Cascade Golfer Online » golf courses

Save Some Green: Riverbend Golf Complex

Heather Flyte — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:57:06 +0000

Riverbend Golf Complex

Operated by the city of Kent, the Riverbend Golf Complex — featuring a championship, 18-hole course, plus a par-3 course, driving range and mini golf course, is one of the best values in the region. The best news is, if you’ve played it before, you’re in for a treat — after more than six months of closures to move back levies along the Green River, Riverbend is scheduled to reopen its front nine Mar. 28. Original architect John Steidel was brought in to oversee the $750,000 renovation project and ensure that the necessary changes to the course’s fourth through ninth holes did not affect the integrity of his original design. That’s good news to the Riverbend faithful, who have long taken advantage of the course’s playable distance and straightforward holes for an enjoyable — and, at as low as $15 in twilight hours, easily affordable — round of golf. It should be of little surprise that at a course with water in its name, the wet stuff abounds. Indeed, only six of Riverbend’s 18 holes do not play to, from or alongside one of the course’s four water features, including three lakes and the aforementioned Green River, which meanders through and around Steidel’s footprint. By all accounts, Riverbend’s renovated design won’t vary significantly from its original course. A relatively flat and open layout features enough trees to keep things interesting, but not so many as to require Tour-like precision as you work your way around. It’s above all a fair course — make good shots, and ye shall be rewarded. Heck, you can even miss a few and it won’t punish you too harshly. All in all, it’s a fun round that won’t overly tax your game, your feet, or your wallet. Throw in the mini golf course and par-3 course, and Riverbend is an even better value for golfers with any amount of time — or family members — on their hands. After your round, be sure to visit the FireCreek Grill for the Strawberry Mascarpone, a mouth-melting dessert featuring sponge cake, jam, strawberries and mascarpone cream. Now that’s how to finish strong.

BEST HOLE

There’s no topping the 548-yard 18th, both for challenge and beauty. Water and sand threaten both your first and second shots, but it’s the stunning figure of Mt. Rainier towering over the green that will distract you on your final approach.

Yardage 5,582-6,666 yards
Rates $15-$37
Web ci.kent.wa.us/Riverbend
Tel 253-856-5199

From Sea to Sky

Heather Flyte — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:36:18 +0000

Victoria, B.C.’s Bear Mountain Golf Club

By Tony Dear

For a world-class international golf getaway, there’s no need to look past our own Northwest Borders.

The minutes from Arbutus Ridge’s Nov. 14 Greening Committee meeting say a lot about where the course’s priorities lie. Sprinkled liberally throughout the document are words and phrases like “composting,” “recycling, “habitat management,” “Audubon certification” and “aggressive conservation program.” Chairing the Greening Committee is Gracie Wilcox, who works in the golf shop and who is clearly determined to make a difference at Arbutus Ridge, located in the Cobble Hill community 10 miles north of Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. “I just didn’t want to feel helpless about waste and the impact it has on our environment,” she says. “Golf courses have a bad reputation when it comes to the environment. I really felt I needed to do something.” On top of her duties in the pro shop, Wilcox seemingly exists to reduce Arbutus Ridge’s carbon footprint. “That’s our goal,” says Wilcox. “To become totally self-sufficient and completely carbon-neutral.” It’s taking a while, but the improvements to the course and clubhouse that have resulted from the committee’s actions are beginning to be noticed. “We have over 80 bird species out on the course now,” says Wilcox. “There are 30 species of mammal; moose, bears, rabbits, cougars, deer, raccoons and so on. But we don’t make a big deal of what we do. Our guests are certainly beginning to notice the impact, though.” All this is obviously good news — and not just for golfers with a similar desire to improve the environment around them. Those for whom green issues don’t weigh as heavily as, say, the speed of the putting surfaces or the price of a post-round beer, also benefit. “We definitely think the visitor’s experience has been enhanced,” says Wilcox. Visitor experience is a big deal for Vancouver Island courses which, like other destination courses in North America, have a great deal of competition and can’t rely solely on scenery to attract guests (although in the case of Vancouver Island, the scenery does go a long way). You’d think it wouldn’t take much to enhance the golfer’s experience here — this is the Pacific Northwest (or rather, the Canadian Southwest) at its best, with regal mountains capped with snow; forests dense with evergreens; lakes, rivers and streams so clear you can see the markings on a Steelhead, Cutthroat, Coho or Sockeye eight feet down; wildlife darting across the fairways or poking a head out from behind the pines. It is only in the last few years, however — specifically, since the 2003 opening of the Jack Nicklaus-designed Mountain Course at Bear Mountain Golf Resort, just a few miles north of Victoria — that Vancouver Island has become a genuine option in most Canadian and American golfers’ travel plans.

