Gearhart Golf Links
Legend has it that Gearhart Golf Links began life in about 1888, starting out as three holes of true links-style golf amongst the seaside meadows that characterize the North Oregon coast. Golf, somewhat new to the U.S., came to Gearhart by way of visitors to the bustling resort who had experienced the game in Europe and found Gearhart’s meadows the perfect setting. By 1892, golf was a regular pastime for guests of the Hotel Gearhart on the three-hole course just across the street. With this history, Gearhart Golf Links is The Oldest Golf Course West of the Mississippi River and shares the early spotlight with such courses as Victoria Golf Club (1893), Tacoma Country and Golf Club (1894) and Del Monte Golf Club (1897). From its original three holes, Gearhart Golf Links has stayed true to its Scottish roots retaining that classic links-style flavor, with a hint of traditional Northwest design features. A rich history, but with an eye to a glorious future. Golf itself boasts a long and mythical residency in Gearhart, appearing almost from the moment nails were being pounded into boards to build Gearhart’s first homes. Much of our colorful past is on display throughout the property in the form of historic photos and original paintings. Artists have created colorful murals depicting the history of the Gearhart region, the golf course, and The Gearhart Hotel and Annex.
Before any formal golf course existed west of the Mississippi River, a clutch of homesick Scotsmen confounded the locals by burying tin cans into the dunes of Gearhart and then knocking balls with sticks until they dropped into the cans. For these Scots, the landscape at Gearhart was strongly reminiscent of the native, ancient courses of St. Andrews and Montrose. Several architects’ hands have shaped GGL over the years, including Chandlar Egan, noted for his work at Pebble Beach in advance of the 1929 US Amateur. He went on to work at notable Oregon golf courses Waverley Country Club, Oswego Lake Country Club, Riverside Golf and Country Club, Tualatin Country Club, and others.
Today, Gearhart Golf Links operates as a resort course open to the public, with membership currently capped at 230. 18 holes of spectacular, links-style golf located in the town of Gearhart on the beautiful North Oregon Coast. Open for play 364 days a year. Pure links golf as it was meant to be!
The USHO Course Set-Up: The 4 divisions will play off different tees.
The Open will play off the Black tees (6,176 yds; 70.8/137)
The Senior division will play off the White tees (5,741 yds: 69.3/131)
The Super Seniors will play off the Green tees (5,157 yds: 66.1/121)
Women will play off Special designated tees (4,283 yds: 66.3/120)
“Gearhart Golf Links has always been a special place to the Jacobsen family. As kids we would come the Beach every summer and play match after match on the links, betting for milkshakes. The improvements the Boyle family have implemented are spectacular. Their vision to “Polish the Gem” is spot on, and everyone who plays there will love the newly restored Links feel, from the open vistas to the firm and fast playing surfaces.”
Peter Jacobsen, 7-time winner on the PGA Tour, NBC and Golf Channel Analyst
“For any passionate golfer the exploration, the adventure, the discovery of great golf is sometimes as much a pleasure as the playing. Gearhart Golf Links is one of those rare hidden gems that when found, is never forgotten! It’s in my closely guarded list of US hidden gems.”
David McLay-Kidd, golf course architect
famous for his designs at Bandon Dunes, Gamble Sands, Mammoth Dunes, Nanea Golf Club, and others
