Discover 200+ golf courses from Pacific links to mountain resort golf, featuring America's #1 golf destination
Oregon ranks among America's premier golf destinations, featuring more than 200 public golf courses across diverse landscapes from Pacific Ocean links to high desert resort golf. The state's crown jewel, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, has revolutionized American golf with five courses all ranked in the nation's top 100 public courses. Beyond Bandon, Oregon offers exceptional championship golf in Portland, world-class resort destinations in Central Oregon, and historic coastal links that date back to the 1890s.
The mild Pacific Northwest climate enables year-round golf at many locations, with peak season from June through September and exceptional value during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Oregon's golf courses showcase stunning natural settings including ocean bluffs, ponderosa pine forests, Cascade Mountain views, and lush Willamette Valley landscapes.
Located on the rugged Southern Oregon Coast, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort features seven distinct courses including five 18-hole championship layouts all ranked among Golf Digest's Top 100 public courses. This walking-only resort offers pure links golf on dramatic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, earning worldwide acclaim as the finest public golf destination in America.
Designer: Tom Doak | Opened: 2001
Rankings: #2 U.S. public courses, #21 Golf Digest Top 100 (including private)
Considered by many to be the best course at Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes features tight routing along the rugged coastline with greens that demand precision. The fan-favorite layout showcases spectacular ocean views and is consistently ranked as the top course at the resort. The dramatic coastal holes and natural terrain make this a bucket-list experience.
Designer: David McLay Kidd | Opened: 1999
Rankings: #8 U.S. public courses, #40 Golf Digest Top 100
The original course that started it all, Bandon Dunes is a Scottish-style links with wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and panoramic ocean views. David McLay Kidd's design established his reputation and set the standard for American links golf. The course has been ranked in Golf Digest's 100 Greatest since 2001.
Designers: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw | Opened: 2005
Rankings: #11 U.S. public courses, #65 Golf Digest Top 100
Bandon Trails ventures inland through diverse terrain including coastal dunes, forest, and meadows. The Coore & Crenshaw design offers the most variety of any Bandon course, with some holes playing through towering pines and others across open links-land. This routing provides a unique contrast to the ocean-front courses.
Designers: Tom Doak & Jim Urbina | Opened: 2010
Rankings: #13 U.S. public courses, #72 Golf Digest Top 100
Old Macdonald pays homage to golf's Golden Age architect Charles Blair Macdonald, featuring classic template holes and dramatic bunkering. GolfWeek ranked it #2 among Oregon public courses. The wide fairways and strategic design reward thoughtful play, and the massive double greens create unique strategic options.
Designers: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw | Opened: 2020
Rankings: #16 U.S. public courses, Golf Digest Best New 2020
Sheep Ranch won Best New Course of the Year in 2020 and is considered the most playable course at Bandon, featuring amazing views and pure fun golf. The routing follows the most dramatic section of coastline at the resort, with several holes perched directly on ocean bluffs. This is the average golfer's dream course at Bandon.
Designer: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw | Holes: 13 par 3s
The Preserve is a spectacular 13-hole par-3 course perched on coastal bluffs with jaw-dropping ocean views. This walking-only course offers a more relaxed pace while still providing world-class golf experiences. Perfect for warming up, cooling down, or enjoying a twilight round.
Staying on-property provides lower green fees and refundable, changeable tee times.
Random drawing determines reservation priority after each window closes.
Website: bandondunesgolf.com | Phone: 1-855-220-6710 | Location: Bandon, Oregon (Southern Coast)
Beyond Bandon Dunes, Oregon features numerous championship-caliber courses that have hosted professional tournaments and rank among the nation's best public layouts. These courses offer exceptional design, pristine conditions, and memorable golf experiences.
📍 North Plains (30 min from Portland) | Designer: Bob Cupp
Rankings: #9 Oregon public courses, former Golf Digest Top 100 Public
Ghost Creek is the public course at the 36-hole Pumpkin Ridge facility and is widely considered the best public golf course in the Portland area. Hosted the 1996 U.S. Amateur Championship won by Tiger Woods and the 2022 LIV Golf Invitational. The challenging layout features the winding Ghost Creek coming into play on many holes. The private Witch Hollow course ranked #4 among Oregon private courses.
