OCEAN DUNES GOLF LINKS: This was the more "economical" of the two course, costing us each $44 for 18 holes and a cart. Our tee time was 1:20pm and the course did not appear to be very busy (Tuesday). This course is well described in the free course guide that you are given:
"The course was designed with the wind in mind. To be played below the wind, along the ground, with shots that run up to open greens, as well as in the air with shots that fly. Ocean Dunes will challenge your ability to think your way around the golf course, as few others will".
It would have been nice to have read that description before playing the course. Most ground outside the narrow and dune surrounded fairways, could be considered bunkers with grass. A key guide quote:
"The secret to low scores here is accuracy. Keeping the ball in the fairway should be your primary goal".
My friend Susie:
Yes, it is helpful to know your primary goal before playing a round. Both Susie and I left many balls in the rough, but we still had a great time. Balls hit in the fairway had terrific runs, hope it's that way all the time. The scenery is beautiful and you feel like you are playing in an ocean-front town. I look forwarded to playing this course many more times, but I'll be smarter now that I know what my goal should be. More often than not, you are not able to see the green from the tee, due to hills in between.
Before golf we had a nice lunch in the clubhouse at "The Bistro", again, not busy.
SANDPINES: We had a morning tee time of 0830 hrs, so our start was just slightly fogging and cool. We knew the clouds were going to burn off and it could be another warm day. Our 18 holes and cart were $95 each. A course guide is available for $5.
This course was so much easier to play. The fairways are wide and forgiving, I don't think I played a dune once on this course. Every hole was like looking at a postcard picture, deer even roamed the sides of the fairways. I've never played such a scenic course, I felt like I had been transported to Scotland. This is a "must play" course, or a great place for a meal on the patico overlooking the 18th green. A course brochure hints at "twilight rates for Oregon residents", that's something to check out. But consider, you'll be dealing with more wind due to the "twilight" start time. Ocean Dunes considered after 1pm "Twilight". Due to the price, I won't play this course a lot, but when I do, I'll savour every moment.
Somewhere on the back nine:
Halfway up the 18th fairway, clubhouse to the right:
