Played 5/22 on a beautiful Spring (finally) day. The fairways had not been mowed in at least a week. The rough was cut recently though grass trimmings were not bagged. Rough was still very thick so it made it very difficult to find balls in the rough. Many bunkers had weeds growing in them. Greens were ok. This is a muni course that is showing neglect and mismanagement. Sure, the course is still a bit soft but so are all courses in the area. It's unclear if this is out of incompetence or $/personnel issues. I can say it's far below the level of Portland muni courses. Plus, making tee times requires prepayment of greens fees at booking whether it's by phone or via their web site. It appears that GolfNow handles all their bookings and you have to pay a booking view on the web site. No other course in the area (to my knowledge) require prepayment of greens fees.

I have such great memories of this course from the first few years it was open. It's a challenging, hilly layout. Some of the toughness has been softened a bit over the years, but the conditions have really fallen off dramatically. I've played out here less and less over the years, but after seeing the state of the course this weekend, I will not make an effort to play here at all.

I have reviewed this course before, but thought an update was in order. I started playing Chehalem Glenn about 4 years ago when I moved to the Portland area. The greens and course conditioning were some of the best in the region at the time. Ever since then (and ever since the course superintendant left) the course conditions have gradually deteriorated. I've played Chehalem Glenn 3 times over the last month and the conditions have really gone south. The greens have been slow, soft, bumpy and spotty from unrepaired ball marks and burned out areas. The fairways have been over watered while other areas of the course are dry and burned out.

Now, I don't expect to see "country club" conditioning at a muni course, especially when we've gotten little to no rain over the last 2 months. But the conditions have become mediocre at best. Certainly not worthy of going out your way to play. I guess there's a reason why it's one of the few area courses that had tee times available this past weekend. The greens are especially disappointing. They were in better condition in the dead of winter than they have been over the last month.

Basically, I used to look forward to playing Chehalem Glenn every chance I got. Now, I'll be looking elsewhere at least until the winter. Chehalem Glenn has been one of the best courses to play in the winter. Hopefully, that will continue to be the case.

Played Sandpines for the first time 6/27/13. About half the course is carved out of ocean forest while the other half is carved out of the sand dunes. Wind is the primary factor in how difficult the course will play. The course reminds me of Bandon Trails but not as severe or dramatic. It's very playable for all skill levels and the layout is a great mix of long/short par 4s, wide open and narrow tee shots as well as a very demanding group of par 3s. There are 5 or 6 holes that have water (lakes/ponds) come in play.

I really enjoyed the layout and the course is by far the best out of all the Oregon coastal courses outside of Bandon. However, the conditions were a bit spotty, especially considering the course was heralded by several major golf publications when it opened 20 years ago. There's a certain "rough around the edges" charm, but on my visit the greens were very furry (slow), bumpy and had just been treated with chemicals. Another issue was that many of the bunkers no longer had "facings". In general, the bunkers are very deep and instead of sod faces, the edges of the bunkers had either grown over the original forms or sand from underneath has eroded out from underneath the sod. For example, I had a shot from just outside a greenside bunker. While taking my stance, I could feel the ground give way a bit under my feet because there was no sand or soil underneath the edges of the bunkers. I nearly fell in the bunker.

Now the greens conditions might have been a fluke and I just had bad timing, but it definitely took away from my enjoyment of the course. Oregon & Washington residents get a break on green fees, but the course runs deals most of the time via their web site, golfnow or other avenues. If you are near the Central Oregon coast, Sandpines is worth a visit. I was a little disappointed in my visit, but I had high expectations based on all the great things I had read about the course.

The Reserve is a top notch semi-private facility, clearly in the upper echelon of places to play in Oregon. The South course is much more Parkland in style with a number of bunkers framing the holes and many tree-lined holes. The North course has a much more "links" feel with mowed down areas around the greens, mounds framing the holes and not many trees. Most of the greens are elevated with run-offs on all sides. This makes iron play and short game a premium to scoring well, while the fairways are very generous off the tee.

Conditioning is always very good (except during the wet winter months, typical for the region) as the 2 courses alternate every 2 weeks for exclusive play by the membership. In other words, only 1 course is available to the public at all times. The 1st thru 15th of the month the South course is open for public play and the North is available the 16th thru the end of the month. The North Course hosted the Umpqua Bank Challenge (aka Peter's Party) hosted by Peter Jacobsen in 2012.

