Hobbit Tees together with separate Hobbit Scorecards. They annually hold a charity event for Special Olympics.

Why Play This Course

Fun, fast, and great for the family. The good golfer will find it attractive and well maintained with some challenging spots.

General

• • Type: 9-hole public executive course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage: (503)738-5248/no website
  • Address: 33260 Highlands Lane, Gearhart, Oregon 97138
  • Owner: Highlands Golf Course, Inc.
  • Designer:  George Marshall
  • Pros: Matt Brown (PGA)
  • Practice Facilities: Chipping area, practice green
  • Pro Shop: Packed with equipment and clothing
  • Food: Minimal — soda, beer, and snacks
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse, nothing on the course
  • Yardage Markers: In-ground 200, 150, 100, and 50 markers; no pin-position information (but most of the greens are small)
  • Clothing: Be dressed
  • Walkable: A little hilly but a nice walk suggested
  • Spikes: Metal OK
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brush
  • Rentals: All
  • Open all year