Portland area private clubs

[rrheisler]

4 hours ago, njlam said:

If it snowed more in the Portland area, OGC could double as a ski resort.

 

Hah! That's how we feel about some of our current course. The front 9 is an absolutely brutal walk. The course doesn't play that way (well, outside of 9) but it's a good way to beat some fitness into you. Certainly helped with IRONMAN training last year...

 

Now to get the kiddo's skis tuned up for slalom racing tomorrow. Bourbon, P-Tex, and wax are a fun combination.

[rrheisler]

Alright, welp, looks like it's happening, folks. The Boss will accept her offer. Keeping the kiddo in school out here through the end of this school year, and then we'll probably make the final move at the start of July.

 

Now to start clearing out the basement of all my *ahem* backup golf clubs and other stuff to start preparing...

[NWesterley]

Glad this thread has been active recently, this has some great information. I'm thinking about joining a club, and the two I'm evaluating most are PGC (10 minute commute over surface streets) and Pumpkin Ridge (25 minute commute on Hwy 26). Obviously two very different places as discussed in the thread. Have played all three relevant courses, and while Witch was my favorite, PGC was fun/incredibly maintained, and Ghost was good as well -  though I've had some abnormally slow rounds there (have played it the most/figure as the public option it may be slower in general with more random groups on the course). I know a few members (nice people, but more in the casual than good friend category) at both places who speak highly of their clubs, so figured I'd post here and see if I can get some additional opinions. My impression is PGC is significantly more expensive, but I'm fortunate to be in a spot financially where I could make either work. I picked up golf in my 30s and have the bug (love hitting balls, so Pumpkin's practice facilities are a draw), definitely more in the play fast/have fun/be a good person in the foursome category as opposed to future club champion, haha. Similarly, with PGC's full member cap I assume that could mean more time on the waitlist if that's the option I pursue.

 

Pumpkin's draw for me is two courses, imo Witch Hollow is the best course in the area, my parents live in a suburb closer to that end of the westside and if I join there could get some rounds in easily with my dad, and as a range rat I love their practice areas. With PGC, the member owned aspect means a voice for each member in decisions/access to the decision makers/knowing local funds are going into the club rather than potentially being distributed among a range of properties like Escalante holds. Not to be political, but with all the uncertainty in the economy, being part of a member owned club where you deal with one set of issues/potential assessments as opposed to a corporate club where they have a multitude of properties to maintain seems "safer", though if I had a crystal ball I'd have the money to join both, so who knows...

 

Family wise, not married/no kids yet, my girlfriend is the social butterfly between us and has kicked around taking up the game/enjoys the Red Tail (nearest public course) range with me. Would be the first private club experience for both of us, and I definitely want her to enjoy the club as well (pretty serious relationship). We're both pretty laid back and are looking for a place where I can enjoy golf, she can maybe get into golf at some point, and we can enjoy the occasional meal/maybe a social event if one appeals. That said, I'd be joining as a sole member initially, and she is open to either/told me to pick the one I like most. Just curious if people have any views on those two clubs with that description of my individual situation. Thanks to anyone who has input, true "first world problem", but the game got a hold of me and I can't keep fighting for tee times at Red Tail/owing friends lunch for getting me a round at their club, time to dive in! 

[njlam]

I think you have accessed both clubs well and highlighted the differences fairly.

They are definitely different experiences both on and off the golf course.

While Pumpkin has the benefit of two courses and a much nicer driving range, PGC can be played all year round and our recent course renovation has been welcomed by all the members.

The club member experience at a member-owned vs a corporate-owned club is a pretty important consideration.

It is worth noting that there are many members at PGC who used to be members at Pumpkin, but I am not sure many golfers leave PGC to join Pumpkin.

If you live nearby and cost is not an issue...?

[mallrat]

10 minutes ago, njlam said:

I think you have accessed both clubs well and highlighted the differences fairly.

They are definitely different experiences both on and off the golf course.

While Pumpkin has the benefit of two courses and a much nicer driving range, PGC can be played all year round and our recent course renovation has been welcomed by all the members.

The club member experience at a member-owned vs a corporate-owned club is a pretty important consideration.

It is worth noting that there are many members at PGC who used to be members at Pumpkin, but I am not sure many golfers leave PGC to join Pumpkin.

If you live nearby and cost is not an issue...?

To piggyback off this, PGC got a new super (last year I believe) who is a really nice guy, incredibly smart and outstanding at his job. Pumpkin got a new super in roughly the same time frame and I haven’t heard a ton positive. Add on to that, I have heard nothing positive about Escalante. 

[NWesterley]

Thank you njlam and mallrat for the responses. You both hit the biggest reason in PGC's favor for me, which is local control. Though let me be clear while I loved Witch, that doesn't mean PGC was anything but excellent/an awesome round, haha! I played PGC prior to the renovation and enjoyed it, so it's nice to hear the changes have been well received/enhanced an already great course.

