5 Best Public Golf Courses In Oregon

Oregon is home to some of the most scenic and challenging public golf courses in the country, offering a variety of landscapes from rugged coastlines to high-desert terrains.

The five best public courses in the state are Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Tetherow Golf Club, Pumpkin Ridge (Ghost Creek), Pronghorn (Nicklaus Course), and Aspen Lakes Golf Course.

Keep reading for a detailed look at what makes each of these courses worth playing.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Pacific Dunes)

Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a must-play for any golfer who appreciates stunning coastal views and a true links-style experience.

Located in the picturesque town of Bandon, Oregon, this course is widely regarded as one of the best public golf courses in the U.S., attracting golfers from around the world.

Location & Setting

Bandon, Oregon, is a charming coastal town known for its dramatic landscapes, including windswept beaches, rugged cliffs, and scenic ocean views.

Situated along the Pacific Coast, Pacific Dunes is part of the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, which has gained international recognition for its exceptional courses.

The setting alone makes Pacific Dunes stand out, offering breathtaking scenery that perfectly complements the challenging game of golf.

The rugged beauty of the course reflects the natural coastal environment, providing golfers with an unforgettable visual and playing experience.

Design & Layout

Pacific Dunes was designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, who crafted the course to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.

Unlike traditional parkland courses, Pacific Dunes offers a pure links experience, with undulating fairways, rugged coastal dunes, and minimal artificial landscaping.

The course’s natural contours challenge golfers to think creatively, using the rolling terrain to their advantage.

The layout is both strategic and beautiful, with holes that flow naturally with the landscape, making each round a unique test of skill and adaptability.

Playing Experience

Playing at Pacific Dunes is a true test of both strategy and patience.

The course’s design forces players to adapt to the natural terrain, making shot selection crucial.

One of the biggest factors in the playing experience is the wind, which can change dramatically from one hole to the next.

The coastal breeze often shifts during a round, adding an extra layer of challenge to every shot.

This ever-changing environment requires golfers to adjust their approach constantly, making it a perfect course for those who enjoy a thoughtful, tactical game.

In addition to the wind, the undulating fairways and rugged bunkers demand precision.

Wayward shots can quickly find themselves in difficult lies, requiring creative recovery shots.

However, the course remains fair, rewarding well-placed shots while punishing mistakes in a way that feels earned, not arbitrary.

Who Will Love It

Pacific Dunes is ideal for golfers who appreciate the strategy and beauty of a traditional links course.

If you enjoy playing a course that requires thoughtful planning and adapting to the natural elements, this is the place for you.

Golfers who prefer a raw, natural golf experience over the manicured, predictable layouts of other courses will especially appreciate what Pacific Dunes has to offer.

The course is a perfect fit for players who relish the challenge of reading the wind, navigating difficult terrain, and using creative shot-making to conquer each hole.

Notable Features

Pacific Dunes is renowned for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, with several holes offering panoramic vistas that are as much a part of the experience as the golf itself.

The combination of natural beauty and strategic play makes each round memorable.

Another standout feature is the absence of artificial elements—the course relies on the rugged coastal dunes and native vegetation to create a truly organic golfing environment.

This commitment to natural beauty, paired with challenging holes, has earned Pacific Dunes a reputation as a “must-play” course for any serious golfer.

Tetherow Golf Club

Tetherow Golf Club, located in the high-desert region of Bend, Oregon, is a bold and dynamic course that stands out for its unique design and breathtaking landscape.

Designed by David McLay Kidd, the course offers a thrilling challenge for golfers who love to think creatively and adapt their game to a rugged, dramatic setting.

Location & Setting

Situated in the heart of Bend’s high-desert region, Tetherow provides a golfing experience that is distinct from Oregon’s coastal courses.

The high-desert environment features wide-open spaces, native sagebrush, and striking rock formations, all set against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains.

This desert-like terrain brings a different set of challenges to the game, such as firm, fast fairways and unpredictable wind patterns.

The dry, sunny climate of Bend means the course is playable for much of the year, giving golfers plenty of opportunities to enjoy this remarkable setting.

Design & Layout

Tetherow’s course was designed by David McLay Kidd, the architect behind the original Bandon Dunes course.

