Oregon/Washington Golf

I'm Looking into going to Bandon in early November. Going to playing all four courses there and then heading over to Chambers Bay. What others courses are worth checking out in between? I'm leaning towards heading to Bend to play Pronghorn (Nicklaus) course and Tetherow. Suggestions? Other points of interest along the way are welcome.

Believe it or not Bandon is quite busy in November as thats when prices go down a bit. I have a solo bandon trip coming up around nov 10 and didn't have the easiest time booking my tee times even as a single. If this is your plan give them a call ASAP to see whats available.

Are you planning on driving from CO to bandon and from chambers back to CO? If so many more recommendations come into play.

For a change of pace check out Pumpkin Ridge in portland.

If you are by Eugene and have a hook-up Eugene CC is a nice course.

Bend is an awesome place but it isn't really the ideal route between bandon and Seattle. Early november weather should still be decent in Bend, shouldn't have an issue with snow, although it may be pretty chilly in the morning.

I've heard Crosswater south of Bend is awesome, but I think it's private so you would have to know someone to get on. You could hit up Pumpkin Ridge near Portland. I like Langdon Farms....it's not on the same level as someplace like Bandon or Tetherow, but it's fun and well kept, and it's right next to Interstate 5, so easy for travel.

[quote name='Bone' timestamp='1413412035' post='10295141']
I've heard Crosswater south of Bend is awesome, but I think it's private so you would have to know someone to get on. You could hit up Pumpkin Ridge near Portland. I like Langdon Farms....it's not on the same level as someplace like Bandon or Tetherow, but it's fun and well kept, and it's right next to Interstate 5, so easy for travel.
[/quote] You can play crosswater just have to stay at the resort, but it closes nov 2nd.

edit. Just noticed Tetherow has no rates up for novemeber. Pronghorn does have a november-december rate though

You have a great plan... for August.

Bend in November isn't going to be much fun (I'm not even sure Prong or Tetherow are even still open), unless you want to ski or something.

Honestly, your best bets are Bandon and Chambers. Pumpkin is going to be atrocious in November if we've had any rain (it's a drains like a sponge).

[quote name='Bottlenosedolphin' timestamp='1413411127' post='10295041']
Believe it or not Bandon is quite busy in November as thats when prices go down a bit. I have a solo bandon trip coming up around nov 10 and didn't have the easiest time booking my tee times even as a single. If this is your plan give them a call ASAP to see whats available.

Are you planning on driving from CO to bandon and from chambers back to CO? If so many more recommendations come into play.

For a change of pace check out Pumpkin Ridge in portland.
[/quote]

I called them and they had some openings the days I threw out at them.

Edit: I'll be flying

[quote name='oregongolf' timestamp='1413412558' post='10295195']
You have a great plan... for August.

Bend in November isn't going to be much fun (I'm not even sure Prong or Tetherow are even still open), unless you want to ski or something.
[/quote]

Thanks may need to scratch idea then.

[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1413412717' post='10295217']
[quote name='oregongolf' timestamp='1413412558' post='10295195']
You have a great plan... for August.

Bend in November isn't going to be much fun (I'm not even sure Prong or Tetherow are even still open), unless you want to ski or something.
[/quote]

Thanks may need to scratch idea then.
[/quote] Yeah unfortunately novembers probably the worst time to be in Bend, likely not enough snow for skiing and most courses are probably closed.

I would say just go to Bend anyway because its an awesome place, but being that you're from Denver its nothing you haven't seen before.

[quote name='knock it close' timestamp='1413412846' post='10295231']
[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1413412717' post='10295217']
[quote name='oregongolf' timestamp='1413412558' post='10295195']
You have a great plan... for August.

Bend in November isn't going to be much fun (I'm not even sure Prong or Tetherow are even still open), unless you want to ski or something.
[/quote]

Thanks may need to scratch idea then.
[/quote] Yeah unfortunately novembers probably the worst time to be in Bend, likely not enough snow for skiing and most courses are probably closed.

