While most experts trace the origins of modern golf to 14th century Scotland, a place where the local Scots played the hills and valleys of the coastline on courses designed by nature, the game may have found another homeland: Portland. Wide open spaces, varied terrain, developed plant and wildlife habitat and a moderate climate have made Portland a unique fit for the 78 courses that reside within a 30-minute drive of downtown.
Portland Golf Course Review
While most experts trace the origins of modern golf to 14th century Scotland, a place where the local Scots played the hills and valleys of the coastline on courses designed by nature, the game may have found another homeland: Portland.
Wide open spaces, varied terrain, developed plant and wildlife habitat and a moderate climate have made Portland a unique fit for the 78 courses that reside within a 30-minute drive of downtown.
Some may naturally question the caliber of the courses in the area due to the lack of professional tournaments held in the Rose City, but it is important to remember that it is a rarity when the PGA ventures out of the stable climate of the southern part of the country.
Besides boasting championship-level courses around town, such as Pumpkin Ridge, which has frequently hosted LPGA events, and The Reserve in Aloha, on stop on the PGA senior tour from 1998-2006, the state of Oregon is home to 173 courses, some of which are the finest in the world.
It is likely that the average student cannot afford to play at some of the more prominent courses such as these, or on the ones where the Portland State golf team practices. However, students can still find ways to enjoy the game that makes enjoying nature easy.
The Vanguard recently reviewed some of their favorite local courses, evaluating on price, scenery, difficulty and overall pleasure.
Likely confined by a student budget, we encourage all golfers to ask about student discounts, and to take advantage of twilight, early morning or other special rates.
Rating key
Eagle: World classBirdie: ExemplaryPar: AverageBogey: Shabby Double bogey: Backyard-like
Eastmoreland
Opened in 1917 and recognized as the oldest of the four municipal courses in the Portland area, Eastmoreland consistently ranks as one of the finest public courses in the country. The course features a spacious layout that borders Crystal Springs Lake in Southeast Portland.
“We try to give those who play a competitive but enjoyable experience no matter their skill level,” said course professional Clark Cumpston.
Featuring the most competitive 18-hole prices in the city, Eastmoreland should be among the first courses played by any avid golfer in Portland.
2425 S.E. Bybee Blvd.Portland, OR 97202503-775-2900
Prices:9 holes: $18-1918 holes: $23-25
Features: Multilevel, lit driving rangeYardage: 6,105Difficulty meter: 70.0Vanguard rating: Birdie
Glendoveer
Featuring two 18-hole courses, Glendoveer offers a forgiving course for the casual golfer.
The East Course provides a hilly challenge for even the most experienced golfers, as pins and bunkers are strategically placed to deflect low scores. The West Course is more forgiving, featuring wide fairways that leave the golfer battling a chronic hook or slice without the typical negative consequences.
14015 N.E. Glisan St.Portland, OR 97230503-253-7507
Prices: 9 holes: $18-1918 holes: $30-35
Features: Multilevel, lit and heated driving range, restaurantYardage: East Course: 5,765West Course: 5,576 Difficulty meter: East Course: 68.0West Course: 66.2Vanguard rating: Par
Red Tail
If you can avoid hitting the gaggles of geese that make their home on the bodies of water spread throughout the course, Red Tail is one of the finer courses in the area, and offers a complete playing experience for all skill levels.
After originally opening as one of the four municipal courses in the city under the name Progress Downs Municipal Golf Course, Red Tail was redesigned at the beginning of the decade. The new design features several Scottish-style influences, including mounded fairways, tight greens and water frequently coming into play.
“The course layout rewards the accurate golfer,” said Rick Westbrook, an assistant general manager. “It may not be as long as the other courses in the area, but our layout is extremely creative.”
8200 S.W. Scholls Ferry Rd. Beaverton, OR 97008503-646-5166
Prices: 9 holes: $22-2318 holes: $33-41
Features: Multilevel, lit and heated driving range, two restaurants, full-service clubhouse, demo for testing clubs Yardage: 6,267Difficulty meter: 70.4Vanguard rating: Par
Wildwood
One of the best-kept golfing secrets in the metro area is the Wildwood course. Sitting 20 miles outside Portland on Highway 30, the course rests in a low valley on the side of the hillside and is sheltered by hundreds of tall fir trees.
The course features three creeks that dash across the wide fairways, while the thick rough penalizes errant shots. Opening in 1991, Wildwood’s hills provide an adequate workout, and the location is perfect for an afternoon tee-time. Although it is not especially long, the layout features plenty of risk/reward type shots.
If you can make the drive and endure the mountainous terrain, Wildwood is one of the most rewarding golfing experiences in the region.
21881 N.W. St. Helens Rd.Portland, OR 97231503-621-3402
Prices: 9 holes: $14-1618 holes: $25-30
Features: Driving range (irons only)Yardage: 5,756Difficulty meter: 68.1Vanguard rating: Birdie
Quail Valley
After opening play in 1994, Quail Valley rivals any other as the most challenging public course in the Portland area. The links-style course sits in Banks, a 30-minute drive west on Highway 26.
“The layout of the course is challenging, rewarding and lengthy,” said club professional Doug Hixson.
The sixth hole on the course features a green nearly surrounded by water and emphasizes the unblemished layout. While the drive is lengthy, the reward of playing without the typical city noise is worthwhile.
12565 N.W. Aerts Rd.Banks, OR 97106503-324-4444
Prices: 9 holes: $15-2018 holes: $30-40
Features: Driving Range (grass only), restaurant, clubhouseYardage: 6,042Difficulty meter: 68.9Vanguard rating: Birdie
Lake Oswego
The Lake Oswego Municipal Course is the only executive-style course that made our list despite its difficult-to-navigate location. While short, this 18-hole course is unique and challenging.
The course is well maintained and features a terrific value. Executive courses, ones with all par-three holes, are typically some of the best places for inexperienced golfers to practice their short game without being punished for their lack of length.
17525 S.W. Stafford RoadLake Oswego, OR 97034503-636-8228
Prices: 9 holes: $12-1418 holes: $20-23
Features: Lit driving rangeYardage: 2,693 (executive course)Vanguard rating: Bogey
Camas Meadows
Although concealed across the Columbia, Camas Meadows Golf Club is undeniably the finest golf course in the area.
With the pristine Lacamas Lake serving as its backdrop, Camas Meadows was named as the best public golf course in the Northwest. Of course, golfers may question whether the course is public or private after paying the hefty green fees.
Included in the green fee is a complimentary golf cart that is outfitted with the latest ParView GPS system, to help you locate your wayward tee shots. Each detail on the recently built course has been carefully constructed from the white sand imported for the bunkers, to the environmentally safe layout that avoids the wetlands and wildlife.
4105 N.W. Camas Meadows Drive Camas, WA 986071-800-750-6511
Prices: 9 holes: $17-1918 holes: $27-44
Features: Carts outfitted with GPS system, new clubhouse, driving rangeYardage: 5,743Difficulty meter: 67.5Vanguard rating: Birdie