His vision for Tetherow was to create a course that blends seamlessly into the rugged, natural landscape, while still offering a dynamic and modern golfing challenge.

The course features undulating fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and large, fast greens that require precise shot placement.

The design of Tetherow is bold and unconventional, with wide fairways that invite aggressive play, but with plenty of natural hazards and deep bunkers that can quickly turn an easy hole into a tough challenge.

The course’s fescue grass provides a firm, fast surface that makes the ball roll out more than on traditional grass, adding an extra layer of complexity to shot-making decisions.

Players need to think carefully about every shot, considering both the terrain and the wind conditions, which can shift frequently.

Playing Experience

Playing at Tetherow requires both strategic thinking and creativity.

The course’s design encourages players to experiment with different shots, whether it’s using the slopes of the fairway to guide the ball toward the green or navigating around the deep bunkers that are scattered throughout.

The undulating fairways can produce awkward lies, forcing golfers to adjust their stance and swing with precision.

One of the key challenges of Tetherow is its fast greens, which are large and have subtle breaks that can be difficult to read.

Approach shots need to be carefully planned, as the ball’s roll can be unpredictable, particularly on windy days.

The wind is often a factor at Tetherow, and players must adjust their shot trajectories and club selection accordingly.

Overall, the course rewards those who are willing to take risks and adapt to its unique challenges, making each round a memorable experience.

Who Will Love It

Tetherow is the perfect course for golfers who enjoy a dynamic and adventurous game.

Its bold design appeals to players who like to push their limits and try new shot strategies.

The course is particularly suited to those who are comfortable with unpredictable conditions and enjoy the challenge of reading a complex landscape.

Tetherow’s layout, with its wide fairways and fast greens, rewards risk-takers who can think creatively and aren’t afraid to experiment with different playing styles.

Notable Features

Tetherow’s setting in the high desert of Bend offers some of the most breathtaking views of any course in Oregon.

The panoramic vistas of the Cascade Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the course, especially during sunset when the peaks are bathed in golden light.

The bold, undulating design of the course also sets it apart, offering a playing experience that is as visually striking as it is challenging.

The fast fescue fairways and large, tricky greens are key features that will stick in the memory of any golfer who plays here.

Additionally, the course’s natural integration with the landscape—complete with rugged desert features and native vegetation—adds to the sense of adventure and immersion, making Tetherow a truly unique golfing destination in Oregon.

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club (Ghost Creek)

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club’s Ghost Creek course is a beautiful and strategic track located just outside Portland in North Plains, Oregon.

Known for its lush, tree-lined fairways and wetland scenery, it offers a peaceful yet challenging environment for golfers of all skill levels.

Location & Setting

Ghost Creek is located in North Plains, a short drive from Portland, making it easily accessible for golfers in the area.

The course is set amidst a lush, green landscape, featuring natural wetlands that play a significant role in both the visual appeal and the playing experience.

This setting provides a peaceful escape from urban life, with towering trees and meticulously maintained fairways offering a beautiful, natural backdrop.

The wetlands not only contribute to the course’s serene atmosphere but also create a variety of challenges as golfers navigate around water hazards and marshy areas.

Design & Layout

Designed by Bob Cupp, Ghost Creek is a strategic masterpiece that makes full use of its natural surroundings.

The course is known for its tree-lined fairways, which can be both beautiful and intimidating as they demand accuracy off the tee.

The presence of wetlands throughout the course adds an extra layer of challenge, particularly when approaching the greens.

The design emphasizes precision, with carefully placed bunkers and water hazards requiring thoughtful shot selection at every turn.

The layout offers a balance of challenging and forgiving holes, making it enjoyable for a wide range of players.

While it is possible to score well with strategic play, errant shots can quickly lead to trouble, especially near the wetlands or when trying to navigate tight fairways.

Playing Experience

Ghost Creek delivers a well-rounded golfing experience that tests both skill and strategy.

The course’s design demands precision from tee to green, particularly because of the tree-lined fairways and water hazards that come into play on several holes.

While the course is fair, it does not shy away from challenging golfers to make smart decisions.

Approach shots must be well-placed, as the greens are protected by both water and sand, and reading the undulating greens is crucial for sinking putts.

