The Willamette Valley, Oregon is known for great golfing due to its naturally green environment and mild climate. Golfing is also one of the safest and most enjoyable ways to get outside with a group of friends.
Golfers have plenty of options to play golf in Corvallis, Oregon. So whether you are a serious or a casual golfer, be sure to plan a tee time when you visit the Willamette Valley. Golfing in Corvallis is a treat for both the casual and serious golfer.
Here at Fernwood Circle Guest Houses, our guests often ask about where they can play a round of golf. We love answering those questions. In fact, Fernwood Circle Guest Houses owner Alexandra happens to be an avid golfer!
Since golfing is an outdoor sport that allows for social distancing, our local courses have remained open at a lower capacity. Corvallis has you covered, whether you enjoy a quick par-three game or a premium experience at Corvallis Club, a top local golf course.
In 2020, we chatted with the Corvallis Club’s General Manager Joe Mayo, and Certified PGA Professional Jordan Ropp, to learn more about this iconic golf course. Also, Corvallis Club member Rob Schneider offers a hobbyist (players) perspective.
Exclusive offer: Guests at Fernwood Circle Guest Houses have access to the usual member’s only Corvallis Club’s golf course. Tee times are as available, and should be booked in advance. Contact your host, Alexandra, for reservations before or during your stay. Our guests enjoy the comfort and amenities of a “Fernwood Circle” Corvallis vacation stay, in a premium stand-alone home, and also can play the area’s most exclusive golf course!
We have included a directory of golf courses in or near Corvallis below. All of these courses are an easy drive from any of our Corvallis vacation rentals.
Alexandra, the owner of Fernwood Circle Guest Houses, golfing with her friend Kimber Hoang-Street who owns Magenta Restaurant & Snugbar.
Corvallis Club: A Classic, Challenging Golf Course
Although this course is shorter than most standard courses, players face challenges including severe elevation changes as well as small and difficult greens.
“Our members enjoy the challenge because the experience never gets old,” said Joe. “It’s challenging enough that you can play it every day without getting tired of it.”
Head Golf Professional Jordan Ropp, PGA offers a little more detail.
“We also have a lot of different distance options to play from, ranging from as short as 3056 yards total, up to 6162 yards total from the back tees,” he explained. “There is still a lot of variety with slope, trees, elevation, and some tricky greens.”
Golf enthusiast, Corvallis Club member, and local business owner, Rob Schneider agrees. “It takes accuracy over length.”
The next question golfers ask is whether they can walk the course or should opt for a cart.
Jordan answered: “We have a lot of members that walk the course. I would say the Front 9 is great for walking, and then take a cart for the Back 9 as it gets a little more hilly from there.”
Stunning view at the Corvallis Club! Photo credit: Thank you to the Corvallis Club for contributing the golf course images!
Tips For Your First Time Playing at Corvallis Club
“Hitting the fairway is key! You really don’t need to bring out the Driver on quite a few holes on the course. You want to leave yourself in the fairway off the tee, and it will give you a much better chance at hitting the Green in Regulation. There are a lot of big old trees on the course that tend to catch our golf balls!” — Tip from Corvallis Club PGA Pro Jordan Ropp.
“I reach for the driver, and I probably should be reaching for the three wood,” joked Rob. “It’s probably better suited to play a three wood, that’s something good for people to know. Put your driver away!”
About Corvallis Club
Although the Corvallis Club dates back to 1918, it still feels fresh. Within the last couple of years, the club’s owners invested almost $1.5 million in renovations to the clubhouse, pool, course, and a new event pavilion. The event pavilion includes a state bocce ball and a stage for live music, an event space, and restaurants.
“The transformation was breathtaking!” explained Joe.
Members and guests enjoy golfing on one of the best-conditioned golf courses in Oregon. Other facilities include tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, dining, and events.
Relax after your game with a meal or a drink. Enjoy the view!
The Restaurants – Gastro-Pub or Fine Dining
The Corvallis Club offers both pub style and fine dining options. Head Chef and F&B Director Iain Duncan came to the club with a range of experience. He is well known in the Corvallis-area for creating quality pub fare, Hawaiian cuisine, and fine dining.
“Iain has some great menu choices!” Jordan explained, “You can get a lot of variety from a simple Hot Dog or Cheeseburger, to a Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich with Ginger Beef, Cucumber, Carrot, Cilantro & Sriracha Aioli.”
“The other day I had the pork cutlet,” said Rob. “And it was absolutely phenomenal!”
