The rich volcanic earth and mild climate of the Willamette Valley not only lends itself to gardens and wineries, but it creates an incomparable setting for championship golf courses that will thrill duffers of every ability. In this lush-green paradise, you will discover some of the finest, most uncrowded golf courses around featuring breathtaking views and best of all, very low green fees. Whether it’s a private course or a public course, the diverse fairways of the Willamette Valley will keep a golfer busy and challenged. 

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Illahe Hills Country Club The challenge of golfing at Salem's acclaimed Illahe Hills Country Club may be concentrating on your next shot without being distracted by the spectacular surroundings. This private club provides a challenging golf experience in a grand setting where a backdrop of trees line the traditional layout, designed by renowned golf course architect William Bell and opened for play in 1961. Illahe Hills has played host to many of Oregon's major golf events, as well as USGA Championships. The absence of a housing development along the course adds to the serenity that is the hallmark Illahe Hills. Additional amenities include a well-stocked pro shop and instruction for players at all levels. Battle Creek Golf Course Battle Creek Golf Course in Salem is a public, 18-hole course open 7 days a week with very reasonable greens fees. There are plenty of challenges on the course where water features come into play on 13 holes. There's a putting green, pro shop, equipment repair and lessons are offered for all ages. Cottonwood Lakes Golf Course This course is as excellent for beginners as it is for experienced golfers looking to work on their short game. Get ready to use almost every iron in your bag, especially on the number 6 hole where you hit to a small green surrounded by water on three sides and trees on the other. Laid out on rolling terrain with very well maintained fairways and greens, this course is very picturesque. Greens are well contoured, have medium speed and many subtle breaks that makes reading them a real challenge. Salem Golf Club Salem Golf Club, established in 1928 is a traditional, tree lined 18-hole golf course with strategically placed water hazards, lush fairways and smooth greens providing challenging play for all ability levels. A driving range and teaching center are located on the premises with both grass and covered tees. The Salem Golf Club Pro Shop, voted one of "America's 100 Best Golf Shops" carries a full selection of the most up to date equipment and clothing. Rudy's at Salem Golf Club, the restaurant overlooking the 1st and 10th tees offers breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as banquet services. Meadowlawn Golf Club Meadowlawn Golf Club is often described as the nicest and friendliest course in town with the best maintained fairways in the entire Willamette Valley. Undulating greens are of average size and can be very fast. Water comes into play on two holes and the narrow tree lined fairways make shot placement a premium here. This course is very easy to walk and a great place to work on your short game but get ready to use every club in your bag here. Mulligan's restaurant upstairs in clubhouse serves a great burger. Auburn Center Golf Club This short course where you can play links style pasture golf is popular with kids and retirees. Built within an apple orchard in 1962, watch out for the apple trees and fir trees lining the fairways. Golfreview.com calls it a Best Pick for a Budget with greens fees of just $11 for 18 holes and $6.50 for 9 holes. This is a 9-hole course, very flat, featuring straight shots that help you hit postage stamp greens. Note that this is a seasonal course and is closed in winter. McNary Golf Club McNary Golf Club in Keizer was constructed on land that belonged to one of Oregon's most prominent citizens, Governor and US Senator Charles McNary. The course, which opened in 1962, will remain public for the near future although its growing membership will soon allow a private club to be established. McNary encompasses 150 acres of meadows and is one of the most beautiful layouts in the area with lakes, impeccable fairways and greens. A small pond fronts the eleventh hole and Claggett Creek comes into play on four holes. Stately oaks, firs, walnuts, redwoods and pines line the fairways. McNary has excellent drainage and is one of the most playable winter courses in the Northwest. The signature hole is the 567-yard, par-five eighteenth that winds through trees on the left and slopes toward the lake along the right. Public players can make tee times three days in advance by calling the Pro Shop.

Golfing has a long and storied history in the Willamette Valley where the breathtaking environment naturally lends itself to creating courses of note. Truly a best kept secret even among golf aficionados, you’ll never tire of the collection of courses with uncrowded greens close to home. Whether you’re a serious player or just a weekend duffer, pleasurable hours in the fresh air await on some of the finest fairways in the whole country. So be sure to pack your clubs when you move to Salem-Keizer because they’re going to get a lot of use!