📍 Sunriver (15 mi south of Bend) | Designer: Bob Cupp
Rankings: Golf Digest "America's 100 Greatest Courses"
Crosswater is honored as one of America's top 100 courses, featuring a traditional bent grass heathland style spanning 7,683 yards. The course crosses the Little Deschutes River seven times and offers stunning Cascade Mountain views. This private club offers limited public access through Sunriver Resort stay-and-play packages.
📍 Bend | Designer: David McLay Kidd
Rankings: #14 Oregon public courses, #15 GOLF Magazine Oregon
David McLay Kidd built Tetherow after establishing his reputation with Bandon Dunes. This wild links-style golf course in the high desert features Scottish Heathland-inspired design with some of the most fun golf holes in the state. The dramatic lava rock outcroppings and juniper-dotted landscape create a unique Central Oregon experience.
📍 Aloha (Portland area) | Designers: John Fought (South), Bob Cupp (North)
Type: Semi-private, two championship courses
Reserve Vineyards features two exceptional 18-hole courses. The South Course designed by John Fought and the North Course by Bob Cupp both offer championship golf through vineyards and rolling terrain. Green fees around $95 with semi-private access available to public. Popular destination for Portland-area golfers seeking resort-quality conditions.
Website: Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club
📍 Bend | Designers: Jack Nicklaus & Tom Fazio
Rankings: Nicklaus Course #42 Golf Digest Top 100
Pronghorn features two exceptional 18-hole courses: the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course ranked #42 on Golf Digest's Top 100 List, and the Tom Fazio Championship Course. Both private courses showcase Central Oregon's high desert beauty with dramatic elevation changes and Cascade views. Limited public access through resort packages.
Location: Bend, Central Oregon
📍 Gearhart (North Coast) | Opened: 1892
Historic: Oldest course in the Pacific Northwest
Gearhart Golf Links officially opened in 1892 as a 3-hole course and is the oldest course in the northwest and arguably the Western United States. In 2013, management removed hundreds of trees to restore the course to its true links identity, adding 11 new tees. The 18-hole public course provides an old-world golf experience representative of the game's birthplace.
Oregon's resort golf destinations combine championship courses with luxury accommodations, spectacular natural settings, and complete vacation experiences. Central Oregon leads with multiple world-class resorts.
📍 Sunriver, Oregon (15 miles south of Bend) - One of the premier golf destinations in the Pacific Northwest
7,683 yards of traditional bent grass heathland style, crossing the Little Deschutes River seven times. Golf Digest "America's 100 Greatest Courses." Private club with resort guest access.
Redesigned by acclaimed architect John Fought, Meadows opened in 1968 as a pioneer bringing resort golf to Central Oregon. Features tremendous variety with 7 holes bordering the meandering Sunriver. Public access.
Designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., Woodlands twists and turns through ponderosa pines and lava rock formations. Challenging layout with dramatic natural features. Public access.
Considered one of the top short courses anywhere. Family-friendly 9-hole course with holes ranging from 60 to 185 yards. Perfect for practice or casual rounds.
Website: sunriverresort.com
📍 Sisters (8 miles NW of Sisters)
Iconic Central Oregon resort with a pair of championship golf courses that challenge experienced players and offer some of the region's best mountain views. Big Meadow and Glaze Meadow courses both feature classic mountain resort golf through ponderosa pines with Cascade vistas.
📍 Seneca (3 hours east of Bend)
One of the most remote golf resorts in the continental United States, featuring a unique reversible course (Craddock and Hankins nines) and luxurious accommodations. The 7-mile course can be played in either direction with different tee and green locations. Pure golf experience in Eastern Oregon's high country.
📍 Gleneden Beach (10 miles south of Lincoln City)
Elite coastal golf resort with 180-degree views of both Siletz Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The championship course runs through the heart of Salishan Resort. Excellent layout with premium resort amenities, though pricing reflects resort destination status.
📍 Bandon (Less than 10 min from Bandon Dunes)
Heathland golf in the Great British tradition, offering a more affordable alternative to Bandon Dunes Resort. Fun, laid-back vibe with creative course design that's challenging and totally enjoyable. Budget-friendly option near the world-famous Bandon courses.