Eat, Drink, Breathe Golf

Heather Flyte — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:00:51 +0000

Here in the Northwest, we pride ourselves on being able to multi-task. What the Northwest golfer really needs, therefore, is a year-round indoor training facility allowing us to combine our love for golf, coffee and wireless internet, a place where we could rip through a 9-hole round on one of the world’s top courses, bang out a report for our boss at “the turn,” then complete our round — all in less than two hours. Of course, no such place exists — but it will. Tom Matzen, President and CEO of ParMasters Golf Training Centers, Inc., will be throwing open the doors of North America’s first year-round indoor training center franchise, Links Golf Café, at Kent Station in Kent this fall. The 35,000-square-foot facility will feature two state-of-the-art simulators, allowing Northwest golfers to experience some of the world’s finest courses year-round, at a fraction of the price and roughly a fifth of the playing time. “The simulators are hugely popular, because you can squeeze in nine holes whenever you want – before work, at lunch, on the way home,” Matzen says. But that’s hardly all — Links Golf Café will also include a full-service café, a coffee bar, an expansive golf retail area, a boardroom in which companies (or individual golfers) can hold off-site, virtual meetings, a game-improvement center with lessons from leading area pros, and an ultra-hip golf lounge, featuring couches, chairs and wide-screen TVs streaming golf programming all day long. “We wanted to create a place where golfers could just come and hang out, year-round, for as short or as long as they like,” Matzen says. “We made a list of everything a golfer might want – from simulators, to lessons, to every golf book and golf game imaginable – and incorporated it all into the final concept to create a truly complete golf experience.” Matzen envisions not only golfers taking advantage of the facility, but golfers’ friends and families as well, who can consider the Cafes a one-stop gift shop for all things golf. Ten additional franchises are already in development in Washington state and dozens more in Canada, with plans for global expansion in place. Most will be centered in malls, factory outlets or airports. “We’re excited to be making our grand opening at Kent Station,” Matzen says. “We think people are going to be really excited when they step inside.” For more information, call 1-800-663-2331 or visit www.linksgolfcafe.com.

No Kidding Around: Oregon’s New Links Gem

Heather Flyte — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:56:19 +0000

It would seem that the Northwest might just be turning into the world’s “other” links golf capital. Just over a year after Chambers Bay put the state of Washington on the cover of just about every major golf magazine in the world, Oregon has joined the links golf fray with its latest 18-hole masterpiece, Bend’s Tetherow Golf Club, which held its grand opening celebration July 26, and began allowing limited guest play July 27. The photos alone tell you as much as you really need to know about the course which, in true links golf style, incorporates the natural terrain of the area into its fescue-covered, bunker-strewn design. The links-style layout is a trademark of famed designer David McLay Kidd, the man behind Bandon Dunes in Oregon and St. Andrews’ Castle Course. “The striking design that David McLay Kidd has created, combined with the stunning scenery…will create one of the most unique and memorable golf experiences in the region,” says director of golf Martin Chuck. Indeed, the course blends fairways and landscape seamlessly, making it almost impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins. In addition to the eye candy within the resort’s 700-acre footprint, there’s plenty to be enjoyed in the surrounding area, with views of the Cascade Mountains and Bend’s trademark postcard landscape from nearly every hole. “Above all, the course is fun,” Kidd says. “It’s an adventure to see what the next hole will bring. As a golfer, I love that.” Like so many new courses being developed these days, Tetherow will be the focal point of a larger resort community, including numerous single-family homes and a four-star hotel and spa, the Hotel Tetherow. Access to Tetherow’s fairways and greens will be limited to course members and those staying at the hotel, scheduled to open next year. If you can’t wait, though, limited guest play will be allowed on a space-available basis leading up to the hotel’s opening. For more information, or to schedule a tee time, visit www.tetherow.com, or call (541) 389-5857.