Both courses are worth playing and the service/facilities are exceptional. It certainly has to be in order to serve the private membership. Luckily it carries over to the public. Pumpkin Ridge may have a higher profile due to hosting several USGA events, but The Reserve is about half the price in peak season with 2 premium courses available to the public, not just 1. The Reserve has a loyalty card program and they often have deals on green fees throughout the year via their website, Golfnow and their e-mail list. It's definitely one of my favorite places to play in the Portland area.

Reserve Vineyards Golf Club Review
Portland Oregon Golf Course Reveiws

Gearhart is the oldest course west of the Mississippi River. While there aren't any ocean views, the course sits just inland about a Bubba Watson drive away from the water. The salt air and heavy, cool wind make it feel like a links course along with the firm playing conditions, mounding and numerous bunkers. It's a very playable course for all skill levels with no forced carries and most holes have openings in front of the green to allow for bump & runs shots.

The greens are very small with soft contouring. The bunkers are filled with beach sand, which tends to be pretty soft and heavy. It's a very fun course where you can score playing aggressive or conservative. Very easy to walk. There aren't many good options for golf along the northern Oregon Coast, but Gearhart is a standout. It's a very charming place with a Lodge and McMenamin's Brew Pub on-site. I highly recommend a visit if you're in the area.

Gearhart Golf Links Course Review
Gearhart Oregon Golf Course Reviews

Meriwether is a 36 hole complex with the original 18 hole course (West/North 9s), the South 9 and a 9 hole "practice course. There's a big driving range with mats and a grass tee as well as several practice greens near #1 on each 9. I played the 18 hole course today in preparation for the Oregon Public Links event coming up.

The entire property is very flat. There are plenty of tree-lined, dogleg holes (especially on the North) and a few water hazards that come into play. It being the heart of summer, the course is very firm and fast right now. The course is 6700 from the tips, but certainly shorter with the hard turf. The greens are all poa annua and were quick, but a little bumpy.

Overall, Meriwether is pretty inexpensive to play, but there are better options nearby (The Reserve is right down the road). It serves a sizable golf community concerned with cost. It's a pretty laid back atmosphere. It's just not a course worth going out of your way to play.

I will say a highlight was the BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich in the club restaurant.

Meriwether National Golf Club Review
Hillsboro Oregon Golf Course Reviews

Heron Lakes Golf Club is a city-owned complex with 2 18-hole courses, grass driving range, large putting green and pitching/sand green. The facility hosted the 2000 US Amateur Publc Links and garners a lot of play due to the quality of both courses and the reasonable price. The Greenback course is shorter, flatter and "easier" than the Great Blue, but it's no pushover and the conditioning is very consistent between both tracks. The set of par 3s on the Greenback course are very demanding with a mix of length and water.

The Great Blue course is very challenging from the tee all the way into the hole. There are a few tight, demanding holes as well as some more open driving holes, but the real challenge is negotiating the greens. Approach shots must be well gauged for distance to leave reasonable putts to the hole. Many of the greens, especially on the back nine, require a deft touch to negotiate the many undulations. Even with all the undulations, the locals go by the mantra of "No breaks Heron Lakes". The ball just doesn't seem to break as much as it looks. Very deceiving the first few times you play there.

Overall, the Great Blue will test every part of your game and is one of the most challenging courses in the area. The conditioning is normally very good outside of the wet winter months, especially considering that it's a muni and the amount of play. Out of all the muni's I've played around the country, Heron Lakes certainly ranks very high on the list. Quality, affordable golf. We could all use a little more of that.

Heron Lakes Golf Club Review
Portland Oregon Golf Course Reviews

Langdon Farms is pretty well regarded in the area and is very popular for outings and events. The course regularly hosts US Open qualifying as well. While the course has many "Links style" design elements, you'll probably only be able to play bump & run shots in the summer or early Fall. There's lots of cross bunkering, closely mown collection areas and plenty of mounding to shape most of the holes. There are a few holes that are tree-lined and resemeble typical Oregon courese aesthetics. There's even a set of church pew bunkers between #8 and #9 fairways.

Overall, I find the design a little disjointed, but the conditioning is pretty good overall and the tees are setup appropriately if you are looking for more of a challenge or if you want more of a leisurely round. The real defense of the course are the greens. Typically, they are very fast and true. There's a variety of contouring on the greens from hole to hole, so you really have to be tuned in with the flatstick to score.

