Sunset Bay Golf Course

General Course Description

Nestled in a valley surrounded by tall trees, Sunset Bay Golf Course is a 9-hole (with 3 bonus holes; dual tees allow play of 18 holes and potentially 24) public course just up from the beautiful Sunset Bay State Park, about 12 miles southwest of Coos Bay. Sunset Bay Golf Course has a pleasant rural feel (and you may run into a chicken or horse). The grass in the fairway is mixed and there are soggy spots. The greens are generally raised and soft, but are consistent. Although it looks very open, it has big beautiful trees and water, in the form of  Big Creek and a pond, that come into play on all holes. The designer was kind enough to have the longest holes going down the coast wind. A very pleasant walk.

Course History

Opened in 1967 on a former cattle ranch.

Why It Is There

The Cottell family, who owned the property, wanted to build a course. In 1983, Larry and Rosalie Hyatt bought the course and it has been owned by the Hyatt family ever since. Originally, the Hyatts were going to convert the course into a cattle ranch and started raising cattle on the property immediately to the east. But elk kept tearing down the cattle fences, and the family gave up on converting the course (thank you, elk).

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

There are 2 scorecards: one for 9/18 holes and one for 12 holes. Both have routing on the back. Get the one you want. When you leave the 4th green, you will have a choice – go up a hill to the right and get to the 5th hole tee box (if you are playing 9 holes) or stay to the right and go to the 5th hole tee box (if you are playing 12 holes; you come back to the other 5th hole as number 7; got that?).  The 3-par 4th hole has a two-tiered green (higher in the back). The short par-5 8th hole has a sharp dogleg right — you need to hit your drive to or beyond the large evergreen on the left side of the fairway to have a look at the elevated green at the end of a narrowing fairway. Also, you need to know where to park: in the gravel area before the gate on the right side of the road (and then walk down the road to the left; the first tee will be down the hill between your car and the clubhouse).

Did You Know

The original clubhouse is the house next to the 5th tee, which now serves as a residence (and has chickens, often coming to the tee).

Good For Them

They charge juniors their age to play (great idea!). Host Junior PGA events.

Why Play This Course

Very peaceful, rural course in an attractive valley. Location near the very scenic Sunset Bay and Cape Argo State Parks make this a great place to spend a day with the family. And it’s the same price for 9 holes or 12; great place to get some extra practice.

General

• • Type: 9-hole public course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage: (541)209-2820/www.sunsetbaygolf.net
  • Address:  89516 Cape Argo Highway, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420
  • Owner: Hyatt Family
  • Designer: John Zoller Sr.
  • Pros: None
  • Practice Facilities: Practice chipping area, practice green
  • Pro Shop: Minimal clothing and equipment
  • Food: Snacks, candy, and soda; nice sitting area overlooking the course
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and porta pottie on course
  • Yardage Markers: In-ground 200, 150, and 100 markers; no pin position information
  • Clothing: Be dressed
  • Walkable: Flat, nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes and air hose
  • Rentals: All
  • Open all year, but occasionally floods

This is for the designated 9-hole option: