Portland is known as a city with cloudy skies and a lot of rain, but those who enjoy golf know how beautiful it is to play after the rain.

With Oregon's uniquely moist fairways and hilly courses reminiscent of Irish links, there is an environment well-suited for everyone from beginners to single handicap players.

One of the most mentioned golf courses near Portland is Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club. Located about 25 miles west of downtown in North Plains, it operates two courses. The Ghost Creek course is public, while the Witch Hollow course is a private membership course.

Since opening in 1994, Ghost Creek has hosted several USGA and PGA-related tournaments, showcasing its high-quality course. It is also famous as the course where Tiger Woods achieved his third consecutive victory at the 1996 US Amateur Championship. The course features strategically placed trees, ponds, and bunkers, making course management more important than just distance.

The closest public golf option to downtown Portland is Eastmoreland Golf Course. Opened in 1917, this historic course is a public golf course operated by the city of Portland. Located near the Sellwood area, it is a classic parkland-style course that winds through mature trees. With an 18-hole full course and practice facilities, it is popular among working professionals who enjoy early morning rounds before heading to work. The green fees are relatively affordable, and there are days when weekly players can visit without a reservation.

For golfers seeking more of a challenge, Langdon Farms Golf Club is recommended. Located south of Portland in Aurora, it is easily accessible from Interstate 5. This open pasture-style links course offers impressive views of Oregon's vast agricultural landscape. The course is heavily influenced by the wind, making iron selection and trajectory control crucial. It is regarded as a great course for testing skills among local golfers. The clubhouse restaurant is also quite good, making it a nice spot to dine after a round.

About an hour towards the Coast Range is the Salishan Spa & Golf Resort. Located on the coast at Gleneden Beach, this resort-style golf course allows you to enjoy rounds in a natural setting near the ocean. Opened in 1965, it is a historic course often used in conjunction with resort accommodations. Being in a coastal area, it has a strong feel of a course surrounded by moss-covered trees and dense forests, appealing to golfers looking for a unique atmosphere.

There are also several Korean golf clubs active in the Portland area, where many Korean golfers gather. Regular rounds are enjoyed by groups centered around the Beaverton and Hillsboro Korean communities, and newcomers to Portland often quickly build their golf networks through these gatherings.

Oregon has relatively stable weather from April to October, making it a prime time for rounds, while many seek indoor swing practice facilities during the winter. For those looking to fill their Portland lifestyle with golf, it is a city with plenty of options.