Eye Candy – Eastern Oasis

Heather Flyte — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:35:58 +0000

It’s a bear market out there — and no, we’re not talking about the housing crunch. We’re talking about Lake Chelan’s Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Resort, which in just three years has already become a Cascade Golfer favorite for those days when we’re willing to drive the extra mile for an unbelievable round. And we’re not alone —The 2008 PGA Professionals Guide to Travel also recently named Bear Mountain one of their six favorite new courses in the entire country, alongside Chambers Bay and four others. You simply can’t find the Bear Mountain experience — including stunning drops towards Lake Chelan, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, orchards and vineyards — anywhere west of the mountains. And, oh yeah, the golf is incredible, too. Of course, by the time you’re picking your ball out of the cup on 18, you won’t care if you shot 70 or 170 … you’ll just be happy you made the trip.
Call (877) 917-8200 or visit bearmt.com to book a tee time… just remember to pack the camera.

Eye Candy is sponsored by Restore Vision Centers. restorevisioncenters.com • 877-508-2020

Day Tripper

Brian Beaky — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:34:41 +0000

Portland area is par-fect for a day trip

by Norm Maves

You’re sick of playing the same 10 courses over and over again. You’re looking for something new and challenging. You’re ready to put the top down, throw the clubs in the trunk and liberate yourself from the regular munis and public tracks of the Puget Sound in search of a new golf adventure. There is certainly no limit to the number of outstanding courses within a couple hours’ drive from the Puget Sound region. In our August 2007 issue, we took you east to showcase some of the finest golf available just on the other side of the Cascade Mountains. This month, we’re packing up the car and heading south, down the I-5 corridor to check out the courses on either side of the Oregon/Washington border. Conveniently located roughly three hours from the Seattle city limits, you can sleep in, head down for a true golf getaway, and be back in time to get a good night’s sleep. Of course, after playing some of these stellar offerings, you may not want to come back at all.

Reserve Vineyards Golf Club

The ongoing argument about the Reserve is the one about which of the two courses is better — The “Fought course” or the “Cupp course.” The answer is … yes.  There’s something to like about both the North Course (designed by Robert Cupp) and the South Course (designed by John Fought). They’re different, but not radically so, since they were cut 10 years ago out of the same piece of farmland. The South Course has played host to the Fred Meyer Challenge and its successor, the Jeld Wen tradition. It is the longer of the two courses (about 500 yards), has more trees and makes you take on 114 bunkers. The North Course is more linksy and can be just as tough in the wind. The complex is about a half-hour east of downtown Portland on a normal driving day, but the courses are in marvelous condition, the amenities are superb and the staff is professional. But if you have a preference on which course you like, understand that the North Course is reserved for members only on the first through 15th of each month; the South Course is open for members only the rest of the month.

Location: Aloha, Ore.

Rates: $40-$55

Par: 72 • 7,196 (South) 72 • 6,852 (North)

Website: www.reservegolf.com

Tel: 503-649-8191

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club

Everybody in the Northwest has heard of Pumpkin Ridge, and real fanatics have seen it on television — it has played host to five USGA events in its 16-year history. But it’s easy to confuse the two courses in the complex. Witch Hollow is the private side, and the one that has attracted all those tournaments. But Ghost Creek, where the public plays, is worthy of the extended drive (about 20 miles west of Portland) and the higher fees. Why? The beauty and the challenge. Much of the wide variety of Northwest nature is on display — deciduous and evergreen trees line the fairways, vines and heavy grasses provide the rough. You’ll use every shot in your kit to negotiate the ups and downs and fairway bends. Toughest hole? Depending on the elements, all the fours and fives can present a real challenge, but here’s a tip for the 443-yard ninth — on your second shot, take two more clubs than it looks. You won’t believe me when you’re lining up your shot, but you’ll thank me when it drops safely on the green.

Location: North Plains, Ore.

Rates: $60-$90

Par: 71 • 6,839

Website: www.pumpkinridge.com

Tel: v

Man of the People

Brian Beaky — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:00:00 +0000

Microsoft marketing guru Scott Oki could have used his millions for just about anything — he’s choosing to use it on you

