Old Back Nine

General Course Description

This 9-hole course is in a development just south of Bend. Although a par 36, the Old Back Nine is fairly short. But the fairways can be very narrow between tall pines. Some fairways bend or shift and some water comes into play (there are no traps). Fairways are a little long and can be soggy in places, but are nicely maintained. Greens hold well and are consistent. Although you may see houses, the trees predominate and there are the occasional vistas of the Cascades.  There is a family-forward tee box allowing play for a wide variety of skill sets. The course is basically flat and a nice walk.

Course History

The early version of the course opened in 1987 as Mountain High Golf Course. A second 9, which became the front 9, opened in 1990 and was designed by developer Jan Ward. The course closed in 2002 because of a dispute regarding water rights between the owner and the City of Bend. The homeowners sued the developer, asserting that the development covenants required a golf course within the development. The result was that in 2009, the first 9 that was built, which was the back 9 of the Mountain High Golf Course, reopened (there had to be a golf course, just not an 18-hole golf course). Although the owner has publicly considered closing the course in the future, right now the course is available to play.

Why It Is There

Built as part of the Mountain High housing development. Reopened because of the demands by local golfers.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Although short and generally in front of you, there are a few things you may miss when you tee off. On the short par-4 10th hole (holes are numbered 10 to 18), a pond (and then a stream) comes into play on the left side about 150 yards from the center of the green.  On the par-4 14th hole, a dogleg right up a hill, play to the right of the pine tree left of center. At 150, the fairway turns right and drops only to rise again to a very elevated green.

Did You Know

When the first 9 opened in 1987, it was the first full-sized public 9 in Bend since the 1920s.

Good For Them

The course hosts a CornHole Tournament to benefit Sparrow Clubs of Bend (to support children with substantial medical needs).

Why Play This Course

Attractive and nicely maintained course, it is the only public, regulation-length, 9-hole course in the area. Family-friendly, it provides a quick and low-cost (for the area) alternative that can be enjoyed by many skill levels.

General

• • Type: 9-hole public course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage: (541)382-1111/www.oldbacknine.com
  • Address: 60650 China Hat Road, Bend, Oregon 97702
  • Owner: JL Ward Construction Co.
  • Designer: Michael Currie
  • Pros: None
  • Practice Facilities: Putting greens
  • Pro Shop: Minimal; balls, tees, hats, and gloves
  • Food: Snacks, beer, and soda
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and port-a-potty on course
  • Yardage Markers: 200, 150, and 100 in-ground markers (and on railing where there is a fence that lines the hole), no pin-position information
  • Clothing: T-shirt and jeans OK
  • Walkable: Short and pretty flat, a nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes
  • Rentals: All
  • Closed in winter