Oregon's 363-mile coastline features spectacular golf with dramatic ocean views, true links conditions, and historic courses dating back to the 1890s. Coastal golf offers year-round play with mild winter temperatures, though wind can be a constant challenge.
📍 Gearhart (North Coast, near Seaside)
The oldest golf course in the Pacific Northwest (opened 1892) and arguably the oldest in the Western United States. Restored to true links identity in 2013 with tree removal and 11 new tees. 18 holes of old-world golf experience representing the game's birthplace. Open year-round, 8am to dusk daily.
📍 Florence (Central Coast)
Selected as Golf Digest's "Best New Public Course of the Year" when it opened. Nestled amid windswept dunes and towering pines, this true links course is considered one of the better public play courses in Oregon. Spectacular dunes golf with Scottish flavor on the Central Coast.
Location: Florence, Oregon
📍 Gleneden Beach (10 miles south of Lincoln City)
Premium coastal resort course with 180-degree views of Siletz Bay and Pacific Ocean. Established as a premier golf destination running through the heart of Salishan Resort. Excellent layout with resort-quality conditions, though green fees reflect destination resort status. Year-round play.
📍 Bandon (Southern Coast)
Less than 10 minutes from Bandon Dunes Resort, Bandon Crossings offers heathland golf in the Great British tradition at more affordable rates than the famous resort. Fun, laid-back vibe with creative course design. Perfect for those seeking Bandon-area golf at lower prices.
📍 Coos Bay
Semi-private course near Bandon offering public play at scheduled times. Traditional parkland layout with coastal influence.
📍 Coos Bay
Public 9-hole course near the coast with scenic bay views. Affordable coastal golf option.
📍 Newport
9-hole executive course with ocean views. Family-friendly layout perfect for casual rounds.
The Portland metropolitan area features 50+ golf courses ranging from championship layouts to municipal courses operated by Portland Parks & Recreation, described as "one of the best municipal golf systems in the country." The region offers diverse golf experiences from links-style challenges to tree-lined parkland courses.
📍 North Plains (30 min from downtown) | Type: Public
Widely considered the best public golf course in Portland, Oregon. Ranked #9 among Oregon public courses and former Golf Digest Top 100 Public course. Hosted 1996 U.S. Amateur Championship (Tiger Woods) and 2022 LIV Golf. Challenging Bob Cupp design with Ghost Creek coming into play throughout. The private Witch Hollow course at Pumpkin Ridge ranks #4 among Oregon private courses.
📍 Aloha (Portland area) | Type: Semi-private
Two championship courses: John Fought's South Course and Bob Cupp's North Course. Both offer exceptional golf through vineyard terrain with resort-quality conditions. Green fees around $95. Semi-private with public access. Popular destination combining great golf with beer culture - Portland is a haven of great golf and craft beer.
Portland Parks & Recreation operates five excellent public golf courses described as one of the best municipal systems in the country.
📍 Southeast Portland | Designer: H. Chandler Egan
Second-oldest golf course in Oregon, designed in 1917 by National Amateur Champion H. Chandler Egan. Closest course to downtown Portland, offering complete facilities amidst Crystal Springs Lake and Rhododendron Garden. One of Golf Digest's top public picks. Classic parkland design with mature trees and water features.
📍 North Portland | Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Two distinct 18-hole championship courses just north of downtown: Great Blue Course and Greenback Course. Both designed by legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr. Great Blue offers more challenge while Greenback provides accessible municipal golf. Excellent conditions at affordable municipal rates.
📍 Northeast Portland | Historic: Built 1923, clubhouse 1932
Second-oldest municipal course in the city and state. The clubhouse, built in 1932, is on the National Historic Registry. Classic municipal design offering affordable golf in a historic setting. Popular with local golfers for its traditional layout and convenient location.
📍 Northeast Portland
Portland Parks Golf facility offering 18-hole and 9-hole courses plus extensive practice facilities. Great for beginners and practice rounds. Affordable municipal pricing with well-maintained conditions.
