Places to Play

CAMAS MEADOWS

Camas, WA

Camas Meadows stands out as the best public golf facility in Southwest Washington but refuses to stand pat, instead making improvements each year to the course and its services. Whether you’re looking to hit a quick bucket, play a round with friends, or plan a wedding, Camas Meadows has what you need.

Camas Meadows opened in 2000, designed by former Jack Nicklaus Golf Services employee Andy Raugust. Winding through stands of trees and protected wetlands areas, the course has very few holes that players can relax on. Narrow landing areas and tricky greens make it a challenging layout.

One of the best examples of how tough the course can be is the par-4 fifth. Relatively short at just 358-yards, a water hazard runs down the right side for the entire length of the hole; trees promise to block any shots that are pulled left. The green, wide but shallow, is one of the toughest to score on because of its back to front slope.

The entire facility -- the course, combined with the driving range, clubhouse, and wedding pavillion -- is an impressive sight.

Camas Meadows plays a pivotal role in the area for non-golfers, too. Each year the course hosts a variety of events that allow local charities to make the money they need to operate in the community.

Wine Valley

Walla Walla, WA

Just outside the town of Walla Walla in the shadow of the Blue Mountains, Wine Valley Golf Club is a course that you’d never know was there. The Dan Hickson design flows through wheat fields and rolling hills, unfolding as a golf course on a grand scale with wide fairways and big greens.

From your first tee shot, it’s easy to see why Wine Valley is consistently voted as one of the top golf courses in Washington state by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest.

The links-style course begins simply enough with a beautiful, slightly downhill par four. The right side offers your first introduction to Wine Valley’s dramatic bunkering: deep and steep. Your second shot typically plays into the wind to a generous, undulating green. Don’t worry, there’s more to come.

Wine Valley is full of options, with the wide fairways giving golfers different angles from which to attack each hole. A great example of that is the par five seventh hole. Two well-placed shots can get to the green but the punchbowl shape can give you fits if you’re too far away from the flag. Depending on pin placement, you may want to lay up and take your chances with a wedge.

Off the course, Wine Valley boasts an excellent driving range, an ample pro shop, and a restaurant with fantastic food and drinks.

Aspen Lakes

Sisters, OR

This Central Oregon favorite is one of the most visually stunning courses you’ll ever play. From the Three Sisters in the background to the red cinder bunkers protecting the course, Aspen Lakes is a sight to behold.

Since its opening in 1999, Aspen Lakes Golf Course has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The W.L. Overdorf design features subtle elevation changes from tee to green and plays around lakes, ponds, and red cinder bunkers.

The Three Sisters - volcanic peaks situated just south of the course - dominate the landscape. But, it’s typically the red cinder bunkers that everyone talks about. Course owners opted to use the locally sourced materials and the red cinders were abundant on the property and easily crushed to fill the bunkers. The result is an amazing contrast to the white peaks, blue skies, and vibrant green bentgrass.

The course is a traditional Northwest style layout, an excellent example of the golf courses you’ll find in the high desert of Central Oregon. Many of the holes are long, but the fairways are typically wide and forgiving. Aspen Lakes offers several sets of tees to choose from, giving golfers the opportunity to play the course that best suits their game.

A blend of doglegs, directional and green-side bunkers and frequent water features can also collectively lengthen many holes. A notable stretch that well-represents the potential difficulty here are holes 14 thru 16, or “Amen Corner.” This par 4-3-4 combo holds respective distances of 466, 201, and 426 yards from the blue tees. Accompanied by elevation changes, and a wealth of sand & water, this can be a daunting test as your round nears conclusion.

The greens at Aspen Lakes, while providing some occasional large slopes, are fairly user-friendly to putt on with speeds typical to the area.

A family-owned golf course, Aspen Lakes has been transformed in the last 10 years. More than just a haven for golfers, a massive clubhouse - complete with bar and restaurant - has become a place for the residents of Sisters to socialize.

PLAY THESE PLACES

Camas Meadows Golf Club

4105 NW Camas Meadows Dr. Camas, WA 98607 360-833-2000 www.camasmeadows.com

Wine Valley Golf Club

176 Wine Valley Road Walla Walla, WA 99362 509-525-4653 www.winevalleygolfclub.com

Aspen Lakes Golf Course

16900 Aspen Lakes Drive Sisters, OR 97759 541-549-4653 www.aspenlakes.com