Gearhart Golf Links
Gearhart Golf Links is an 18 hole, public course located on the beautiful North Oregon Coast in Gearhart. The course, officially opened in 1892 as 3 holes strewn across the sand dunes, is the oldest course in the northwest and arguably in the Western United States. Legend has it that Gearhart Golf Links began life in about 1888, starting out as a few holes of true Links 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 four-hole course just across the street. In 1901, at the hands of Marshall Kinney, Gearhart was officially opened as a 9 hole course. In 1913-1915 Gearhart grew to 18 holes and began a long heritage as one of the state’s premiere golf venues. Between 1926 and 1935 the course underwent a series of changes including a redesign by Chandler Egan.
In 1999, Northwest golf course architect, William G. Robinson re-designed a large portion of the golf course. By utilizing most of the layout from the 30’s, and adding new tees, bunkers and re-designing some of the problem greens, he has created a challenging and beautiful links style course. In 2013, Gearhart’s management team made the decision to remove hundreds of trees to restore the course to it’s true links identity. 11 new tees were added, and several hundred yards in length, fairway lines were expanded and sightlines to the surrounding mountains are now unobscured.
Gearhart Golf Links began as a classic example of early Links golf. For over a century it has stood as a landmark of the game’s origins in Oregon and the western United States. Today Gearhart stands ready to begin a new century and a new millennium. With classic styling and rugged windswept features it remains Oregon’s premier link to a rich golf history. To this day, the course retains a classic Links flavor, with a hint of traditional Northwest design features. It plays 6501 yards from “the Stones” and 5157 yards from the Forward tees, with 2 more sets of tees between to choose from.
Services include a full service restaurant and bar, pro shop, golf instruction, power carts and clubs for rent. Annual memberships are available. Groups/Tournaments are welcome. Call (503) 738-3538 for tee reservations. Gearhart Golf Links began life as a form of recreation for guests of the Gearhart Hotel. Today the course has 3 lodging partners, including the 4th reincarnation of the “Gearhart Hotel” right on site. “Gearhart by the Sea” is a series of condominiums across the street, and the “Gearhart Ocean” Inn is a series of cottages a short walk away. Information for all 3 is available on the course website under the lodging tab www.GearhartGolfLinks.com.