📍 Northeast Portland
Two 18-hole courses (East and West) designed by John Stenzel, opened 1926 and 1928. East Course more challenging. Features Von Ebert Brewing on-site. Popular local hangout with elevation changes that challenge walkers.
📍 Aurora
Championship public course south of Portland. Highly-rated layout with excellent conditions. Popular for tournaments and outings.
📍 Beaverton
Championship course with extensive practice facilities. Modern layout in Portland's western suburbs.
📍 Portland
Public course offering good value and convenient access for Portland metro golfers.
📍 West Linn
Semi-private club south of Portland with public access. Quality layout with good conditions.
📍 Gresham
Public course in Portland's eastern suburbs offering affordable municipal-style golf.
Website: portlandparksgolf.com (Portland Parks Golf)
Central Oregon features nearly 30 golf courses including three on Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest list. The Bend area offers exceptional resort golf, high desert links-style courses, and mountain layouts with Cascade views. The sunny, dry climate provides excellent conditions from spring through fall.
📍 Sunriver | Rankings: Golf Digest Top 100
7,683-yard heathland course crossing Little Deschutes River seven times. Private club with resort guest access through stay-and-play packages.
📍 Bend | Rankings: #14 Oregon public
Wild links-style course in high desert designed by David McLay Kidd. Scottish Heathland inspiration with dramatic lava rock and juniper. One of the most fun layouts in Oregon.
📍 Bend | Rankings: Nicklaus #42 Top 100
Two exceptional courses: Jack Nicklaus Signature (#42 Golf Digest) and Tom Fazio Championship. Private with limited resort access. Dramatic desert beauty.
📍 Sisters (23 mi NW of Bend)
Most challenging public course in Bend area. Unique red sand bunkers made from crushed red cinders. Golf Digest "Best New Affordable Course." Spectacular mountain views with challenging layout.
📍 Bend (South Bend, Deschutes National Forest)
Voted Central Oregon's favorite public golf course over 20 times by The Source readers. The golf club Bend locals call their "home course." Spacious layout with forest backdrop featuring one of the longest par 5s on the West Coast. Classic rolling greens with pickleball facilities on-site.
📍 Bend (South edge, China Hat Road)
Designed and owned by former PGA president Brian Whitcomb. Built in 1996 as 18-hole, par 72 course on edge of Deschutes National Forest. Open year-round. Challenging layout with desert features and forest setting.
📍 Sunriver
Meadows: John Fought redesign, 7 holes on Sunriver. Woodlands: Robert Trent Jones Jr. through pines and lava rock. Both public access with excellent conditions.
📍 Sisters (8 mi NW)
Iconic resort with two championship courses offering best mountain views in Central Oregon. Both courses challenge experienced players through ponderosa pines with Cascade vistas.
📍 Bend
Year-round play even in cold weather. High desert course with good conditions and local following.
📍 Bend
Private club with limited public access. Classic design with mature trees and excellent conditions.
📍 Redmond
High desert course with juniper trees and natural terrain. Good value public golf.
Oregon's diverse geography offers golf across multiple distinct regions, each with unique characteristics and playing conditions.
Wide array of golf from approachable 9-holers to nationally-ranked 18-hole courses.
Sneaky-solid golf destination featuring quality courses through wine country and valley landscapes.
Remote, rugged golf in Oregon's high country and rangeland.
Golf along the dramatic Columbia River Gorge with spectacular scenery.
Oregon's mild Pacific Northwest climate enables year-round golf at many locations, with most courses open 7 days a week throughout the year.
Third-party tee times available on GolfNow, TeeOff, and other services for additional savings.
3-Day Bandon Dunes Trip:
4-Day Central Oregon Tour:
Weekend Portland Golf: Pumpkin Ridge Ghost Creek, Reserve Vineyards, Langdon Farms, Portland Parks courses
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has revolutionized American golf by creating a pure links experience on par with Scotland and Ireland's finest courses. What makes it #1:
The resort has earned worldwide acclaim, with Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine consistently ranking it the finest public golf destination in America. Playing all five courses over 3-4 days is considered a bucket-list golf experience.
Green Fees (2025 rates):
Lodging: $100-1,950 per night depending on season and room type. February-March offers best value ($130-155/night).
