Quail Valley Golf Course, in Banks, OR provides a great links course in a rural setting. Once farm grounds itself, Quail Valley provides views of neighboring farmsteads, including a scenic silo on the back 9. Naturally, the grounds are flat, yet they lie at the foot of neighboring hills and vineyards, east of the coastal range. Also visible is a panoramic view of Portland’s west hills and a peering Mt. Hood in the distance. Quail Valley is user friendly for any golfer, and provides good scoring opportunities mixed with some real challenges that will test all. When you factor in the great upkeep of the course, Quail Valley weighs in as one of the better values for fun, quality golf in the Portland area.
Quail Valley Golf Course is a links course in every sense. The hole layouts are very open with minimal trees; mainly of the small, landscaped variety. Aside from the out of bounds perimeter of the grounds, the trouble areas lie within water, sand and some wild grasses. Large ponds and wetland areas are present on most holes, and are the biggest threat to the safekeeping of your golf ball. Tall grasses have also been known to consume errant shots, but at times, these areas are cut down and are less of a factor. Avoid these dangers, and Quail Valley is otherwise very playable for all skill levels. While the holes are relatively forgiving to inaccuracy, the same cannot be said for the greens. Common to many links courses, mindful putting is a must, and in essence, that goes for many approach shots too. The greens are well-guarded by bunkers and water, and their surfaces boast some dramatic ridges and breaks. Although Quail Valley sees typical saturation in the offseason, the greens remain in fantastic shape, and always roll smooth.
Quail Valley Golf Course is also a great place to tune up your game with their full practice facility. The driving range has grass surface hitting, as well as a covered area for rainy times. The ample practice green is good for warming up your putting and chipping stroke, and is well representative of the putting you will enjoy in play. And there is an additional practice green with bunkers, primarily used for chipping. In the clubhouse there is a café/grill and dining lounge, as well as standard merchandise.
Have you played Quail Valley Golf Course recently? Share your thoughts on the course in the comments section below.