Looking at price point, Langdon Farms is positioned similarly to The Reserve GC and Pumpkin Ridge (depending on the time of year). At that price, I prefer the Reserve, but Langdon is certainly on par, especially when you look at the course amenities, staff and facilities. The course conditions might be a little higher than some of the better muni courses in the area, but I think the quality of the course design and shot values are comparable. Basically, I might play Langdon Farms once or twice a year, but I'll play more frequently and in most cases get better value elsewhere.

Landon Farms Golf Club Golf Course Review
Aurora Oregon Golf Course Reviews

This Arnold Palmer design is a perfect example of resort golf. Wide fairways, few forced carries with an emphasis on aesthetics, playability and conditioning. Playing the from the back tees provides plenty of challenges for the better player, but the course is more pleasant than punishing. The course winds around the property, taking you alongside marshes and lakes and through areas of forest. There's enough elevation change to keep things interesting and provide some nice views of the property, especially on the back nine. The greens are fairly big with enough contouring to maintain the course's visual elegance, but not too extreme to overwhelm the novice golfer.

Overall, the Running Y Ranch golf course is a real pleasure to play over and over again. It's a beautiful, idyllic setting with top notch conditioning. There are very good deals on stay & play packages at the resort throughout the year. Accommodations and amenities at the Lodge are very comfortable and pleasant just like the golf course. A very relaxed atmosphere and family friendly as well.

I played 36 holes on a day in early June and saw maybe 3 or 4 groups the entire day. I would highly recommend a visit if you're in Southern Oregon.

Running Y Ranch Golf Resort Reviews
Klamath Falls Oregon Golf Course Reviews

Arguably the premier golf complex in the Portland area, Pumpkin Ridge boasts 2 18 hole golf courses. The private Witch Hollow course has hosted the US Amateur, US Women's Open and numerous USGA qualifiers. The public Ghost Creek course is the home of the LPGA Safeway Classic. There are separate clubhouses for each course.

The entire facility is top notch from the clubhouse to the practice facilities to the course conditioning and staff. Rates during peak season (Jun - Sept) is $150 and they offer a frequent player card (Ghost Pass) that entitles you to reduced rates and other benefits.

The Ghost Creek course is a perfect blend of classic and modern parkland design. There are no tricks or gimmicks, just 18 holes that will test every part of your game. The blend of long/short and risk/reward holes means you will always have to make decisions on when/where to play safe or aggressive. Mix in some elevation changes, water hazards, beautiful bunkering and a variety of greens complexes and you'll understand why Ghost Creek is a must play.

Like many courses in the area, Ghost Creek can be very muddy during the winter/spring, but the rates are adjusted during these times of year.

Pumkin Ridge Golf Club Review
North Plains Oregon Golf Course Reviews

As mentioned in a previous review, Makalei Golf Club is located inland on the Big Island in the Hualalai Mountains. Needless to say there is significant elevation change throughout the course. A very nice contrast to many of the courses lying close to the ocean. The rates here are significantly less than the bigger name courses on the island, but that doesn't mean you'll enjoy your round less. The conditions were very good and pace of play was excellent.

The day I played, I found an "all you can play" rate online. I played alone in a cart and finished 36 holes in 5 hours. I saw maybe 3 groups all day. If you're planning on playing a few rounds on the Big Island and are looking to change things up, Makalei should be on the top of your list. Great value, great fun and great views.

Makalei Golf Club Review
Big Island Hawaii Golf Course Reviews

The Gold Course hosted the Senior Skins game for a number of years. It's picturesque, well maintained and epitomizes golf on the islands. The holes are well framed by trees, sand, water and mounds. Not any gimmicks or quirks, just beautiful and well crafted golf holes. There's plenty of challenges for the better player (especially if it's windy), while offering enough playability for the lesser skilled player to want to keep coming back.

You'll pay top dollar to play at Wailea GC (also have Emerald & Blue courses), but it's not as much as playing at Kapalua and the locals say it doesn't get as windy in Wailea as it does up in Kapalua. When I was there, they had a special where you get 3 rounds on the 3 courses for a discounted rate. Not a huge price break, but it's something. Considering the quality of the courses, conditioning and locale, golf in Wailea (especially on the Gold course), is certainly worth your money.

Wailea Golf Club Course Review
Maui Hawaii Golf Course Reviews