Friday, October 16, 2026

What Are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State (Oregon)?

Stone Creek Golf Club

Oregon is a golfer’s paradise. From the spectacular coastal layouts around Bandon to the mountain views of Central Oregon, the Beaver State offers some of the most memorable golf experiences in the country.

But what about the other end of the spectrum?

Not every public golf course earns rave reviews. Some golfers come away disappointed by course conditions, slow play, service or the value they receive for their money. Online reviews offer a glimpse into those experiences, even if they don’t always tell the whole story.

We looked at public golf courses in Oregon, including available golfer-review information and current business listings, to identify three facilities with comparatively low ratings. All three were listed as operating public golf courses when checked in October 2026.

These aren't necessarily Oregon's three worst courses. Rather, they offer a starting point for golfers interested in what happens when a round doesn't live up to expectations.

1. Stone Creek Golf Club — Oregon City

Stone Creek Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 public course in Oregon City. Designed by Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy, the course offers Pacific Northwest scenery and a challenging layout.

Despite those appealing characteristics, the course received an approximately 3.1-out-of-5 rating in the business listings reviewed, based on 42 reviews. That makes it the lowest-rated of the three facilities in this comparison.

A lower overall rating doesn't necessarily mean the golf course itself is poor. Service, pace of play, pricing and individual expectations can all influence a golfer's review. A course can also deliver an enjoyable round for one player and a frustrating experience for another.

Stone Creek remains an option for golfers looking for a public round in the Oregon City area. Anyone considering a visit should check recent course-condition reports, current rates and tee-time availability rather than relying on an overall rating alone.

The takeaway: Stone Creek has an established golf-course design, but its comparatively low overall rating makes it worth researching before booking.

2. Eastmoreland Golf Course — Portland

Eastmoreland Golf Course

Eastmoreland Golf Course is a historic, city-run public facility in southeast Portland. It combines an 18-hole golf course with practice facilities, instruction and other amenities.

The facility received an approximately 3.4-out-of-5 rating in the business listings reviewed, based on 65 reviews.

As with any public course, the experience can vary depending on the season, weather and how busy the facility is. Winter conditions can be particularly challenging in the Pacific Northwest, where wet ground can affect playability and the overall experience.

Eastmoreland also offers more than just a round of golf. Its practice center and other amenities give the facility a role in the local golf community beyond its regular tee sheet.

The rating should be considered alongside more recent reviews and the specific aspects of the experience that matter most to each golfer.

The takeaway: Eastmoreland is a long-established public golf destination, but its overall rating suggests that golfers should investigate recent feedback before deciding whether it meets their expectations.

3. Wildwood Golf Course — Portland

Wildwood Golf Course

Wildwood Golf Course sits in northwest Portland, near the Forest Park hills. The public 18-hole, par-72 course is known for its hilly terrain, elevation changes and distinctive shot-making challenges.

The business listings reviewed showed an approximately 3.6-out-of-5 rating from 65 reviews.

Tripadvisor's reviews illustrate why a single rating can be misleading. Some golfers have complained about booking policies, pricing or customer service, while others have praised the scenery, course conditions, staff and clubhouse experience.

That mix of opinions is important. A disappointing customer-service experience doesn't necessarily mean the course is poorly designed or poorly maintained. Conversely, a scenic setting won't make every golfer happy if the playing experience falls short.

Wildwood's elevation changes and varied holes can be part of its appeal, but those same characteristics may frustrate golfers who prefer flatter terrain and more straightforward shots.

The takeaway: Wildwood is a reminder that a course's layout, customer service and overall value can produce very different opinions among golfers.

What Do These Ratings Really Tell Us?

Online ratings can help golfers decide where to play, but they shouldn't be the only factor in choosing a course.

A meaningful comparison should consider the number of reviews, how recently they were posted, the course's current condition and whether complaints are repeated across multiple independent sources.

A course with a 3.1 rating from dozens of reviews presents a different picture from one with a 1.0 rating based on a single review. Likewise, a low rating from several years ago may not reflect current ownership, maintenance or management.

For this comparison, the ratings above come from business listings, while GolfPass and Tripadvisor provide additional review context where available. The figures should not be interpreted as a unified score across all platforms.

