The Pacific Northwest has become one of America's most exciting golf regions. The dunes of the Oregon coast have links-style golf that rivals Scotland and Ireland, central Oregon's high desert offers sunshine and pine forests, and the region's cities have plenty of good public golf. Summers are dry and mild, and the scenery, from ocean cliffs to snow-capped volcanoes, is spectacular.
The main golf areas
Oregon's south coast
The dunes along Oregon's southern coast offer firm, fast, links-style golf among gorse and grassy dunes above the Pacific. Most golf here is played on foot, often with caddies, in keeping with the links tradition. Read links vs parkland courses.
- Good to know: the coast is windy and cool, even in summer; book well ahead.
Portland and the Willamette Valley
Portland has many public and private courses, and the Willamette Valley combines golf with wine country.
Central Oregon
Bend, Sunriver and the surrounding high desert have sunny, dry summers, pine forests and views of the Cascade volcanoes. At around 3,600 feet, the ball flies a little further. Read golf at altitude.
Seattle and Puget Sound
The Seattle area has public and private courses among evergreen forests, with views of the mountains and water.
Eastern Washington and northern Idaho
East of the Cascades, the climate is drier and sunnier. Spokane and the lake country around Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho offer lakeside resorts and good value.
When to go
| Months | Conditions |
|---|---|
| May to June | Mild, green, some rain |
| July to September | Dry, sunny and mild; the best season |
| October | Crisp and colourful; rain returns west of the mountains |
| November to April | Wet and cool on the coast; some inland courses close |
Playing tips
- Wind and firm turf on the coast: keep the ball low and use the ground. Read how to play golf in the wind and golf trajectory control.
- Layers and waterproofs: read our golf rain gear guide.
- Walking golf: many coastal courses are walking-only. Read walking vs riding a golf cart.
- Altitude in central Oregon.
Costs and booking
- Coastal links are popular and can be expensive; book months ahead.
- City public courses offer good value.
- Central Oregon resorts offer packages.
Sample trip ideas
- Coastal links pilgrimage: several days of walking links golf on the south coast.
- High-desert summer week: Bend's sunny courses, hiking and rivers.
- Northwest road trip: Portland, the coast and central Oregon.
Frequently asked questions
Is there links golf in the USA?
Yes. Oregon's south coast has some of the best links-style golf outside the British Isles.
When is the best time for golf in the Pacific Northwest?
July to September for the driest, sunniest weather.
Do I need a caddie on the Oregon coast?
Not required at most courses, but many golfers enjoy walking with one.
Is central Oregon sunnier than the coast?
Yes. The high desert is much drier and sunnier.
The bottom line
The Pacific Northwest offers links golf in coastal dunes, sunny high-desert courses and great public golf around its cities. Visit in summer, pack for wind and cool mornings, and book coastal golf early. For more links golf, read golf in Ireland and golf in Scotland.