OREGON
St. Andrews on the Pacific
Bandon Dunes Resort (888-345-6008, bandondunes.com
) is a vacation
destination where superior play and an awesome location combine to create a
genuine world-class golf experience. Set along 23 miles of undisturbed Oregon
coastline, the original 18-hole Bandon Dunes layout and the newer Pacific Dunes
course ride the elevation changes along the shore to heights of more than 100
feet. The ocean views are exceptional, just like the authenticity of the
Scottish-inspired links designs. Hire a caddie to do the heavy lifting and
you’ll enjoy what may well be the best walk of your life.
Having set the standard for
oceanside golf, the resort’s third course—Bandon Trails—takes the inland route
through dense coastal forests. Towering fir and spruce trees protect the
fairways and putting surfaces, while the native landscaping and wildflower
meadows make the course feel mature beyond its three years.
The Golf Academy at Bandon Dunes
is the resort’s premier learning facility, offering professional instruction at
the 32-acre practice center. Luxury accommodations at Bandon Dunes range from
single rooms at The Lodge to lakeside suites and four-bedroom cottages. A
quartet of on-site restaurants offer distinctive menus with hearty steaks and
fresh seafood, while after-hours relaxation is always on tap at McKee’s Pub and
The Bunker Bar.
What you won’t find here are any
nearby amusement parks or similar whoop-tee-do distractions. But if your
vacation plan this season is focused on sharing an unparalleled golf experience
with your best playing partners, then set your sights on Bandon Dunes.
Ride Like the Wind
Running Y Ranch Resort (888-850-0275, runningy.com) offers a
different vacation experience, with both outstanding golf and a variety of other
outdoor activities to delight the entire family. Located near Klamath Falls in
the shadow of the Cascade Mountains, Running Y is home to Oregon’s only Arnold
Palmer-designed golf course. A member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
System, The Running Y layout meanders through restored wetlands and refreshing
woodlands in an elegant natural landscape. Forward tees enhance the enjoyment
for average players, but scratch golfers find 7,133 yards of total challenge
from the Palmer tees.
As its name suggests, Running Y
was a working ranch before it was a vacation resort. Not surprisingly then, the
equestrian facilities and services here are absolutely top-flight. From riding
lessons and trail adventures to the hands-on “Cowboy for a Day” program, Running
Y is a horse lover’s heaven and a sure-fire hit with the kids. And there are
guided ATV excursions for families who want to safely enjoy an outing with even
more horsepower.
Sports and fitness facilities,
canoe and kayak rentals, spa and salon services, daytrips to Klamath Falls and
Crater Lake—there’s no time for boredom at Running Y. Best of all for families
and groups, Running Y offers an excellent choice of fully furnished and equipped
town homes, chalets and two-to-five bedroom custom homes. If you’re looking for
an all-inclusive vacation package at a great golf destination with plenty of
family-fun extras, check out Running Y.
Place Your Bets
Wildhorse Resort & Casino (800-654-9453 wildhorseresort.com) near
Pendleton, Oregon, also welcomes families with an on-site video arcade and
entertainment center for the kids, but might be an even better destination of
choice for adults who want to swing all day and play all night.
Located in the Blue Mountain
foothills, Wildhorse golf facilities include a scenic 18-hole resort course and
instruction center. Senior rates and complete packages with unlimited play are
offered. The Wildhorse Casino is the hub of off-course activities, with poker,
keno and all your favorite table games, plus cabaret shows and music concerts.
Stay in the newly renovated hotel next door or the resort’s unique Tipi Village,
but the late-night attractions at Wildhorse are what make this destination
special.
