Oregon offers some of the best golf courses in the country, with a variety of terrain and unique landscape. From coastal links to mountain retreats, Oregon’s golf courses offer something for every type of golfer. Here are 17 of the best golf courses in Oregon you should check out!
Bandon Dunes Resort – Bandon Dunes Golf Course
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a unique and exceptional place that holds a certain romantic allure. With 6 distinct golf courses and 10 miles of duneland trails, the resort offers an unforgettable experience for golfers and nature enthusiasts alike. The inaugural course at Bandon Dunes is a testament to its quality, as it is possibly routed across the finest linksland outside Europe.
As a walking only course, the pure beauty of the course is allowed to shine through, unimpeded by buggy paths. The holes are routed in all compass points, making it playable in most wind conditions.
One of the favorites is the 4th hole, a 410-yard par four, that takes you out to a stunning green with a view of the Pacific. The 16th hole, a short par four with an intimidating tee shot over a ravine, is reminiscent of the fantastic 17th at Castletown on the Isle of Man. Despite its rugged layout with huge slick greens, Bandon Dunes boasts immaculate all-round conditioning.
Address: 57744 Round Lake, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Bandon Dunes Resort – Pacific Dunes Golf Course
Pacific Dunes, the second course constructed at Bandon Dunes Resort, is arguably the crown jewel of the Bandon Dunes Resort, and it’s not hard to see why. Designed by Tom Doak, this course is a true masterpiece that showcases the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest. One of the most notable features of this layout is its unorthodox routing, which includes four par 3s on the back nine.
But what really sets Pacific Dunes apart is how the holes seem to emerge organically from the landscape, rather than being imposed upon it. The rolling greens, undulating fairways, and rugged sand dunes create a stunning backdrop that golfers won’t soon forget. And while measuring 6,673 yards from the tips, Pacific Dunes is no pushover.
With par set at 71, this course provides a solid challenge for golfers of all skill levels – especially when the wind picks up. Overall, it’s safe to say that Pacific Dunes is one of the finest public golf courses in the United States, and an absolute must-play for any avid golfer.
Address: 57744 Round Lake, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Bandon Dunes Resort – Old Macdonald Golf Course
Bandon Dunes is widely renowned as a top destination for golf enthusiasts across the globe, and the unveiling of the Old Macdonald course in 2010 only solidified this reputation. Led by architects Tom Doak and Jim Urbina, the team behind the course spent three years crafting a world-class 18-hole layout that stands out among the other courses on the property.
Unlike the Pacific Dunes course, Old Macdonald boasts a unique landscape that lends itself to an entirely different course style. Golfers can expect stunning panoramic views of the Pacific while traversing the open terrain, though three of the four par threes on the scorecard lie at the front nine. With its distinguished design and unparalleled scenery, Old Macdonald has quickly become part of Bandon Dunes’ lore and is a must-play for any golf enthusiast.
Address: 57744 Round Lake, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Bandon Dunes Resort – Bandon Trails Golf Course
Bandon Dunes is known for its stunning coastal golf courses, but Bandon Trails proves that there is more to this resort than just seaside views. This course takes golfers on a journey through three distinct ecosystems, offering a unique and challenging experience. Starting in the sand dunes, the course then moves into a meadow and dense Oregon rainforest before climbing up to an upper section.
Hole 14, with its love-it or-hate-it par 4, is a standout feature of the course. Golfers can drive the ball off a high bluff and onto a thumb-shaped green personally fashioned by Crenshaw. The bunkers at Bandon Trails are another notable feature, with their artful shapes and mown boundaries making a lasting impression. While the meadow holes may be said to be the heart and soul of the course, it is the intricate details in the bunkers that truly set Bandon Trails apart.
Address: 57744 Round Lake, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Bandon Dunes Resort – Sheep Ranch Golf Course
Sheep Ranch is a notable golf course, having begun its life as a humble, cross-country 13-hole course with no irrigation, situated on a bluff north of Old Macdonald. Initially, it was a well-kept secret for insiders only, but prominent developer Mike Keiser recognized its potential and employed Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw to convert it into an incredible regulation 18-hole course.
Spread across an exposed, windswept plateau with greensites borrowed from some of Bandon’s other courses, Sheep Ranch boasts nine holes that reside directly on the Pacific Ocean’s cliff edge. Despite the extreme winds in the area, the course is incredibly playable, thanks to its expansive fairways and large putting surfaces. Sheep Ranch has accomplished a challenging feat: standing out from its equivalent resort courses, as acknowledged by its position in the top 15 public courses.
Address: 57744 Round Lake, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Bandon Dunes Resort – Bandon Preserve Golf Course
At Bandon Dunes, golf course architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw have created a unique and thoroughly enjoyable golfing experience in the form of the Bandon Preserve golf course. This 13-hole par three circuit sits on a small, 22-acre site situated between sand hill holes at Bandon Trails and the closing holes at Bandon Dunes. With two sets of tees in use at every hole, ranging from 65 to 150 yards, players are presented with various challenges requiring a range of skills.
