Kah Nee Ta Golf Course

CLOSED SEPTEMBER 5, 2018 [As of the summer of 2023, there are plans to re-open a portion of the resort, but those plans do not include re-opening the golf course]

General Course Description

This 18-hole public course is part of the Kah-Nee-Ta Resort on the reservation of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which you drive through on Highway 26 between Portland and Bend. Situated along the Warm Springs River at the bottom of a river valley in the high desert, the course is in an attractive location. The majority of holes are very open and are pretty flat, making it a player-friendly course. Most holes have very little trouble other than an occasional trap. There are a few holes, however, particularly on the back 9, where you have to navigate over or around trees, the river, or sage. Basically flat and compact, it provides a very nice walk.

Course History

Front 9 opened in 1972 and the back 9 opened in 1976.

Why It Is There

Part of the Kah-Nee-Ta Resort.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

All greens break to the river (really). On the 8th hole, an uphill par 3, take a full extra club to get on. And on hole 16, another uphill par 3, the green is long and narrow with two tiers; if the pin is in the back, you really need to poke it.

Did You Know

This is the first course in the United Stated to be owned and operated by a Native American tribe.

Good For Them

Juniors under 12 play free with an adult; juniors 12 to 17 play for 1/2 price with an adult. They hold charity tournaments for Relay for Life (in support of breast cancer research), and for the Warm Springs Museum.

Why Play This Course

The course generally greens up earlier than other central Oregon courses as the low river canyon provides a slightly warmer micro-climate (and it is in the rain shadow provided by Mt. Hood). Rural and very peaceful, the course is in a beautiful location and its openness (particularly on the front side) allows players of all but the most begining skill level to enjoy a round.

General

• • Type: 18-hole public course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage: (800)554-4786/www.kahneeta.com/golf
  • Address:  6823 BIA Highway 8, Warm Springs, Oregon 97761
  • Owner: Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
  • Designer: William Bell (front 9); Gene “Bunny” Mason (back 9)
  • Pros: None
  • Practice Facilities: Driving range on mats (it’s across the road and up the hill), practice chipping and sand area (across the road), practice green
  • Pro Shop: Minimal; some hats, balls, tees, and gloves
  • Food: Snack shack with sandwiches, sodas, and beer; full-service restaurant in nearby lodge
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on front 9; porta pottie on back 9
  • Yardage Markers: 200, 150 and 100 in-ground markers; flags color-coded for position
  • Clothing: T-shirts and non-holed jeans are OK
  • Walkable: Basically flat, easy walk
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes and air hose
  • Rentals: All
  • Open all year (can be closed because of ice)