NW destinations like Sun Lakes good for fall golf

By
Updated: September 6, 2017

There is plenty to like about fall golf in the Pacific Northwest. The sun is still shining, the temperatures are good and the golf courses are all in terrific shape. At places like Sun Lakes in Central Washington, about 40 minutes north of Moses Lake.

The resort has everything for a solid getaway and the Vic Meyers Golf Course is a fun test. They also have a great putt-putt course. The resort has cabins for rent along the lake shore and hundreds of RV sites. And with fewer crowds and good rates, fall has always been a good time for travel and golf in the Northwest. How about the $10 golf and even free golf after Sept. 25 (see www.SunlakesParkResort.com details).

Once the Labor Day Weekend comes and goes, Sun Lakes Resort is not about to close the doors and wait for 2018. In September, the resort will host its fourth annual Decades of Distinction Car Show Sept. 23 with live music and more. There is also the 8th annual Bob Nutt Memorial Golf Tournament set for Sunday, Sept. 24 at Vic Meyers Golf Course.

In places like Central Oregon, fall golf has always been a popular attraction. Like other places, crowds are lighter, prices are lower and the weather is still good enough wear shorts and a golf shirt are all you need. Black Butte Ranch, Aspen Lakes and Crooked River Ranch are all places that treat fall golfers well.

Same goes for other places in Central Washington like Leavenworth, Bear Mountain Ranch and Gamble Sands. The courses are all in terrific shape and you can’t beat the price.

There is no need to put away those clubs. Ask for a few extra vacation days and jump in the car or RV and see what fall golf has to offer in the Northwest.

Glendoveer: Portland area course features a 36-hole golf destination

There are several golf complexes around that have 36 holes of golf. But there are none that can trace their roots back to 1924. That is when Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland opened up 36 holes of golf – a new thing in the Pacific Northwest for golfers to try.

But golf is only part of what makes Glendoveer a popular attraction in the Portland area. The 36 holes draw thousands of golfers every year but there is also the double–deck driving range that is always full with its 34 stalls, the indoor tennis courts sit on the grounds, a jogging track circles much of the golf courses and the Ringside Restaurant is a popular option before or after a round of golf or set of tennis.

“There is always something for everyone,” said General Manager Kevin Niessner.

The two golf courses might be on the same parcel of land, but they are different. The West course is shorter at just over 6,000 yards while the East Course plays to nearly 6,600 yards. The West Course starts with some short par-4s and then dives into some longer holes that are tree lined. Water comes into play on two of the holes on the West Course.

The East Course gets your attention early with two par-5 holes on the first four holes. The front nine layout is great with three par-3 holes, three par-4 holes and three par-5 holes. The back nine of the East Course is long and hilly, tipping out at 3,491 yards with a couple of par-5 holes in the 550-yard neighborhood.

What also sets Glendoveer apart is the conditioning. The course is doing work around the greens to get rid of the hardpan caused by years of carts driving next to the greens. Now carts must stay away from the greens and the area around the greens makes for easier chip shots.

Glendoveer is big into the camps for juniors and others. Golf and tennis camps are always popular, especially in the summer months. With two golf teaching pros and five tennis pros, there are plenty of chances for lessons and camps.

FootGolf is another option at Glendoveer with am 18-hole course set up for FootGolf on Saturday afternoons or for special events. The popular GolfBoards are also available for rent at the course. For more info, call 503.253.7507.