Sandpines Golf Links — Attraction in Florence

We live in the area and have played this course a lot in the last few years. New ownership had a lot of 'locals' hopeful as it needed some care to get it into better shape, such as better drainage and better tended grass in fairways and greens. There has been a lot of standing water after rain, and greens were in pretty rough shape. Things are looking better. The new golf carts are great! The restaurant is back open and the food and beverages are great so far.

Now for a little of the downside....they are trying to make it the 'premier' golf course on the Oregon coast which is an admirable goal at best. Most of us local folks appreciate that, but everyone knows the "premier" course in the Oregon coast is down Hwy 101 in Bandon. Not many of us want to compete with their green fees and no course can compete with their layout. Let Bandon Dunes be Bandon Dunes. They've earned it. Keep this course a great option for locals as well as A LOT of people who make the drive from the Eugene area to enjoy this golf course as well as our town, restaurants, casino, etc.

We were happy to see the beverage cart on the course recently, haven't seen that in years. HOWEVER, paying $36 for 2, yes 2 double Bloody Marys is simply ridiculous!!!!!!!!!! So maddening how this course is raising prices beyond what people are willing to pay. The golf pro, who stuck it out with his family in town during Covid and kept this place rolling during trying times, which was much appreciated by us locals, is now gone. Not sure what happened there but they missed out on a great instructor and person. He will be missed.

Simply raising prices and painting some stuff does not make a golf course 'premier'. The higher price point on green fees, drinks, etc. will drive locals, as well as visitors away and will not sustain this place in this location. It might be fine during great summer weather, but that won't keep things going during the long rainy and cold season. The other course in town is half the cost!!!! Half!!!

Still hopeful, but...

Have played here a half dozen times in the last couple of years, most recently late April 2025.

Generally, a forgiving course with a few holes that can bite you. If it's windy, all bets are off. Last round, it was blowing 20-30 mph and that meant some circus shots (275 yard downwind 4 iron, followed up by a 140 yard upwind 6 iron). But that's coastal golf. Clear afternoons in the spring and summer are nearly always windy. Mornings less so.

Beautiful clubhouse, nice fairways and greens, and numerous tee options. Maintenance is (as of April 2025) pretty good, but a long way from immaculate, with several bunkers under repair, a few more with standing water, and a number of unkempt areas near greens that seem like they would normally be mowed.

They've recently changed ownership and the name back to Sandpines. We'll see what happens with the course quality and rates. Their current posted rack rate for the summer is $96 walking/$120 riding for 18, which is far, far too much.

It's been a good deal in the $40-60 range, which is what it's cost the past few times I've played in the winter or...

Update 1/10/2024: I’ve noticed that they have done away with their twilight rates. Unfortunately, I would have made the drive from Portland and played here a half dozen times or so this winter, but it’s just too expensive. Will save my money and play locally. Until they provide a twilight rate I will not golf here. Inconsistent pricing strategies has made me question who is managing this course?

A true gem atop sand based soils makes for year-round great golf. The course is links style with tight lies and wide fairways. The course defense is wind in the afternoon, which is my favorite time to play with the course less busy and great twilight rates. Even when the winds are blowing, only a few holes are fully exposed. There are a few generic holes, but most are wonderfully laid out, including perhaps the best finishing holes in Oregon. This is a must play....