The wetlands also create natural obstacles, requiring players to carefully consider their shot trajectories.

The course's varying layout keeps things interesting, with each hole presenting a new strategic challenge.

For example, players might find themselves needing to shape their shots around trees or carry over water hazards to reach the green safely.

The fairways, while generous in some spots, can tighten up quickly, putting a premium on accuracy off the tee.

Who Will Love It

Ghost Creek is ideal for golfers who appreciate a course that balances strategy and playability.

It offers enough challenge for experienced players to test their precision, while still being accessible to mid-level golfers who enjoy a fair yet stimulating round.

The course’s mix of tree-lined fairways and wetland hazards ensures that players of all levels will find it engaging, whether they are trying to break par or simply enjoy a scenic, well-designed course.

Notable Features

Ghost Creek has hosted several professional events, including the prestigious U.S. Amateur Championship, which speaks to the quality and reputation of the course.

This makes it a draw for golfers who want to play a course with a history of high-level competition.

The natural beauty of the surrounding wetlands is another standout feature, offering a picturesque setting that enhances the overall experience.

Whether you’re an avid golfer looking for a strategic challenge or someone who appreciates playing in a beautiful environment, Ghost Creek provides an exceptional round.

Its combination of challenging design and stunning wetland scenery makes it a favorite among Oregon golfers.

Pronghorn Golf Resort (Nicklaus Course)

The Nicklaus Course at Pronghorn Golf Resort in Bend, Oregon, is a signature Jack Nicklaus design that offers a blend of challenging play and stunning desert scenery.

Nestled in the high desert, the course is known for its unique integration of natural lava rock formations and panoramic mountain views, creating an unforgettable golfing experience.

Location & Setting

Located in the high-desert region of Bend, the Nicklaus Course at Pronghorn takes full advantage of its dramatic setting.

The surrounding landscape features ancient lava rock formations, native sagebrush, and stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.

This combination of rugged desert terrain and distant snow-capped peaks makes for a visually striking backdrop as you navigate the course.

The desert environment also contributes to firm fairways and dry conditions, which add an additional layer of challenge to the round.

The course’s remote location enhances its peaceful atmosphere, allowing golfers to fully immerse themselves in both the game and the natural beauty around them.

Design & Layout

The Nicklaus Course is a signature Jack Nicklaus design, which means it emphasizes both beauty and playability.

The course seamlessly blends into the natural desert landscape, making it feel like an organic part of the environment rather than something imposed upon it.

Nicklaus’ design incorporates the desert’s natural features, including dramatic rock outcroppings and native vegetation, making each hole both a visual and strategic challenge.

The layout is meticulously crafted to test a golfer’s precision and skill.

Wide fairways allow for some forgiveness off the tee, but the real challenge comes on approach shots, where the greens are guarded by a variety of hazards, including strategically placed bunkers and rocky terrain.

The course’s large, undulating greens also demand careful attention, as poor positioning on the putting surface can turn an easy two-putt into a much more difficult task.

Playing Experience

The Nicklaus Course requires precision and strategic shot-making from start to finish.

The layout rewards well-placed shots, especially on the approach, where golfers must navigate around natural obstacles like lava rocks and deep bunkers.

Accuracy is essential, particularly when dealing with the challenging green complexes, where subtle breaks and contours can make putting a real test of skill.

While the course is designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels, it is fair and offers multiple tee boxes to accommodate different abilities.

From the back tees, the course presents a formidable test, with long par-4s and demanding par-3s that require perfect club selection.

However, for mid and high-handicap players, the course remains enjoyable due to its strategic design and variety of shot options.

Who Will Love It

The Nicklaus Course is perfect for golfers who appreciate precision and a rugged, natural setting.

It’s ideal for those who enjoy playing on a course that not only challenges their skill but also immerses them in a strikingly beautiful environment.

If you’re the type of golfer who enjoys thinking through each shot, weighing risks, and being rewarded for well-executed play, this course will be a rewarding experience.

It’s also a great fit for players who appreciate the design philosophy of Jack Nicklaus, as it offers the signature balance of beauty and challenge that his courses are known for.

