Ocean Dunes Golf Links Review

July 12, 2024

We are finally on the Oregon coast, and oh my goodness it is beautiful! And unlike the rest of the country that is currently under a “heat dome”, we are enjoying the perfect golf temperatures of this area. With its temperate weather, gorgeous views, and beautifully maintained golf courses, we are finding that it is true….

the Oregon Coast is a golfer’s paradise!

After getting all settled at our RV park, we looked for a track nearby and found Ocean Dunes Golf Links in Florence, Oregon. It isn’t often we play a links course, so we booked a tee time and headed out.

A true golf links is defined as a golf course built on sand left by the sea, and is influenced by the natural forces such as wind and rain. Ocean Dunes Golf Links self promotes as a “links-style course” and, of course, even has “Links” in its official name. And while it’s built right on a series of sand dunes, true links courses don’t have trees, whereas we quickly found out Ocean Dunes Golf Links has an abundance of trees.

We arrived, checked in, and after receiving our course brief from Jen, the starter, we headed to the first tee box.

I immediately noticed just how tight and challenging the fairways tended to be. The fairways wind through the sand dunes and are bordered by beach grass, Shore Pine, Rhododendrons, Was Myrtle, Scotch Broom and Gorse.

On a couple of tee shots, I found myself looking at a blind shot that would force me to choose either a risk or reward shot.

The greens were average in size and some even had a contour that was difficult in some areas but not so bad in others. However, they were firm and quick. There are four elevated tees leading to some of the greens. Surrounded by bunkers and dunes, they truly are a site to see. Oh, I don’t want to forget to mention the unique double green that is both quite large and sloping. I had to make sure I aimed for the right flag.

Even though Ocean Dunes Golf Links isn’t directly on the coast, the breezy and windy conditions did have some impact on my game. I had to adjust my stand and swing to account for the wind, always being mindful to take careful and calculated shots to steer clear of the trees and other obstacles on the course.

Based on our scorecard,

Ocean Dunes Golf Links is a Par.

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting

Written By: Kathy Festa

COURSE REVIEW SCORE CARD

Course: Ocean Dunes Golf Links

Type: Links Semi-Private Resort

Date Played: 08 July 2024


HOLE	PAR	SCORE	COMMENTS
1 – Tee Time Availability	4	4	We had no problems getting a tee time.
2 – Cost of Green Fees	4	4	Green fees are comparable to other courses in the area.
3 – Condition of Tee Boxes	4	4	Easily marked and in good shape. A few blind tee shots.
4 – Condition of Fairways	5	5	Well groomed with Winer Rye Grass.
5 – Condition of Greens	4	4	Fairly difficult with fast, Bent Grass.
6 – Length of Course	5	5	Back tees measure 6067; Front tees measure 5058 yards.
7 – Hazards	4	4	Sand dunes and water throughout the track.
8 – Starter/Marshal	3	3	Jen, the starter, was located in the pro shop. She told us all the “secrets” of the course. There was no marshal on the course.
9 – High Handicap Friendly	3	3	They offer forward tees at 3710 yards for Jrs. and Srs.
OUT	36	36
10 – Practice Area	5	5	Driving range, putting green, and pitching/chipping area available.
11 – Locker Rooms	3	3	Bathroom available.
12 – Pro Shop	4	4	Had the basic golf items needed to play.
13 – Location	4	4	Easy to locate, close to Florence city center.
14 – Rental Equipment	4	4	Golf clubs, golf carts and push buggies.
15 – Restaurant/Food Cart	4	4	Small snack bar with “adult” beverages.
16 – Club House	4	4	Nice and open area outside.
17 – Parking	3	3	Plenty of parking.
18 – Customer Service	5	4	*Jen was wonderful and welcoming.*
IN	36	35
TOTAL	72	71	PLAYER: Kathy F. ATTESTED BY: Marc F.