Golf Oregon
Oregon may indeed come as close to the origins of the sport as can be on this side of the Pond. The lush windswept shorelines and rugged terrain form the fabric of the original Scottish link courses. Effortlessly, the song comes to mind, the feel and essence of harmony with nature… and the courses are truly not so much built as they are discovered.
The most famous, astounding and breathtaking golf location in Oregon is Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, in Bandon, Oregon. Bandon Dunes' two courses ranked 4th and 6th amongst public courses, as well as 22nd amongst all courses (public and private) for the entire country! Bandon Dune's golf courses also seize the first two spots in the Top-Ten in the state. Bandon is indeed the place for a golfer to be, and a great place to begin and end any Oregon golf vacation.
Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes’ courses are all tightly related and corporate-owned. As you might imagine, the amenities are Scottish themed, with views of the course and the sea. Truly a one-stop resort destination, the game is served up richly and elegantly here, which only begins to explain why Bandon Dunes’ courses have received such a favorable response. To truly appreciate it you’ll have to visit firsthand. We’ll provide this glimpse of the underlying philosophy: "we believe that the game of golf is best experienced by walking with a caddie — truly, golf as it was meant to be. When you use a caddie, you're helping preserve a tradition 500 years in the making and giving hundreds of people the opportunity to perform their trade." We agree wholeheartedly, and feel sure that you will too. If there was ever a place to provide the richness and feel of Scotland in the United States, it’s there at Bandon Dunes in Oregon.
Bandon may take first spot, but let’s not forget the rest of the state. Portland, Eugene and Bend (amongst destinations) each offer their own impressive golf course selections. The Crosswater in Sun River, the Running Y Ranch Resort in Klamath Falls, Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, join with the Brandon Dunes locations to make the six Oregon courses found in the Top 100 Public Courses in the entire United States.
The River’s Edge at the Riverhouse Resort in Bend, Oregon offers a rich, unique and distinctive environment. Four tee sets are available on this 18-hole course with a par of 72 and slope rating of 134. Ponds and even a 25’ waterfall present water hazards, while the hills you play on and the mountains in the background provide a still sense of strength and permanence to the landscape. A Must-Play, the amenities help to make this a worthy choice for addition to your golf vacation.
When in Portland, consider the Glendoveer Golf Course. It offers up 18-holes at the "East" course, a 6,510 yard par-73 course with a rating of 70.4 and a slope rating of 124 on Blue grass. As one might imagine, it’s a steep, tough course meant to challenge. This John Junor design opened in 1924, and is individually owned and managed, open to the public. The "West" course is a bit less challenging and impressive, but offers the choice for second play.
It’s simply not possible to contain the beauty or essence of Oregon in this one page. You’re best served to pick those courses which capture your attention and build your itinerary from there. What is certain is that a golf vacation in Oregon will prove memorable, rewarding and leave you with rich memories and a burning desire to return in the very near future. Isn’t that really what a golf vacation destination is supposed to be?