One more thing: Oregon has plenty of outstanding public golf courses, and even a lower-rated facility may offer an enjoyable round at the right price and under the right conditions.

The best advice? Read the newest reviews, check current course conditions, and decide what matters most to you before booking.

Have you played any of these Oregon golf courses? Did your experience match the online reviews, or do you think the courses deserve a better reputation? Let us know in the comments.

Research note: Ratings and review counts are approximate snapshots from business listings consulted October 16, 2026. This is an editorial selection of three lower-rated public courses, not a verified statewide ranking based exclusively on GolfPass and Tripadvisor.

Shot Scope’s LM1 Launch Monitor Delivers New Insights Into the Amateur Game


(Edinburgh, Scotland, UK)
– Shot Scope, the industry leader in golf performance tracking and data analytics, announces the LM1 Launch Monitor – arguably the most in-demand golf product of 2026 – has recorded over 1 million shots every month since hitting the market. This gives Shot Scope an extensive database of amateur golfers’ club distances, speeds, and practice habits.

In the past, amateurs have only had access to launch monitor benchmark data from PGA and LPGA Tour players, but now, data experts Shot Scope, known for their own course data and shot tracking technology, are making launch monitor data available to all amateurs. For the first time, golfers can compare themselves with other amateurs of a similar age or handicap, setting more realistic performance goals instead of chasing tour-level speed and distance numbers.

Quick and easy to set up, the LM1 delivers five key metrics: clubhead speed, ball speed, smash factor, carry, and total distance, and so far golfers have been loving their LM1’s, averaging at least two sessions a month, with around 60 shots in each session.

By diving into the ever-growing database of LM1 shots, Shot Scope can identify metrics about amateur golfers that have never been shared before. Let’s look at some driver metrics:
● P-Avg Carry: 228 yards
● P-Avg Total: 247.1 yards
● Average Ball Speed: 133.8mph
● Average Clubhead Speed: 95.6mph
● Average Smash Factor: 1.4
● Drivers are hit in 80% of sessions

Key Finding: It’s a Speed Problem, Not a Skill Problem


The analysis becomes particularly compelling when we examine the driver data through two distinct lenses – age and handicap. Both analyses led to the same conclusion.

Focusing on age, carry drops 51 yards from its peak (30-39-year-olds) to the 60+ bracket. Ball speed falls right alongside it. But smash factor, the measure of how well you’re striking the ball, barely moves and, if anything, improves.


Reviewing by handicap, the same pattern shows up again, completely independently. The gap between a scratch golfer and a 20-handicapper is 46.7 yards of carry and 21.1mph of ball speed, but only 0.04 of smash factor.

Two totally different ways of slicing the same population, and neither one shows a strike-quality gap worth talking about. Everyone is finding the middle of the face almost equally well; some golfers are just generating more raw ball speed. And this isn’t just a driver story: the same fall-off shape holds all the way down the bag to the shortest wedges. This is a speed problem, not a swing gap, and it argues for speed training over more swing plane tinkering.

Shot Scope has released a free eBook detailing some of the findings from the LM1 database with some tips on how you can practice more effectively over the winter months. You can download the eBook.

Get ready to play better, score lower, and know your game with Shot Scope.

Visit shotscope.com.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Circling Raven Ranks as Top 10 Casino Golf Course Nationally by Golfweek


Heralded Gene Bates-designed course achieves highest-ever rating in this category

(WORLEY, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club garnered the No. 10 ranking in Golfweek’s just published “Top 50 Best U.S. Casino Courses, 2026,” improving seven places since last year’s annual compilation. Not only did Circling Raven climb into America’s top 10, it widened the gap between its next-closest casino course competitor in the Northwest, which is 14 places behind.

To construct its rankings, hundreds of evaluators survey thousands of courses annually – grading each nominated course on Golfweek’s numerous standards of evaluation.

“This is a thrilling honor as discerning golfers know that casino courses are some of the best collectively in the country,” said Laura Penney, CEO, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel.

Named after a seminal tribal leader, Circling Raven has climbed higher in the annual rankings in five of the last six years. Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, it spreads out over more than 620 acres of ancestral homelands – roughly four times more acreage than the average course globally.

