Hidden Gems In The PNW

[erichake]

The front 9 of Elkhorn Valley east of Salem, Or.  It was originally a 9-hole course, but they added a second 9, which is inferior to the original 9.

 

 

[Seamus_MacDuff]

1 hour ago, erichake said:

The front 9 of Elkhorn Valley east of Salem, Or.  It was originally a 9-hole course, but they added a second 9, which is inferior to the original 9.

 

 

 

Last summer's forest fires severely hit Elkhorn Valley.  They lost the clubhouse, maintenance buildings, irrigation system, and most of their greens keeping equipment. Hand watering greens trying to keep them alive. I believe they've sorta patched things together to keep the front 9 open at the moment, but it's a far cry from what it once was.

[pdxhak]

It has been a few years but I have played Elkhorn a couple of times and the course was always in great shape. The wild fires last year were horrible and so much was lost. Sorry to see the fires had such an impact on the course.

Edited August 6, 2021 by pdxhak

[Pulledabill]

Elkhorn hasn't been even close to what it was for about the last 8-10 years.  The front was my all time favorite and the course hasn't been in what I would call "good shape" for a number of years.  Sad really. 

[Chanceman]

Snohomish is a course that was mentioned on this forum a while back as being a solid muni for little money. Any updates on its condition and playability?

[DaveGoodrich]

Using this thread as a guide, I recently played a number of rounds on the WA, OR and NorCal coasts during a road trip over the past 3 weeks.  I played:

 

Bandon Trails

Florence Golf Links

Gearhart Golf Links

Cedars at Dungeness

Sea Ranch 

Salmon Run 

 

My round at Bandon was probably under the nicest weather conditions that course ever sees; 70 degrees, sunny, very little wind.  Drove up to the course without a tee time, and was on the first tee in about 20 minutes, joining two great guys who were sharing a caddie, while I rented a push cart.  It was nice to listen in to the caddie helping the guys with start lines off the tee (yes, I gave him a small tip).  Really great afternoon.  

 

The other courses were all excellent as well.  Even though I suck at writing course reviews and don't do social media, I think I want to retire and enter my 2nd career as a van life/golf bum blogger.