Such a hidden gem! Played Vernonia golf course with my husband yesterday, beautiful setting, the new owners definitely bringing it back to life.

I was out at Vernonia on Saturday, and I was VERY pleasantly surprised with how much work the new owners have put in, and what they've accomplished in less than two years. The greens are SO much better! They're close to what they used to be back when the course was kept in beautiful condition, and considering how neglected the course was, I'm amazed they are rolling as smooth and quick as they are. Tees are watered, and most are in really nice shape. Sand traps are maintained, there's a new event pavilion, and plans for a new clubhouse are being worked on. The only reason I gave four instead of five stars, is because the fairways are mostly browned out. Now for me, I don't care about that. It's actually kinda fun to play 'em that way, and get to have more of a rustic summer season experience. I also understand that they do not have an automatic irrigation system out there. I know all too well. 40 years ago I drove around in a cushman with couplers and hoses, watering those greens, tees, and fairways. With so much on their plate in resurrecting the course and business, I know at some point the fairways will get the same attention as everything else. But again, to me it does not detract from the overall golf experience. Imagine being a young couple with two small children, and a full time side business, trying to bring a golf course back from the dead. That is exactly what Amy, Ryan, and employees are doing. I think it's incredible what they've already accomplished. Btw, they come from a great golf background. Grampa Joe built Killarney. Aunt Kathee and Uncle Tim own Cross Creek (Dallas.) Uncle Bill, Aunt Kay and cousin Ryan have Wildwood. Cousins Jason and Jeremy have McKay Creek (Hillsboro), and Evergreen (Mt. Angel), two other really fun and beautiful nine holers. The Vernonia layout is extremely fun. That course and setting show so much character, and aspects you just don't see at other courses. It's a nice, beautiful drive out to Vernonia, and I highly suggest if you've never played this one before, to make the drive. Plus, I believe the greens fees and cart fees are the lowest of any golf course in the region. You might also wanna go visit the town while you're at it. Some very cool restaurants, antique stores, etc. Yes, I was very pleased to see how this golf course was saved, and how it's progressing, as it's becoming the hidden gem it used to be.

We had high hopes for this tucked away golf course when we heard it was under new ownership, instead we ended up golfing on hard pan fairways amongst other golfers that just get to run around on their carts hopping holes. The chaos landed us in a bottle neck backup. We loved this course for its charm many years ago, but with the jacked up prices they are asking for with zero amenities by the way, its likely we will never go back until they get their act together. Just an FYI, there are only outhouse bathrooms and microwave hotdogs. So if you are expecting food like the website claims, be prepared to bring your own snacks and TP.

SECOND UPDATE: I feel like it's time to do one more solid update. This is my go-to course when I want a fun round with no rush. Hole 1 is still my favorite! The greens look so much better, too. The clubhouse is still closed down, but they bought a very awesome building to do transactions out of. They even sell drinks and snacks out of it now! I am very happy for the owners. The course is coming together so nicely. UPDATE: I've been back a few times since I made my original review, and they have done so much work to this place! The golf carts are great now! They run very well. Most of the greens are now actually green also and all of the dead grass I mentioned in my original comment has been removed. I'm so excited to see this place next summer when the fairways are all green as well. Original: New ownership is fantastic. It's come a long way in the last few weeks. My only complaint is that the cut grass is still laying around in some spots. It's easy to lose balls because it rolls up under the stuff. Fun course, though. Wide fairways, but the hole placement is a challenge. Especially on the 1st hole.

Best golf course because of the people who own it and work there!!! I LOVE golfing there!! Nick is a true professional and runs a family atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Friendly folks everywhere you turn. Course is 9 holes, but beautiful and far removed from any hustle and bustle of normal courses. You have a feeling of relaxation there and I'm proud to have this course in my town!