The Tribe’s mandate that Circling Raven provide a first-class experience and superb playing conditions combined with architect Gene Bates’ inspired vision created an unforgettable golf course. An array of diverse yet complementary holes wind through heaving, pristine Palouse Region countryside with no surrounding development. Players marvel about the inspiring golf experience offered at Circling Raven.

While the scintillating golf course is closed from November until next spring, the casino offers the next best thing: Circling Raven Golf Suites, which are scheduled to open Nov. 14. Players can comfortably play indoors on top-notch golf simulators that also offer other games. The Suites also have video gaming machines, food and beverages, televisions tuned into sporting events, and merchandise.

Located approximately 50 minutes from Spokane International Airport (GEG) and adjacent to the award-winning casino resort, Circling Raven measures 7,189 yards from the rear tees. A nationally honored retail shop and the excellent Twisted Earth restaurant and bar complement the outstanding golf course.

For more information, visit cdacasino.com or call 800-523-2464.

Instagram: @cdacasino, @circlingravengolfclub, @cdacasinoeats

Facebook: @cdacasinoresort, @circling.raven, @cdacasinoeats

Forrester’s & PAYNTR Golf Expand FO Rainshedder Collection


The all-weather collaboration of two Oregon-based brands returns with a fresh take on the performance-driven FO Rainshedder, waterproof no matter the conditions

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Following the successful launch of the first collaboration, Forrester’s Outerwear and PAYNTR Golf are expanding their collection with a new style, the FO Rainshedder RS2, Waterproof No Matter The Conditions, available beginning October 16, 2026, with a retail price of $240.

The latest release builds on the momentum of the original model, which brought together two Oregon-based brands with a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, performance and the realities of playing golf in unpredictable conditions.

“From the beginning, this partnership felt authentic because both brands approach product with a similar attention to quality, functionality and detail,” said Mike Forsey, Co-Founder and President of PAYNTR Golf. “The response to the FO Rainshedder RS1 reinforced that golfers are looking for products that can deliver serious performance without sacrificing style. We’re excited to build on that momentum while staying true to what made the original version so special.”

The result was a distinctive golf shoe designed not simply to withstand inclement weather, but to perform as a piece of equipment throughout the golf swing. Following the initial release, Forrester’s and PAYNTR Golf are returning with a new style that offers golfers another expression of the shared vision while retaining the performance platform that defined the original.

“The response to our first shoe with PAYNTR Golf validated that Forrester’s heritage and PAYNTR Golf’s technical expertise could create something genuinely different for golfers,” said Matt Lemman, Principal Owner of Forrester’s Outerwear. “Golf doesn’t stop when conditions change, particularly here in the Pacific Northwest. This new style continues that idea of year-round all-weather performance, whether you’re facing a rainy Oregon morning or unpredictable conditions anywhere else you play.”


Built for the Elements. Engineered for the Golf Swing.The FO Rainshedder RS2 draws inspiration from Forrester’s and PAYNTR’s Pacific Northwest roots, where unpredictable weather has influenced the brands’ practical approach to design and functionality. PAYNTR Golf complements that heritage with a philosophy that treats golf footwear as essential performance equipment, engineering products around the biomechanics and physical demands of the golf swing. Key features include:

- Uncompromising performance through advanced material engineering and integrated protection systems.

- Completely seam-sealed Clarino® premium microfiber upper, reducing weight by 20% compared to traditional materials while maximizing durability, waterproofing, and ease of care.

- Integrated knit bootie with a zippered shroud for an adaptive, secure fit and unmatched waterproof defense in the harshest playing conditions.

- RAINSHEDDER™ membrane and precision-sealed gasket system, creating a fully waterproof yet highly breathable interior designed for lasting comfort over long, wet rounds.

- PAYNTR Golf’s 3D Traction System, featuring a propulsion plate engineered to enhance energy return, stability, and ground interaction through the swing.

- Softspikes® Tour Flex Pro replaceable cleats, delivering tour-validated traction across all surfaces.

- Distinctive asymmetrical Forrester’s branding and refined detailing, blending contemporary performance aesthetics with a fresh interpretation of classic golf heritage.