The course, which opened in 2012, features exciting elements such as a double green at the 4th and 7th holes, a dramatic drop in elevation at the 5th, and Cut Creek at the 11th. Creative contours on most greens also test players’ putting skills to the full, making for a truly unique golfing experience.
Address: 57744 Round Lake, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Pronghorn Resort – Nicklaus Course
Amidst the breathtaking mountain views of Mount Bachelor, Broken Top, and Three Sisters lies Pronghorn, a golf club that boasts two courses designed by the legendary golf course architects Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio.
When it first opened, the club was exclusively private, and its Nicklaus Course received the Golf Digest’s No. 2 ranking among America’s Best New Private Courses in 2004. Recently, the Nicklaus track started to welcome public play, allowing golf enthusiasts to experience the spectacular routing of fairways dotted with lava rock outcroppings that are expertly incorporated into the design.
In comparison to Fazio’s understated 18, the Nicklaus back nine, carved from a flow of volcanic rock, offers gambling holes and breathtaking scenery at every turn. Playing on the Nicklaus course is a stern challenge, especially on the long uphill par four 6th hole, where golfers face a blind approach to a green tucked behind a large mound. The signature hole is the uphill 15th, a 543-yard five par, offering a quintessential Pronghorn experience.
Address: 65600 Pronghorn Club Dr, Bend, OR 97701, USA
Pronghorn Resort – Fazio Course
Designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio, the private Fazio course takes full advantage of the stunning, petrified landscape in which it resides. With the Pacific Ring of Fire just a stone’s throw away, golfers are treated to a dramatic backdrop as they make their way around the course.
The public Pronghorn Nicklaus layout paved the way for the Fazio course, which opened to critical acclaim in 2006. The resulting 36-hole facility has quickly earned the title of the premier golf community in the Pacific Northwest. Notable holes on the back nine include the challenging par four 14th, the 15th, known for its impressive length, and the par five 18th, which requires players to navigate a variety of obstacles to protect par at the home hole.
Address: 65600 Pronghorn Club Dr, Bend, OR 97701, USA
Eugene Country Club
Eugene Country Club has long been a beloved course in the Pacific Northwest, known for its breathtaking natural setting and strategic challenges. The club’s origins date back to 1899, making it the second oldest club in Oregon. In 1965, the H.C. Egan’s design underwent one of golf’s most profound renovations under Robert Trent Jones, reversing the direction of each hole and building new tees, greens, and stylized bunkers.
Fast forward to 2021, and the course has undergone another facelift under the guidance of Tim Jackson and David Kahn. Although less radical, the changes have made the course more thought-provoking through the shifting of tees, remodeling of bunkers, and the expansion of greens. Perhaps most exciting is the renewed emphasis on using the ground contours and swales as more strategically influential factors.
Address: 255 Country Club Rd, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
Crosswater Golf Course
Crosswater is a 7700-yard golf course that boasts breathtaking vistas of the Cascade Mountains and unique challenges that every golfer will enjoy.
One of the most remarkable features of this course is its location; part of it was reportedly built in the meadow where John Wayne, as Rooster Cogburn, enacted the iconic gun-blazing charge in the hit movie True Grit.
With low-profile greens edged by graceful chipping areas, and fairways intersected by the Big and Little Deschutes Rivers, Crosswater provides an unforgettable golfing experience. Golfers must navigate around water and wetlands while keeping their eyes on the peaks of nearby Broken Top, Three Sisters, and Mount Bachelor.
The 17th hole of Crosswater is truly a beast, measuring 243 yards from the championship tees, with little room for forgiveness. The putting surface may be enormous, but golfers must stay clear of sand traps in front and behind while avoiding grasses that envelop the left side of the green. Truly, Crosswater golf course is a one-of-a-kind gem that no golf enthusiast should ever miss.
Address: 17600 Canoe Camp Dr, Bend, OR 97707, USA
Tetherow Golf Club
David McLay Kidd established his architectural reputation with the original Bandon Dunes course, and a decade later, he returned to Oregon to build another course, Tetherow. While sharing the same fescue as Bandon, Tetherow’s manufactured landscape of lumps and bumps, coupled with more bunkers and a couple of lakes, makes it a challenging course that demands a high degree of strength and skill to play.
The par four 6th stands out as a feature hole with a split fairway and a water hazard running along the left side. Players opting for the left side must navigate the risk of water but will have a shorter approach shot. In contrast, tee shots to the safer right side result in a more challenging approach shot. Overall, Tetherow stands as a challenging course that tests the mettle of experienced golfers.
Address: 61240 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR 97702, USA
Waverley Country Club
While Waverley Country Club’s founding dates back to 1896, it was only the second private golf club established west of the Mississippi River at that time. Since then, the course has undergone several redesigns, including the improvements made by honorary member Chandler Egan in 1913 and the restoration master plan drafted by Gil Hanse at the turn of the millennium.