Brian Beaky Cascade Golfer Editor

On the day that would forever alter the public golf landscape in the Pacific Northwest, all Scott Oki wanted to do was take a nap. The man whose marketing vision had helped expand Microsoft into an international multimedia giant — a task which had earned him millions in stock options — had already spent a long morning planning strategies with his sales managers at an off-site retreat, and was enjoying a mid-afternoon break before returning to work long into the night. Some of his staff opted to use the break time to catch up on some well-deserved sleep. Others threw their clubs in the trunk with plans to fit in 18 holes before returning to work. Oki chose the former option, grabbing a towel and planning to nap by the pool, when one his managers, clubs in hand, stopped to invite him to the course. “I had never played golf before, and was really looking forward to catching up some sleep, so I remember saying, ‘Why would I want to do that?’” Oki recalls. His staff insisted, though, appealing to Oki’s competitive side, and eventually the executive gave in. With no equipment of his own, Oki put on tennis shoes, rented clubs, and bought his first box of balls. “Nine holes later, I was back buying a dozen more. That’s when I knew I was hooked,” he says. More than a decade later, the seed that was planted with those rented clubs and tennis shoes has grown into a 10-course empire, Oki Golf Enterprises, that has changed the face of golf in the Northwest, comprising some of the leading public golf courses in the nation. While’s Oki’s courses run the gamut in style, location and price range, one aspect remains the same at each of the eight locations (two boast multiple courses) — quality. “From Day One, we set out to improve the quality and accessibility of golf for the public golfer, and I’m proud of the fact that we have done that,” Oki says. Citing the high cost of private clubs (initiation fees can run as high as $100,000, plus monthly dues), which essentially cut themselves off from all but a small percentage of the golfing population, Oki has focused his company’s efforts on providing country club quality at a public course price.

“I just became totally addicted to the game. I couldn’t figure out why it was so darn hard to hit a stationary object. I mean, I’m reasonably athletic, but I just couldn’t do it. Eventually, my love for the game of golf pulled me into the business of golf.”

“We are always asking the same question — what kind of value are we giving to our golfers?” he says. “We think we’ve done a pretty darn good job.” Most Northwest golfers would agree. Oki’s crown jewel, The Golf Club at Newcastle, is one of the premier public courses in the entire nation. The 36-hole layout, designed by Robert E. Cupp and Fred Couples, the course — China Creek and Coal Creek — boast a nearly 360-degree view of the Seattle area, a clubhouse and practice facility to rival any private course in the region, and was named one of the “Best Things In Golf” by Golf Magazine and NBC-TV shortly after its opening in 1999. And it’s playable by anyone for as little as $40. That’s the kind of value Oki is talking about when he states his mission to deliver world-class golf at an affordable price. But then, the retired millionaire-turned-entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist has always looked for ways to take his product — be it golf, or software — to the masses.

Eastside Values

Brian Beaky — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:46:11 +0000

by Norm Maves

At Cascade Golfer, we know that you work on a tight schedule — you don’t always want to spend an hour or driving out to a “destination” course, only to spend the next five hours rushing through your round in anticipation of having to repeat the long drive back home. We also know that our readers represent a cross-section of the Northwest golfer — from the 20-something college student eating Ramen noodles each night, to the company president looking to close a deal over an outstanding round of golf. That’s why in our debut issue of 2008, we’re premiering a new column recommending three three terrific golf options in a small geographic radius, at a price you can afford — whatever that price may be. This issue focuses on what is certainly Seattle’s most accessible golf mecca — the Eastside. With dozens of courses to choose from, ranging from local munis to some of the Northwest’s most exclusive tracks, at just about every price point imaginable, it seemed an obvious place to start. We’ve narrowed the options down to three that we think you should check out.

Bellevue Golf Course

The trouble with well-maintained, not-too-hard, nicely priced municipal courses near major metropolitan areas is the same everywhere: they’re popular and accessible, so they have a steady stream of golfers. Sometimes it can slow down play, too. There have been some complaints about the speed at BGC — but none about the course itself. David W. Kent’s user-friendly design has been around since 1968 and wears well. With its affordable rates and short distance — 5,521 yards from the longest tees — it’s a terrific options for beginners, while more experienced golfers will welcome the chance to get in a low-cost practice round before dropping $75 or more at one of the area’s more exclusive courses. The course is under the new management of Premier Golf Center, which should help the speed issue. PGC reversed the nines and has lots of discounts and specials for the cold-weather player. After the change to daylight saving time, it could be a good after (or before) work option.

Location: Bellevue

Rates: $15 – $27

Par: 71 • 5,521

Website: bellevuepgc.com

Tel: 425-452-7250

Willows Run Golf Complex

Willows Run in Redmond tries to be the one place you need to go to indulge your level of interest in the game. Eagle’s Talon is a standard (6,800 from the tips) course; Coyote Creek is a shorter, easier course if you don’t feel like wrestling the bear today. Many locals like to take advantage of the terrific twilight rates, when the courses are a little less crowded than they can be in peak hours, and the sunset over the Sound makes for stunning views of Mount Rainier and the hot air balloons floating over the Redmond Valley. But there’s more: there’s Heron Links, a nine-hole, par-3 track just for the fun of it. There’s even an 18-hole putting green for children young and old to try out their putting stroke. Bundle that with a full-service bar and grill and a practice facility, and, indeed, Willows Run has everything you need. Winter rates are terrific for peak-hour play, while in the summer, your best bet is to hit it at twilight hours, when an 18-hole round with GPS-equipped cart will set you back less than $30.

