Experience Oregon's Best Public Golf Courses

Heron Lakes Golf Club, Portland, OR

You practically can’t look at a golfing magazine or other resource without finding Heron Lakes Golf Course listed. Golf Digest gives it four stars for being one of its “Best Places to Play.” Golf World gives it a “Readers’ Choice Award” for being in the top 50 public courses. And it’s a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary to boot—meaning it’s absolutely, stunningly beautiful.

Meadowlawn Golf Course, Salem, OR

Originally a dairy farm, the Meadowlawn Golf Course has been home to golf enthusiasts since 1969. The course has nine holes and is par 32 and welcomes public golfers as well as tournament professionals. Check their website for tee times.

Oakway Golf Course, Eugene, OR

The Oakway Golf Course in Eugene, Oregon is a great public option. Choose between nine or 18-holes, each with different rates. They offer discounts for seniors, students, and juniors. Golf fanatics might consider a punch card or membership.

River’s Edge Golf Course, Bend, OR

River’s Edge Golf Course in Bend, Oregon, makes it easy to play. Choose your tee time on their website for today or a week in advance and enjoy this Golf Digest “Best Place to Play” selection. Their golf passes will save you up to 38 percent off the cost of playing, too.

Bear Creek Golf Course, Medford, OR

The Bear Creek Golf Course is “simply a great place to play,” according to their slogan (and our intrepid reporting). In addition to good old-fashioned golf, they now offer a unique version called disc golf. This nine-hole executive layout is the perfect spot for beginners looking to learn and veterans looking for a nice, casual game.

Trysting Tree Golf Club, Corvallis, OR

The Trysting Tree Golf Club is the home course for the Oregon State University golf team, but that doesn’t mean non-university golfers aren’t welcome—quite the contrary, in fact, this public course is happy to have you. They have a wonderful practice facility between the fifth and sixth holes made to work on short game short-making and more. Feel free to reserve your tee time online before heading in.

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, Beaverton, OR

The Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Beaverton, Oregon, is “where you belong,” according to their website. The public course is called Ghost Creek and offers a full championship golf experience. Check their website for a full list of upcoming tournaments, amenities, and membership fees, as well as to book a tee time.

Oak Knoll Golf Course, Ashland, OR

The Oak Knoll Golf Course, established in 1928, is part of the greater Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission. This nine-hole course “features a driving range, practice areas, and a clubhouse,” making it a wonderful spot to perfect your game. They also offer “footgolf,” a blend of soccer and golf played with 10 holes.

Applegate River Golf Club, Josephine County, OR

Take advantage of the beautiful scenery of Grants Pass at the Applegate River Golf Club in Josephine County, Oregon. This public golf course has multiple events, including a Tuesday Twilight League, Ladies Golf, and more. Check their website for current weather conditions and to sign up for a tee time.

Lewis and Clark Golf RV Park, Astoria, OR

Ever want to combine your love of RV’ing and golf? At the Lewis and Clark Golf RV Park in Astoria, Oregon, you can! Stay in the RV park and take full advantage of the beautiful surrounding area, golf course, and footgolf options. This nine-hole course is regulation length and par 36.

Pacific Dunes Golf Course, Bandon, OR

This Bandon course is consistently rated not only among the best public golf courses in Oregon, but the best in the nation. The course was dreamt up by Pete Dye student and golf course architect Tom Doak. Both novice putters and seasoned players rave about the courses innovative design. 

Key Insights at a Glance

• Oregon's scenic natural beauty makes it a great place for golfing without needing a membership.
• Heron Lakes Golf Course in Portland is highly rated by Golf Digest and Golf World.
• Meadowlawn Golf Course in Salem has nine holes and welcomes public golfers.
• Oakway Golf Course in Eugene offers discounts for seniors, students, and juniors.
• River's Edge Golf Course in Bend is a Golf Digest "Best Place to Play" selection.
• Bear Creek Golf Course in Medford offers traditional and disc golf options.
• Trysting Tree Golf Club in Corvallis is open to the public and has a practice facility.
• Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Beaverton offers a full championship golf experience.
• Oak Knoll Golf Course in Ashland features a driving range and practice areas.
• Applegate River Golf Club in Josephine County hosts multiple events and leagues.
• Lewis and Clark Golf RV Park in Astoria combines RV'ing with golfing.
• Pacific Dunes Golf Course in Bandon is consistently rated among the best in the nation, designed by Tom Doak.