I would say just go to Bend anyway because its an awesome place, but being that you're from Denver its nothing you haven't seen before.
[/quote]

Yeah, hate to be a ski snob but I didn't even know Oregon had skiing. Would love to check it out but looking to just golf on this trip. So stick to the coastal areas then?

Bend's courses will be closed in November. Bandon will be open, obviously, but the weather will be a crap shoot. Could be okay, but probably will be in the 40's with the possibility of it raining sideways.

Looks like Pronghorn will be open, but maybe Pumpkin Ridge would be a better stop on the way. Any other courses in the Eugene/Portland area? What about southern Washington? Not too worried about the weather. If the courses are open I'll play them.

Thanks for the responses so far.

[quote name='Bone' timestamp='1413412035' post='10295141']
I've heard Crosswater south of Bend is awesome, but I think it's private so you would have to know someone to get on. You could hit up Pumpkin Ridge near Portland. I like Langdon Farms....it's not on the same level as someplace like Bandon or Tetherow, but it's fun and well kept, and it's right next to Interstate 5, so easy for travel.
[/quote]

Looks like Bend may not be worth the trip, if I can't play Tetherow. Langdon Farms looks like a good track. So Pumpkin and Langdon would be the two best options, then?

I would call Tetherow to confirm there close date, if pronghorn and tetherow are open it still could be worth it.

IMO....Pumpkin Ridge = meh.

Salish Cliffs out of Olympia/Shelton area. Super nice casino resort course. Might be a bit wet depending on our weather up to that point.
Home Course is very close to Chambers Bay and is really good. Drains very well too. For a fun side round try the Gearhart Golf Links in Gearhart Or. Northern coast and is one of the oldest golf courses in the country. It's not Bandon, but it's very cool, old school golf.

Agree with others, I'd skip Bend altogether. Most of the good courses will be closed and it could be snowing.

[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1413422574' post='10296391']
[quote name='Bone' timestamp='1413412035' post='10295141']
I've heard Crosswater south of Bend is awesome, but I think it's private so you would have to know someone to get on. You could hit up Pumpkin Ridge near Portland. I like Langdon Farms....it's not on the same level as someplace like Bandon or Tetherow, but it's fun and well kept, and it's right next to Interstate 5, so easy for travel.
[/quote]

Looks like Bend may not be worth the trip, if I can't play Tetherow. Langdon Farms looks like a good track. So Pumpkin and Langdon would be the two best options, then?
[/quote]

Langdon farms is pretty awesome for what it is. The course is usually in spectacular condition, and its really cheap. I think their drainage is pretty decent as well. For a quick memorable round give it a whirl. Also the Reserve is another decent option in the portland area.

[quote name='Jhuttster' timestamp='1413423669' post='10296525']
Salish Cliffs out of Olympia/Shelton area. Super nice casino resort course. Might be a bit wet depending on our weather up to that point.
Home Course is very close to Chambers Bay and is really good. Drains very well too. For a fun side round try the Gearhart Golf Links in Gearhart Or. Northern coast and is one of the oldest golf courses in the country. It's not Bandon, but it's very cool, old school golf.

Agree with others, I'd skip Bend altogether. Most of the good courses will be closed and it could be snowing.
[/quote]

If you're going all the way up to Chambers, I'd recommend Gold Mountain - Olympic followed by Salish Cliffs. Both quality courses but it was the old school charm of GM that won me over.

Whatever you decide it will be a fantastic trip. Have fun!

[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1413422574' post='10296391']
[quote name='Bone' timestamp='1413412035' post='10295141']
I've heard Crosswater south of Bend is awesome, but I think it's private so you would have to know someone to get on. You could hit up Pumpkin Ridge near Portland. I like Langdon Farms....it's not on the same level as someplace like Bandon or Tetherow, but it's fun and well kept, and it's right next to Interstate 5, so easy for travel.
[/quote]

Looks like Bend may not be worth the trip, if I can't play Tetherow. Langdon Farms looks like a good track. So Pumpkin and Langdon would be the two best options, then?
[/quote]

As cool as a trip would be to Bend, I would really discourage you from playing there in November... the weather could be a crapshoot.