“We are continuing to challenge the traditional idea of what an all-weather golf shoe should look and feel like,” said Michael Glancy, Co-Founder and Creative Director of PAYNTR Golf. “The first Rainshedder allowed us to merge Forrester’s heritage with our performance technology in a completely different way. With this new style, we’re continuing that story and showing how technical protection, golf-specific performance and thoughtful design can coexist in one product.”

To stay informed on launch details, teasers, and early access opportunities, sign up for newsletters and follow @Forresters1951 and @payntrgolf on Instagram.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Troon, Full Swing Announce Strategic Partnership As Full Swing Becomes Troon's Official Launch Monitor Partner


Multi-Year Golf Technology Partnership Expands Access to Full Swing’s KIT Launch Monitors, Range and Instruction Programs, Retail Offerings, and Products Across Select Troon-Affiliated Properties

(NEW YORK, N.Y.) – Troon, the world's largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company, and Full Swing, the leader in immersive golf simulation and performance technology and a new addition to Versant’s comprehensive portfolio of golf businesses, today announced a strategic multi-year partnership designed to bring Full Swing's connected performance technology to more golfers and golf facilities across Troon's global network.

As part of the partnership, Full Swing becomes Troon’s Official Launch Monitor Partner with KIT launch monitors and additional Full Swing products being deployed at select Troon-affiliated properties.

Troon and Full Swing’s partnership will also launch with practice range programs at select public, private and resort properties, with Full Swing’s KIT supporting instruction, club fitting, rentals and enhanced practice experiences.

"Troon is one of the most trusted operators in golf and uniquely positioned to help us scale Full Swing technology across the industry,” said Will McIntosh, President, Digital Platforms & Ventures, Versant. “This is much more than a product-placement relationship. We are building a repeatable model that delivers better experiences for golfers at Troon-affiliated properties and generates value through our combined technology, distribution, data and marketing efforts.”

“Troon is very excited to engage in a multi-year partnership with Full Swing and introduce their industry-leading launch monitors to golfers across our portfolio of properties,” said Ryan Pensy, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Troon Partners Network. “In addition to innovative products, Full-Swing’s golf range and instruction programs provide Troon and Troon-affiliated properties with a wealth of game improvement offerings that greatly the enhance the customer experience”

"Golfers improve fastest when useful data becomes a natural part of how they practice and play. Working with Troon will allow us to bring KIT and future Full Swing products into real environments, learn quickly alongside their teams, and help participating properties create new ways to serve golfers," said Ryan Dotters, Chief Executive Officer of Full Swing.

GolfNow and GolfPass, also part of Versant’s comprehensive portfolio of golf businesses, will additionally support and promote the partnership, helping connect more golfers with the new offerings across multiple platforms.

Indoor Golf Alliance and Greenlight Advisors Announce Strategic Partnership and Bring Performance Benchmarking to Indoor Golf


Partnership supports the 2026 U.S. Golf Study and introduces a dedicated Indoor Golf sector to the GCB intelligence platform

(CHICAGO, IL) — The Indoor Golf Alliance (IGA), which supports over 3,500 indoor golf facilities, and Greenlight Advisors, creator of GolfClubBenchmarks.com (GCB), today announced a strategic partnership to support the 2026 U.S. Golf Study and expand the GCB benchmark intelligence platform with a new sector dedicated to Indoor Golf operators.

The collaboration will bring performance benchmarking to indoor golf businesses, helping owners and operators evaluate their results against comparable facilities, identify improvement opportunities and make more informed decisions about profitability, operations and the player experience.

“Indoor golf operators need practical business insights to build successful, sustainable facilities,” said Phil Immordino, President of the Indoor Golf Alliance. “Our partnership with GolfClubBenchmarks.com will help operators understand how their businesses are performing, learn from their peers and identify opportunities to improve. We’re excited to support the 2026 U.S. Golf Study and help shape a benchmarking framework that reflects the unique needs of indoor golf.”

The 2026 U.S. Golf Study is organized around four integrated performance pillars: Financial Performance, Operational Performance, Capital Asset Stewardship, and Player Experience & Engagement. The new Indoor Golf sector will adapt this framework to the economics and operating characteristics of simulator-based facilities.

IGA and GCB will collaborate to define relevant measures, with anticipated areas of focus including:

- Simulator bay utilization and revenue per available bay hour.