Location: Redmond

Rates: $25-$44

Par: 72 • 5,763-6,803 (Eagle’s Talon), 72 • 5,441-6,344 (Coyote Creek)

Website: willowsrun.com

Tel: 425-883-1200

Trilogy Golf Club at Redmond Ridge

This lovely little (6,419 yards max) course off Novelty Hill Road is both pretty and treacherous, especially if you have difficulty dealing with water. The wet stuff comes into play a lot, including an interesting front-side Amen Corner at the third and fourth holes. The third is a 613-yard beast with water right off the tee and down the left side; the next hole is a 160-yard par-3, but it’s all liquid from tee to green, so get it all the way there or reach for your provisional ball. All reports are that Trilogy is a delight to play that makes you keep your focus the entire round. With water on nearly every hole, being long and wild won’t help you here — precise shot-making is the key to keeping a low number on your scorecard. It’s truly a course that will reveal you for whatever kind of golfer you are, rewarding your strengths and exploiting your weaknesses. Like a lot of Puget Sound courses, convenient winter pricing makes Trilogy a tempting wet-weather option, while even the spring and summer rates are far below what you’d expect to pay for a course of this quality.

Location: Redmond

Rates: $25 – $44

Par: 72 • 5,763-6,803 (Eagle’s Talon); 72 • 5,441-6,344(Coyote Creek)

Website: willowsrun.com

Tel: 425-883-1200

Oki’s Favorite Nine …er, Ten

Brian Beaky — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:48:04 +0000

China Creek No.2 “When Mount Rainier’s out, it’ll take your breath away from the tee box..” Coal Creek No.1 “The very first round of golf I ever played there was with Fred Couples, the course designer. I birdied the hole, and Fred parred it, so it’s been a favorite of mine ever since.” Harbour Pointe No.11 “As you crest a ridge and drop down to the green below, you’re treated to a dramatic view of Puget Sound.” Hawks Prairie, Woodlands Course No.13 “The water all along the right side of this par-5 makes it a terrific and challenging hole.” Hawks Prairie, Links Course No.14 “Just a great par-4 nestled right up against Puget Sound, with terrific views of the water and mountains.” Indian Summer, No.10/11 “Number 10 is a winding par-5; it’s not particularly long, but it’s tough to get on in two — your shot placement is critical. Number 11 is just a hard, hard par-3 — narrow, and long.” Washington National No.17 “I love this par-5, with the stream that meanders across the hole and the water in front of the green. Just a gorgeous hole.” Echo Falls No.18 “What a great finishing hole. Either you’re on the green, or you’re wet.” Trophy Lake No.18 “Another great par-5. I was once playing in a foursome with Bill Gates, and ended up losing to Bill on this hole. I had to pay him $10 — a very painful $10.” Plateau Club No.18 “I have a personal rule that if I ever shoot 100 or more in a round, I’ll give up the game forever. One time this hole saved me — I birdied it to finish at 99, and I’m still playing golf today.”

Oki’s Green Machines

Brian Beaky — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:58:29 +0000

The Golf Club at Newcastle

Newcastle • newcastlegolf.com

Without a doubt, Oki’s signature course, boasting stunning views of downtown Seattle, Bellevue, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains that provide a breathtaking visual backdrop to a challenging 36-hole layout designed by Robert E. Cupp and golf legend Fred Couples.

Trophy Lake Golf & Casting

Port Orchard • trophylakegolfclub.com

A relaxing ferry ride across the water puts you in the perfect frame of mind to enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of Trophy Lake’s impressive 18-hole layout at your own speed, a far cry from the often frenetic pace of play of busier city courses.

The Golf Club at Echo Falls

Snohomish • echofallsgolf.com

Echo Falls requires close attention to shot placement and approach angles all the way to the finish — the par-3 18th plays to an island green that demands one final act of precision before releasing you to the clubhouse for a well-deserved drink.

The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie

Lacey • hawksprairiegolf.com

Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier play a role on nearly all 36 holes at Hawks Prairie, which provides the choice of two distinct golf experiences. The Links Course navigates a water-laced path towards the Sound, while the Woodlands charts a tighter route through a thick pine forest.