Marker 40 Golf Club

General Course Description

Formerly known as Willow Run Golf Course, Marker 40 Golf Club is a bit in the middle of nowhere, about 50 miles west of Pendleton, but only 2.5 miles off I-84. Marker 40 Golf Club is a  9-hole public executive course with a dual-tee and two-additional-green system that warrants the playing of 18 holes. Depending on the “side” you play, you could have five or six par 3s (longest 221, but most are less than 150) and three or four par 4s (longest 318). Park like and surrounded by farmland, the course has a wide variety of trees that are generally limbed up, and the entire course is mowed the same length. There is no internal OB, so you can recover from most errant shots that do not experience water generated by a creek that touches or crosses five holes. Marker 40 Golf Club has well maintained (although some soggy spots) fairways  and small greens that hold well and are true and consistent. Routing is a bit confusing (especially with the additional greens), so follow the course map on the score card. Marker 40 Golf Club is flat and compact, a very nice walk.

Course History

Opened in 1972 as Wilson’s River Run, a semi-private course. In 2004, Rod and Kenna Punches (who used to work for the original owner) purchased the course and renamed it Willow Run Golf Course and operated it as a fully public course. In 2020, the Port of Morrow purchased the course and renamed it Marker 40 Golf Club.

Why It Is There

Dallas Wilson was a golfer who wanted to design and build a course. So he did so on property that was homesteaded by his ancestors.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Note the holes with the two greens (2 and 6), so you don’t set up an approach shot for the wrong one.

Did You Know

The fruit trees on the course were planted by the original homesteaders and are well over 100 years old. The course is named for the mile marker on the Columbia River where the Port of Morrow is located.

Good For Them

The course hosts multiple charity events including Frost Bite and The Funshine Open, both supporting scholarships for local high schools.

Why Play This Course

A well-kept course that is golfer friendly and accessible to players of all skill levels. It’s an attractive well-cared-for course in a rural setting with very friendly and accommodating staff. If you are in the area, or need a break while driving I-84, its a nice way to spend 60 to 90 minutes.

General

• • Type: 9-hole executive public course
  • Price: $$ (but not by much)
  • Phone/webpage:  (541) 481-4381/marker40gc.com
  • Address: 78873 Toms Camp Road, Boardman, Oregon 97818
  • Owner: Port of Morrow
  • Designer: Dallas Wilson
  • Pros: None
  • Practice Facilities: Practice green
  • Pro Shop: Minimal; hats, balls, tees, and gloves
  • Food: Hot dogs, snacks, beer, and sodas
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and port-a-potties on course
  • Yardage Markers:  In-ground 200 and 150 markers
  • Clothing: Tank tops and cut-offs OK
  • Walkable: Flat, compact, and short, a relaxing walk
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brush
  • Rentals: All
  • Open all year