Langdon is alright... nice local course. Pretty convenient since it's right off I-5. Again, I would steer clear of Pumpkin unless we've had a solid week of dry weather. If it's been wet, It will likely be soggy and if they have a hard frost, they might not even open (they are incredibly careful with frost or frozen greens).

As mentioned above, Gold Mountain Olympic, The Home Course, and Salish Cliffs will all be better tracks to play than almost any public in the Portland area.

If you're a member at a club, you can most certainly get onto most of the privates here in Portland with a call from a pro.

Salish, Reserve, and Gearhart look like a solid tracks.

Surprised no one endorses Pumpkin, I'll skip it then.

Gold Mountain looks solid. The Home Course looks like a pretty stout course from the tips.

Not a member at any club right now, so private clubs are out.

[quote name='irvtrain' timestamp='1413425697' post='10296765']
Gold Mountain looks solid. The Home Course looks like a pretty stout course from the tips.

Not a member at any club right now, so private clubs are out.
[/quote]

Not that price really matters with the courses you're playing....but....I played GM for $25 in March...and that was primetime...lol.

Was ranked second best "deal" in the US behind some course out East. It has hosted NCAA tournaments and US Open qualifiers according to Bob, the super cool senior member that was an absolute blast to play with.

The Reserve (South) is good... it's always pretty fun. Drains ok. Gearhart is a great track. Even better now with all the tree work they did. I don't know anyone who would even bother to play The Home Course from the tips in November... you're brave!

You could try boxgroove to see what is open for private clubs along the road for your trip. That would open up quite a few more options.

[quote name='oregongolf' timestamp='1413427954' post='10296999']
The Reserve (South) is good... it's always pretty fun. Drains ok. Gearhart is a great track. Even better now with all the tree work they did. I don't know anyone who would even bother to play The Home Course from the tips in November... you're brave!

You could try boxgroove to see what is open for private clubs along the road for your trip. That would open up quite a few more options.
[/quote]

Thanks, never heard of boxgroove but I'll try to use it for here in Colorado in the future, lol.

I usually play the tips of any course I've never played to try and get the full experience. Dumb I know, but I'm a longer hitter (not golfwrx long) so the tips set up well for me to play holes the way the architect intended. It doesn't help my scores but when I recall certain holes later in life I can visualize the hole in its entirety.

[quote name='Mr22putt' timestamp='1413423636' post='10296521']
IMO....Pumpkin Ridge = meh.
[/quote]

I agree if you mean Ghost Creek, but Witch Hollow is a wicked course.

OP I if you are concerned about not being able to play Pronghorn Nicklaus (great course, BTW), I'm pretty sure Juniper up in Redmond stays open all year round. You can't go wrong with Juniper. Keep it in mind as a backup at least.

Will only discuss courses I've played.

The Preserve in Bandon is fun, & won't take long to play. (The Bandon courses drain exceptionally well. I've seen fairway sprinklers going full-tilt in past Decembers.)

The two Pronghorn courses in Bend are good (Nicklaus was more interesting), as is Juniper & Aspen Lakes. Wasn't impressed by Tetherow.

In Portland, the Reserve (South) and Pumpkin Ridge (Witch Hollow) are fine. Heron Lakes (Great Blue) is links-like and interesting.

The Home Course very close to Chambers Bay is good, as is Salish Cliffs. Gold Mountain (Olympic) is excellent, but about 50 minutes north of Chambers.

Personally, I would focus on playing as many rounds at Bandon as possible, and a few at Chambers. The others are good, but not in the same tier as Bandon.

[caution: played the non-Bandon courses in the summer & fall. Have no idea how they are in winter.]

Sand Pines in Florence should be considered.

[quote name='DeNinny' timestamp='1413435655' post='10297583']
I agree if you mean Ghost Creek, but Witch Hollow is a wicked course.
[/quote]
Witch = private

[quote name='Swingem' timestamp='1413472924' post='10299251']
Sand Pines in Florence should be considered.
[/quote]
I think one could find a really cheap rate in Nov...on sites like Golfnow etc.