The Best Public Golf Courses in Portland
Portland’s rainy season is well known to be long, but those sunny, perfect, blue days that come afterwards are well worth it. The best way to spend a day like this is obviously outdoors. For some it’s camping, others prefer to explore different parts of town or visit a local farmer’s market, but if golf is your sport, you’re in luck.
Several Portland golf courses are nationally recognized – it is the only city in the United States to accommodate four USGA championships. When you’re ready to hit the links, there’s no need to settle for anything below par, going too far from home, or joining a club. Whether you have a low handicap or are still working on your golf game, you can find a course to suit your skills.
Here are the 10 best public golf courses in Portland:
Claremont Golf
Photo source: claremontgolfclub.com
- Or: 3509 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97211
- Cost: $ 17 to $ 34
Claremont is a well-maintained nine-hole course spread over 3,000 yards in the wooded Bethany neighborhood of northwest Portland. Challenges such as dog paw holes, lakes and ponds keep golfers on their toes while providing a scenic backdrop.
Each hole offers four sets of tees for different skill levels and a fast pace of play, which means everyone is welcome and you won’t necessarily be there all day. However, they offer special value on a par 72 round for those who can’t get enough.
Eagle Landing Golf Course
Photo source: theaerieateaglelanding.com
- Or: 10220 SE Causey Ave., Happy Valley, OR 97086
- Cost: $ 13 to $ 27
Take a quick 20-minute drive southeast of downtown Portland to Happy Valley for a golf experience like no other at Eagle landing. This club celebrates the short game with a 27-hole par 3 course to allow you to spend quality time with your favorite putter.
Each hole is only 40-90 yards with an array of hazards and elevations, making it a quick but strategic exit whether you want to play nine, 18, or 27 holes.
Even shorter still, they have a magnificent 36-hole mini-golf course worthy of a PGA level event, perfect for entertaining the kids or for a fun date.
If that wasn’t enough, it’s also the country’s first dedicated football golf course with 9 fun holes in case you’ve always wanted to play with your feet.
Eastmoreland Golf Course
Photo source: Eastmoreland Golf Course / Facebook
- Or: 2425 SE Bybee Blvd., Portland, OR 97202
- Cost: $ 24 to $ 47
Located in South East Portland, Eastmoreland Golf Club is a 100 year old historic course. Ranked among the best public courses in the country, its magnificent 18 holes showcase the tree-lined fairways and picturesque waterways frequented by many species of native birds.
This course is a challenge that will bring out the best in your golf game, but is probably not the most suitable for beginners.
Glendoveer Golf Course
Photo source: playglendoveer.com
- Or: 14015 NE Glisan St., Portland, Oregon 97230
- Cost: $ 10 to $ 42
Glove in northeast Portland is a golfer’s paradise, with two full 18-hole courses and a driving range.
The east course is longer and features narrow tree-lined fairways and water hazards over three holes, making it more of a challenge. The west course is more open with fewer bunkers so choose accordingly, but be aware that both courses offer four 4 sets of tees for different skill sets.
The scenery is a bit hilly which can make putts difficult, but it’s an easy walk if you prefer to play the course on foot.
Heron Lakes Golf Club
Photo source: Heron Lakes Golf Course / Facebook
- Or: 3500 N. Victory Blvd., Portland, OR 97217
- Cost: $ 10 to $ 46
Heron lakes is home to two magnificent championship, 18-hole courses just minutes north of downtown Portland. The Greenback Course has six serene ponds, as well as a number of difficult bunkers and tall trees to navigate. The construction pressure of par 3, but it is generally the more welcoming of the two courses.
The Great Blue course, however, is one of the toughest in Portland. Most of the Great Blue’s fairways narrow into small, sloping greens that can send balls rolling in any number of directions, that is, if you are able to avoid the abundant features of the water, sand and high hilly areas.
Lake Oswego Golf Course
Photo source: Lake Oswego Golf
- Or: 17525 Stafford Road, Oswego Lake, OR 97034
- Cost: $ 10 to $ 28
Just south of Portland, Lake Oswego is known as one of the wealthiest areas in the metro area, but rates are at Lake Oswego Municipal Golf Course are actually quite affordable.
This challenging 18 hole par 3 course will require some strategy as you play on its 2,500 rolling yards.
A serene cove winds its way through the back 9 and a magnificent view of St. Helens and Mount Adams is on display in some areas. There is also a covered, lighted driving range to work on your long all-weather game and footgolf options if you prefer to play with your feet.
RedTail Golf Center
Photo source: RedTail Center / Facebook
- Or: 8200 SW Scholls, Ferry Road, Beaverton, Oregon 97008
- Cost: $ 10 to $ 43
Located in Beaverton, just 15 minutes southwest of downtown Portland, RedTail Golf Center well worth the trip.
The sprawling course is available for nine or 18 holes which invite beginners and experts alike to enjoy a day on the links. Their indoor practice center is also a good option for those rainy days when you just want to hit a few balls. This course is known for its Scottish-inspired ridden fairways and expansive sandy bunkers, so don’t forget to bring your corner club and a little patience.
Rose City Golf Club
Photo source: Rose City Golf Club / Facebook
- Or: 2200 NE 71st Ave., Portland, OR 97213
- Cost: $ 20 to $ 46
Hidden gem of northeast Portland, Rose City Golf Club is a charming 18-hole municipal course. The course features gentle, rolling fairways decorated with mature trees, well-placed bunkers along the green, and water hazards accompanying several holes.
After a 9- or 18-hole round, be sure to stop by the beautiful brick-built clubhouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places to connect with the club’s rich history.
Sah-Hah-Lee Golf Course
Photo source: sah-hah-lee.com
- Or: 17104 SE 130th Ave., Clackamas, Oregon 97015
- Cost: $ 12 to $ 28
Just east of Portland is Clackamas County Sah-Ha-Lee Golf Course. Offering an 18 hole par 3 course all year round, this is one of the most affordable places to play golf in the area with beautiful scenery nestled in a valley along the Clackamas River and a friendly atmosphere and welcoming.
Sah-Ha-Lee is a great place to practice your short game, but if your reader can use a little love, the covered, lighted shooting range is the place to go in any weather. They also have a scenic mini-golf course and offer a small soccer-golf area for other family options.
Sandelie Golf
Photo source: Sandelie Golf / Facebook
- Or: 28333 SW Mountain Road, West Linn, OR 97068
- Cost: $ 12 to $ 30
Fifteen miles southwest of Portland nestled in the countryside of West Linn is the Sandelie Golf. This course is accessible to all and very family-friendly with weekend rates and equipment suitable for all ages.
Sandelie is a great place to get children to learn. But if you’re with a group looking to play an intense round without distractions, this isn’t the best choice. The course is a well-maintained 18 hole with two sets of tees for different skill sets, with wide open fairways, majestic northwest trees, and even the occasional wildlife.
Get out on the Portland golf courses
The Portland metropolitan area is home to many fantastic public golf courses, each with their own unique qualities. A few hours on the green is also a perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, from its wildlife to the diverse landscapes, you can enjoy it all while exercising on the green.
With so many options, it’s easy to find the right fit for your skills, budget, length of a game you want to play, and the part of your game you want to work on. Remember, even a bad day at one of Portland’s golf courses is better than a good day’s work.