“Grab one of the local beers on tap. My preference is the Boneyard IPA coming from Bend, or the Pfriem Pilsner out of Hood River,” said Jordan. “You also can’t go wrong with the standard Club Sandwich and Fries.”
“I’m partial to our fish and chips, but can honestly tell you that everything on the menu is good,” said Joe.
Course side view of the Clubhouse at Corvallis Club
How to Play Golf at the Corvallis Club
The Corvallis Club is a private membership organization, so usually, only members and their guests can play.
Guests staying at a Fernwood Circle Guest Houses vacation rental or extended stay rental can play through special arrangements. This perk is unique among Corvallis vacation rentals.
“We are a private club, so access is limited only to members, their guests, some reciprocal clubs and some other special avenues such as Fernwood Guests!” Jordan explained.
Please note that Tee times are as available, and should be booked in advance, contact your host, Alexandra for reservations before or during your stay.
In addition to Fernwood Circle Guest Houses special arrangement, members of other Oregon-based golf clubs may sometimes also have play privileges. “We offer reciprocity to members of a select few other private clubs and on occasion with businesses that host visitors,” explained Joe. “We do offer out of area memberships for those that live more than 75 miles from the club.”
Hey golf enthusiasts and tennis players! Book your stay at one of Fernwood Circle Guest Houses next time you visit Corvallis or the Willamette Valley!
This patio at Creekside Cottage would be a perfect place to come “home” to after golfing in Corvallis.
Information for Fernwood Guests Visiting the Corvallis Club
Playing a round of golf at The Corvallis Club generally takes 1.5 hours for 9 holes and 2 hrs for 18 holes.
“I think it’s a very relaxed and fun club,” said Rob. “Yet still. It’s still a country club setting… But you know people are relaxed. I like the family environment.”
Rob also suggests, “Always bring a windbreaker!”
PGA Pro Jordan explains there isn’t a dress code for guests relaxing by the pool or in the clubhouse. But standard golf attire is required while playing the golf course.
When we talk about “standard golf attire” we think of the following:
- Men: Polos, non-cargo shorts, slacks, golf or tennis shoes. No denim!
- Women: Polos, golf tank tops, shorts, skirts, skorts, slacks, and again no denim!
“The culture has historically been one of the hardcore golfers,” explained Joe. “While that culture is shifting to more of a social club, there is still a genuine passion for golf among the majority of our members.”
“The shift in culture is towards being a gathering place with good food, good company, and a host of other amenities like tennis and the pool.”
Rates Information
The Corvallis Club is a members-only club. Through special arrangements, guests staying at Fenwood Circle Guest Houses may schedule a tee time through Alexandra. The following fees apply depending on whether you play 9 or 18 holes and whether you use a cart :
- 18 Holes – $65
- 9 Holes – $45
- Cart 18 – $16
- Cart 9 – $9
If you are not able to bring your clubs, the Corvallis Club has a couple of rental or loaner sets available.
Guests at Fernwood Circle Guest Houses also have access to the club’s two restaurants. Fernwood guests that are doing an extended stay, can join the social aspect of the club at $125 per month to have pool and restaurant access. Contact The Corvallis Club’s General Manager Joe Mayo to make arrangements to join.
A Quick Guide to Golfing in Corvallis and Nearby
Whether you want a quick, casual par-three game or a more challenging 18-holes, Corvallis has options!
We recommend that you contact each course before arriving. With ever-changing social distancing guidelines, these courses may have to limit the number of players.
- Corvallis Club – contact Alexandria if you are a Fernwood Circle guest who is interested in playing at this private club.
- Diamond Woods Golf Course in Monroe: Located at 96040 Territorial Rd, Monroe, OR 97456. Phone: (541) 998-9707 x1.
- Golf City Par 3 and Beaver Falls Miniature Golf in Corvallis: Located at 2115 NE Hay 20, Corvallis, OR 97330. Phone: (541) 753-6213.
- Pineway Golf Course in Lebanon: Located 30949 Pineway Rd, Lebanon, OR 97355. Phone: (541) 258-8919.
- Spring Hill Golf Club in Albany: Located at 155 NW Country Club Lane, Albany, OR 97321. Book online or call (541) 926-6059.
- Trysting Tree Golf Course in Corvallis- Located at 34028 NE Electric Rd, Corvallis, OR 97333. Book Online or call 541-713-4653.
Before and after your game, relax at one of Fernwood Circle Guest Houses. Pictured here: The private patio at the Everglade Townhome vacation rental, the inside is just as cozy as the outside!