Notable Features

One of the most striking features of the Nicklaus Course is its integration of ancient lava rock formations into the design, making it one of the few courses where you’ll navigate such unique terrain.

These natural rock features create both visual interest and a strategic challenge throughout the course.

Additionally, the panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains enhance the overall experience, especially on clear days when the snow-capped peaks contrast beautifully with the desert landscape.

The course’s ability to blend rugged, natural beauty with a challenging yet fair layout has made it one of the most popular and respected public courses in Oregon.

Whether you’re a serious golfer or someone looking for a visually stunning round, the Nicklaus Course at Pronghorn offers an unforgettable experience.

Aspen Lakes Golf Course

Aspen Lakes Golf Course, located in the picturesque town of Sisters, Oregon, offers a unique and scenic golfing experience with its iconic red-sand bunkers and stunning views of the Three Sisters Mountain Range.

Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the course provides a great mix of challenge and playability for golfers of all skill levels.

Location & Setting

Aspen Lakes is set in the charming town of Sisters, Oregon, which is famous for its proximity to the towering Three Sisters Mountain Range.

The course’s location allows for incredible views of these snow-capped peaks, creating a serene backdrop for every round.

The high-desert climate of the region provides dry, sunny days for much of the year, making it an ideal spot for year-round golfing.

The surrounding pine forests and mountain vistas contribute to a peaceful and relaxing environment, offering golfers a refreshing escape from more urban courses.

Design & Layout

One of the standout features of Aspen Lakes is its striking red-sand bunkers, which are made from locally sourced crushed volcanic rock.

These bunkers not only add a visually stunning element to the course but also provide a unique challenge for golfers when compared to traditional white sand.

The course itself is designed to cater to golfers of all abilities, with a thoughtful mix of challenging and forgiving holes.

Wide fairways allow for some margin of error off the tee, but the strategically placed bunkers and water hazards require accuracy on approach shots.

Aspen Lakes offers a layout that balances challenge with enjoyment.

While more experienced golfers will appreciate the subtle complexities of the course, casual and beginner players will find it welcoming and fun, thanks to the multiple tee options that make the course playable at any skill level.

Playing Experience

The red-sand bunkers are not just a visual novelty but also influence how you approach certain shots.

The texture and firmness of the sand can affect how the ball reacts, adding an extra layer of challenge when you find yourself in one of these unique hazards.

Beyond the bunkers, the course presents a balanced mix of open, forgiving holes and more technical ones that demand precise shot-making, especially near water hazards and on tricky greens.

The overall design strikes a good balance between difficulty and accessibility, ensuring that both low and high handicappers can enjoy a round here.

The greens are well-kept, with moderate undulations that test your putting skills without being overly punishing.

The natural beauty of the setting, combined with the enjoyable and varied hole designs, makes Aspen Lakes a pleasant round for any golfer.

Who Will Love It

Aspen Lakes is perfect for golfers who enjoy a scenic round in a relaxed, natural environment.

Whether you're a seasoned golfer looking for a challenge or a beginner seeking an enjoyable experience, the course offers something for everyone.

Its blend of fun and challenge makes it a great destination for casual golfers, families, or those looking to introduce someone new to the game.

The friendly atmosphere and welcoming layout also make it ideal for group outings or casual rounds with friends.

Notable Features

The red-sand bunkers are a hallmark feature of Aspen Lakes, setting it apart visually from other courses in Oregon.

These locally sourced bunkers are a striking contrast against the lush green fairways and make the course memorable for first-time visitors and returning players alike.

The views of the Three Sisters Mountain Range are another highlight, with nearly every hole offering a picturesque backdrop of these iconic peaks.

In addition to the stunning scenery and unique bunkers, the course’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of playability makes it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

If you're seeking a round of golf in a beautiful, relaxed setting with a distinctive twist, Aspen Lakes Golf Course should be high on your list.

Conclusion

Oregon’s public golf courses offer a diverse range of experiences, from coastal links to high-desert challenges, each providing unique landscapes and strategic play.

Whether you're seeking breathtaking views, innovative course designs, or a mix of fun and challenge, these five courses deliver on all fronts.

No matter your skill level, playing at any of these top courses is sure to be a memorable and rewarding experience.