Under Hanse’s guidance, the course has been transformed, with the removal of hundreds of trees to increase width and the reinstatement of bunkers from the original Golden Age design. Amidst its standout holes, the 177-yard 6th (“Trap”), 603-yard 8th (“Lone Pine”), and the 532-yard 17th (“River”) offer a unique challenge to golfers of every level. Furthermore, the course at Waverley is a testament to the evolution of golf course design over the years.
Address: 1100 SE Waverly Dr, Portland, OR 97222, USA
Columbia Edgewater Country Club
Columbia Edgewater Country Club boasts two renowned courses that are meticulously maintained and provide a challenge for golfers year-round. The 18-hole A.V.
Macan course is a gem in the Northwest, measuring 6823 yards from the tournament tees and featuring 54 daunting bunkers. It’s no wonder that it consistently ranks as one of the best courses in the region, with a slope rating of 137 and an index of 73.2. Designed by Dublin-born Vernon Macan, the course showcases his creativity and skills as a golf course architect.
To complement the Macan course, Columbia Edgewater also offers the 9-hole pitch-and-putt course, the Mason, designed by Bunny Mason, the head golf professional from 1960-1972. While it’s a great option for a quick round, the Macan course is the real draw for golf enthusiasts looking for a challenge on the green.
Address: 2220 NE Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97211, USA
Silvies Valley Ranch – Hankins Course
Silvies Valley Ranch resort is the product of eight years of construction, resulting in two 18-hole golf courses, Craddock and Hankins, designed by Dan Hixson. These layouts boast thirty-six reversible holes, with only eight stand alone and nine shared greens between the two courses. The reversible aspect of the courses allows for a variety of pin placements and tee box options, creating thousands of unique rounds for golf enthusiasts. Although there are no water hazards, there are over a hundred bunkers ensuring a challenging game.
Hankins offers stunning views from the tee boxes and greens perched high above the valley floor, with the 11th tee box on Hankins offering an especially picturesque scene of the distant hills. In addition to the two premier courses, the resort provides a 9-hole par three course and a 7-hole short course known as McVeigh’s Gauntlet, suitable for all levels of golfers. Silvies Valley Ranch resort is a must-visit destination for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Address: 40000 East Cowboy Lane, Seneca, OR 97873, USA
Silvies Valley Ranch – Craddock Course
Silvies Valley Ranch is an impressive eco-resort that sits on a vast 140,000-acre working ranch in central Oregon, three hours away from Bend and Boise. Surrounded by designated National Forests and natural vegetation, the resort boasts two fescue fairways that offer over 240 yards of wide playing corridors.
Designed with bunkers that define the holes, the Craddock course is a true standout, featuring holes named after early settlers in the area. The 125-yard 4th and the 260-yard 7th are just two of the spectacular holes that can be found on this course. The Hankins course also presents its own unique set of features that golfers will appreciate. Overall, Silvies Valley Ranch is an excellent destination for those seeking a truly unforgettable golf experience.
Address: 40000 East Cowboy Lane, Seneca, OR 97873, USA
Broken Top Course
Opened in 1993, the Broken Top Club is a stunning work of art designed by the renowned architectural duo of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. This breathtaking championship course features a challenging layout that will test even the most experienced golfers.
The first half of the course stands out with its well-crafted holes, but the most formidable among them is the dogleg 7th. This tricky par four requires a meticulous tee shot to land just right and prepare for a difficult approach shot to a well-protected green.
Meanwhile, the ninth hole presents a fascinating dilemma for golfers: take the high-risk, high-reward route for a chance at a birdie or play it safe by avoiding the hazards? The 11th is another exciting hole with a shape almost identical to the 9th, but the stunning elevated tee shot lies above an old pumice quarry, making it both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Anyone who plays at this course is in for an unforgettable experience.
Address: 62000 Broken Top Dr, Bend, OR 97702, USA
Astoria Golf & Country Club
Astoria Golf & Country Club has been a staple of the northwest amateur golf community for almost a century. Despite its modest features and lack of ostentatious decor, the course has a special charm that enthusiasts flock to year after year.
Built in the 1920s, Astoria Golf & Country Club was originally meant to have an east-west orientation with fairways running through its sand ridges, but it was later decided to lay the holes out north-south, and that has remained its defining characteristic ever since. The course features manicured greens and fairways that present both novice and experienced players with a fair challenge. Despite its humble appearance, Astoria has earned its spot as one of the most coveted courses in the Pacific northwest.
Address: 33445 Sunset Beach Rd, Warrenton, OR 97146, USA
Conclusion
The Pacific Northwest region of the United States is a golfer’s dream destination. With dozens of courses, ranging from the classic to the modern, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, you can find a course that will challenge and excite you. From Waverley in Portland to Broken Top Club in Bend, Astoria Golf & Country Club in Warrenton, and Silvies Valley Ranch resort in Seneca, there are plenty of great courses for golfers to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to explore the pristine courses of the Pacific Northwest!
