Manzanita Links

General Course Description

Manzanita Links is a 9-hole, public, executive course about 20 miles south of Seaside on the Oregon Coast in the very lovely town of Manzanita. Although it is a fairly open executive course, it is surprisingly difficult, with some very long par 3s and two significant elevation changes. Additional challenges are in the form of the many trees, several traps, and two water hazards. Manzanita Links is attractive and well maintained, and winds through a housing development (protected by the numerous attractive trees). The coast is nearby, but you never see the ocean (but can feel the wind, particularly on holes 1 and 9). Staff is nice and accommodating.  Although the course is rolling and there is one significant hill, it is a nice walk.

Course History

Opened in 1987 by Ted Erickson. The course was operated as Manzanita Golf Course by Ted, his son Steve, and then his son Tony. In the fall of 2017, Tony Erickson brought in Jim Pentz as a partner, through Pine Grove Properties, Inc., to explore options for the course. The course closed in the fall of 2017. The closing of the course brought concern by the City of Manzanita and some locals, and Mr. Erickson and Mr. Pentz looked for a way to preserve the course. In the winter of 2017-2018, Pine Grove granted a conservation easement to the City of Manzanita that requires the course to be maintained as open space (golf course included). Some adjacent space can be developed. The course was then sold to its present owner, an entity owned by Matt Brown. Mr. Brown changed the name to Manzanita Links. Through another entity, Mr. Brown operates the Highland Golf Course, some 25 miles to the north.

Why It Is There

Ted Erickson dreamed of having a golf course in the area and bought the property in 1984. Over the next three years, Mr. Erickson built the course with his son Steve. Through the work of the City and Mr. Erickson’s grandson and his partner, the course has been preserved.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

If you are playing from the right tees on the 2nd hole, note the pine tree in the fairway (where the hole does an almost 90 degree turn to the right). There is equal fairway to either side of the tree, and you would hit it through the fairway if your tee shot is straight and  more than 175 yards. There is also a trap over the green that you can’t see (until it is too late). The 8th hole is an attractive short par 4, where trees pinch the center of the fairway as it turns slightly left. There is a trap in the back right of the green that you do not see on the approach (so bail short or left).

Did You Know

The logo for the course brought in by the new owner is King Seve the Seagull (Seve for Seve Ballesteros). Seve is purported to roam the 4th and 5th holes and, if he likes you, he will pick up your ball and move it towards the hole. If he does not like you, he will move your ball to beyond the white stakes.

Good For Them

The ponds on 2 and 9 are water collection ponds and are the sole source for irrigation water. The course only uses organic fertilizers. They annually host the Mudd Nick Foundation golf tournament (to support children’s learning activities in North Tillamook County, including art, athletics, and self-esteem) and the Manzanita Open (which benefits the Eugene Schmuck Foundation, supporting non-profits and schools in Tillamook County).

Why Play This Course

It is an attractive and well-maintained course that has a relaxed feel. It is a good course where juniors can have fun learning and improving, while good golfers can be challenged.

General

• • Type: 9-hole public executive course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage: (503)368-5744/www.manzanitalinks.com/
  • Address: 908 Lakeview Drive, Manzanita, Oregon 97130
  • Owner: Manzanita Golf Links, LLC
  • Designer: Ted Erickson
  • Pros: Matt Brown (PGA)
  • Practice Facilities: Practice green
  • Pro Shop:  clothing, some equipment
  • Food: Minimal — soda, beer, and snacks
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse, and port-a-potty on the course
  • Yardage Markers: 150, 100, and 50 in-ground markers on the par 4s; no pin-placement information (but the greens are small)
  • Clothing: Be dressed
  • Walkable: Hilly but very walkable
  • Spikes: Soft only (they encourage bare feet)
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brush
  • Rentals: Clubs and pull carts only
  • Open all year with good winter drainage