 

But to the big point, especially entering a period where things are uncertain, it is a much more comforting thought to know that whether I agree with a decision (whether it's an assessment, change in dues, etc.) or not, the people making that decision are part of the fabric of the club and accountable to the members. You just don't get that with an outside entity, and while not trying to be overly negative, more properties for Escalante can equal more risk of needing to divert resources to help a struggling club, which may mean deferred maintenance/delayed projects/etc. at Pumpkin Ridge even if it's otherwise solid. I guess the positive counter is if Escalante continues to host LIV events/bring in revenues on that scale, they may be able to support their entire portfolio of clubs through any potential downturn. But like I said, localized control is a big positive imo.

 

I really appreciate the insight from both of you. Have a nice weekend all.

[Seamus_MacDuff]

Given all you’ve described, it’s a no-brainer to join Portland Golf Club for all sorts of reasons. 
 

The 10 minute vs 25 minute travel makes PGC much more accessible and convenient. 
 

The social aspect will be more important than you realize. Pumpkin Ridge lacks any sort of feel of being a ‘club’, while PGC will have all sorts of social opportunities to plug into the club and build relationships. 

 

PGC has a wonderful dining room and outdoor patio, and being 10 minutes away, itll be great to have that available for meals. 
 

PGC’s range is a bit limited, as I’m sure you know, but having ProV1 range balls makes up for this, IMHO. 

 

Conditions at PGC are excellent. Always the best in the Portland area. I played there earlier this week and was beyond impressed how good it was this early in the season. 
 

You seemed to indicate you last played it pre-renovation. I love the work that’s been done out there with the tree removal and new bunkers. It’s significantly better than it was a few years ago. 

[NWesterley]

Thanks Seamus. From what I recall, it was a long term renovation, so some of the work (I think especially tree removal on some holes) had been done when I got the chance to play there, but I'm eager to see the finished product. We actually didn't eat there post round, went to a nice spot in Multnomah Village after where I and the other guest gladly picked up the check for the two members who hosted us! That said, the patio looked great on the turn (I think that's where it was on the course, could be wrong)

 

The social/dining aspect I probably do need to consider more. I'm late 30s and my girlfriend is a couple weeks away from 30, and as mentioned we've discussed long term plans, so a juniors program/place she can meet up with friends for a bite (whether golf gets her like it did me or not, we all have to eat!) are things that would be nice to have. Probably will start the inquiry process soon, hoping the waitlist isn't too much of a bear, but the public options in Oregon are more than enough to keep me happy for a while. 

 

Appreciate your response/bringing up some relevant points I should be thinking of given I'm looking at the club choice as a long term endeavor.

[Wardonation]

PGC good track, Dan did wonders with it with his remodel. Range is horrible but course condition will be better than Pumpkin. I would rank the private as follows for top 3 in Portland area.

 

1) Royal Oaks (too many members though)

2) CECC best condition, drainage and best players

3) Waverly (snobby members but great track)

4) The best bang for the buck would be Arrowhead... Plus great players

For where you live though, I would go PGC...

[rrheisler]

Welp, after a round with @Seamus_MacDuff and mapping out commute times from likely new homes -- I'll be joining WVCC this summer.

 

Now, if anybody wants to buy a log cabin on six acres in New Hampshire...

[mallrat]

Can I ask what the current dues and membership fees are at WVCC? Does anyone know about Tualatin as well?

[Seamus_MacDuff]

16 hours ago, mallrat said:

Can I ask what the current dues and membership fees are at WVCC? Does anyone know about Tualatin as well?

Just sent you a PM re: WVCC dues/fees

[NWesterley]

On 5/12/2025 at 4:29 AM, rrheisler said:

Welp, after a round with @Seamus_MacDuff and mapping out commute times from likely new homes -- I'll be joining WVCC this summer.

 

Now, if anybody wants to buy a log cabin on six acres in New Hampshire...

Congrats! WVCC is in my opinion one of the "semi-hidden gems" of the private club scene in the area. I say semi-hidden because it's far enough out from the main metro area the commute is prohibitive for a lot of people, but it's a great course and I've heard really good things about the membership/club culture. Factor in it's not in the upper echelon of initiation/dues, and you have a recipe for a great experience. 

[rrheisler]

2 hours ago, NWesterley said:

Congrats! WVCC is in my opinion one of the "semi-hidden gems" of the private club scene in the area. I say semi-hidden because it's far enough out from the main metro area the commute is prohibitive for a lot of people, but it's a great course and I've heard really good things about the membership/club culture. Factor in it's not in the upper echelon of initiation/dues, and you have a recipe for a great experience. 

 

I thought about CECC -- it would have been a great option too, IMO. But the commute up to the airport was a turnoff, given where we are likely buying a house (either LO, West Linn, or Happy Valley).