- Revenue mix from simulator rentals, memberships, leagues, instruction, and food and beverage.

- Labor costs, operating expenses and profitability.

- Technology investment, equipment replacement and capital planning.

- Customer satisfaction, repeat visits and player engagement.

Through confidential data collection and aggregated peer comparisons, the initiative will help indoor golf operators assess their performance within a sector designed specifically for their businesses.

“Indoor golf is an important part of golf’s evolving business landscape, and its operators deserve benchmarks that reflect how their facilities operate,” said Mike Suglich, CPA, Founder and CEO of Greenlight Advisors and creator of GolfClubBenchmarks.com. “Working with IGA allws us to combine its industry knowledge and operator relationships with GCB’s benchmark intelligence platform. Together, we can help turn operating data into clearer business decisions and measurable improvement.”

As part of the partnership, IGA will help build awareness of the 2026 U.S. Golf Study and encourage participation among indoor and outdoor golf operators. GCB will develop the dedicated sector framework and reporting approach, with participation details and data requirements to be shared jointly.

Outdoor golf courses and indoor golf facilities interested in joining the 2026 U.S. Golf Study can register at signup.GolfClubBenchmarks.com.

For more information about GCB, the U.S. Golf Study and its industry partnerships, visit GolfClubBenchmarks.com/press. To learn more about the Indoor Golf Alliance, visit IndoorGolfAlliance.org.

Pizá Golf Reimagines the Short-Course Experience With El Once at Palmilla Reserve


Agustín Pizá’s 11-hole design blends strategy, flexibility, and social play in a distinctly Los Cabos setting

(SAN DIEGO) – Pizá Golf is bringing a fresh approach to the short-course experience at El Once, an 11-hole private par-3 course designed by internationally recognized golf course architect Agustín Pizá for members and guests of The Reserve Club at Palmilla Reserve in Los Cabos.

Currently under construction by Landscapes Unlimited, El Once has been designed as a fun, flexible and highly social golf experience that works with the natural character of the Palmilla Reserve property rather than imposing itself upon it.

Six of the course’s 11 holes are expected to open later this year, introducing what will be the newest golf experience in Los Cabos and the first course in the destination to feature two pins on every green.

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Landscapes Unlimited on El Once and seeing firsthand their commitment to delivering an exceptional golf project here in Mexico,” said Pizá. “Under the leadership of Marvin Cruz, the team has brought an extraordinary level of care and attention to detail to the project. As designers, we strive to create thoughtful, high-quality golf experiences, and seeing our vision executed with this level of precision is incredibly rewarding.”

The dual-pin concept is central to Pizá’s vision for El Once, allowing golfers to choose between different playing experiences on the same hole. One pin may provide a more accessible option, while the second creates a more demanding target—encouraging repeat play, flexibility, and a less traditional approach to how golfers experience the course.


Designed into the site’s natural arroyo, El Once weaves between Palmilla Reserve’s Valley Estate, Palmilla Park and Summit communities. Pizá’s routing and shaping take advantage of the land’s existing contours and dramatic desert setting, creating an intimate golf experience built around variety, strategy, and enjoyment.

El Once reflects Pizá Golf’s broader philosophy of creating golf that goes beyond conventional expectations—placing greater emphasis on entertainment, social interaction and memorable experiences while still preserving strategic interest for accomplished players.

“We think El Once will be one of the most fun and most talked-about golf experiences in all of Cabo, and it’s exclusively for our Reserve Club members and guests,” said Brendan Wood, Vice President of Sales, Palmilla Reserve. “Agustín Pizá is an exceptional designer, and he designed this course into the land itself—masterfully shaping it around the natural arroyo, with greens carved between our Valley Estate, Palmilla Park, and Summit communities. Two pins on every green mean it can play a bit easier when you want it to, with a more challenging option when you’re feeling up to it. That’s what our members are most looking forward to, a new, fun, social way to play the game, the kind of round people will remember.”

El Once is part of Palmilla Reserve, the final new real estate offering and private club within Palmilla, the iconic master-planned resort community that is also home to One&Only Golf Club.

For Pizá, the project represents another opportunity to rethink how golfers engage with the game by creating an experience that is shorter, more flexible, and highly re-playable while remaining grounded in thoughtful golf course architecture.