Additional Costs: Caddies $100 + tip (highly recommended), dining, travel.
Booking: Phone reservations only at 1-855-220-6710. New lottery system for 2026: Register by deadline for your travel window, then random drawing determines priority. Be flexible with dates and keep group sizes small for better booking odds. Staying on-property provides lower rates, refundable/changeable tee times.
Budget Estimate: 3-night/4-round trip averages $2,000-3,000+ per person including lodging, golf, caddies, and meals. Winter offers significant savings with rates as low as $100/round.
Oregon features exceptional golf beyond Bandon Dunes across multiple regions:
Portland Area:
Central Oregon - Bend:
Oregon Coast:
Yes, most Oregon golf courses are open year-round thanks to the mild Pacific Northwest climate. However, conditions vary significantly by region and season:
Year-Round Golf Regions:
Seasonal Golf:
Best Seasons:
The best time depends on your priorities - weather, value, or crowds:
Best Overall: Late Spring/Early Fall (May & September-October)
Peak Season: June-August
Best Value: February-March & November
Regional Considerations: Coastal golf excellent year-round. Central Oregon best April-October. Portland area playable year-round but wet November-March. Many experts consider fall (September-November) Oregon's absolute best golf season combining great weather, ideal conditions, and excellent value.
Oregon features more than 200 public golf courses according to Travel Oregon, with a total of approximately 240+ courses statewide including private and semi-private clubs.
Regional Breakdown:
Course Types:
Top Rankings: Oregon features five courses in Golf Digest's Top 100 public courses (all at Bandon Dunes), plus three courses in the overall Top 100 including private courses. This concentration of world-class golf makes Oregon one of America's premier golf destinations.
Portland offers exceptional public golf across championship layouts and an excellent municipal system:
Championship Public Courses:
Best Municipal Courses (Portland Parks Golf):
Value Pick: Portland Parks municipal courses ($30-60) offer exceptional value with maintained conditions. Pumpkin Ridge provides the ultimate Portland championship experience. Many consider Portland Parks one of the best municipal golf systems in the country.
Central Oregon, centered around Bend, has emerged as one of the Pacific Northwest's premier golf destinations with nearly 30 courses including three Golf Digest Top 100 courses.
Why Central Oregon for Golf:
Must-Play Courses:
Season & Planning: Golf season typically March-November, best April-October. Some courses like Rivers Edge offer year-round play. Summer (June-September) is peak with best weather but book advance. Spring and fall offer excellent value with great conditions. Stay-and-play packages at Sunriver, Black Butte Ranch, or Tetherow provide best experience.
Getting There: Redmond Airport (RDM) 20 minutes to Bend courses. Portland Airport (PDX) 3-hour scenic drive. Bend offers excellent dining, craft breweries, and outdoor recreation beyond golf.
Yes, Oregon offers excellent golf at all price points, from world-class championship courses to affordable municipal layouts:
Best Value Golf ($30-60):
Mid-Range Quality ($60-100):
Money-Saving Tips:
Bottom Line: Oregon offers exceptional golf at every budget. Portland municipal courses provide championship design and conditions at fraction of resort prices. Fall shoulder season delivers world-class courses like Bandon Dunes at significant savings with excellent weather.
Oregon has emerged as one of the West Coast's premier golf destinations, offering unique advantages compared to California, Washington, and Arizona:
Oregon's Unique Advantages:
vs. California:
vs. Washington:
vs. Arizona:
Bottom Line: Oregon ranks among West Coast's top 3 golf destinations alongside California's Monterey Peninsula and Arizona's Scottsdale. Bandon Dunes alone makes Oregon a must-visit for serious golfers. The combination of world-class courses, dramatic coastal settings, resort destinations in Central Oregon, and year-round play creates a comprehensive golf experience rivaling anywhere in America.
The Oregon Golf Association (OGA) is the official governing body for amateur golf in Oregon, providing handicap services, tournament management, course ratings, and player development programs for golfers throughout the state.
USA Golf: Complete USA Golf Sites including associations, education, juniors, professional golf, news, senior golf, and women's golf resources nationwide.
Last updated on November 24, 2025