b'OFF THE BEATEN PATHWe continue our series of out-of-the-way courses that are part nostalgia, part wonderful, part not-to-be-missed, andall-consuming. They are ingrained in our Northwest golf DNA. The Golf Course at Birch Creeknow tribal owned, open to the publicby Yvonne Pepin-WakefieldC arved between the Birch Creek Valley outside of Pendleton, Ore. and surrounded by the Blue Mountains and golden wheat fields is a golf course with greens so smooth and true one could roll a game of marbles on them instead of sinking a dimpled golf ball. But making putts rather than shooting glass-eyes is what brings players to the Golf Course at Birch Creek, a family-friendly public course with a wide variety of approaches and a driving range where empty wine barrels serve as targets.Located seven miles south of Pendleton near the site of a former Cayuse Indian encampment, this 248-acre, 18-hole property initially openedKrista Ziegler, Jace Ziegler, and Connor Fajardo on its current location in 1957 as the(left to right) are regulars at Birch Creek, with its casual atmosphere and great maintenance. private Pendleton Country Club. In 2019, the course was purchased by the Confederated Tribes of the UmatillaLike the free youth clinics conducted Indian Reservation (CTUIR). by the recent Wildhorse Ladies Golf Today, the Golf Course at Birch CreekClassic, which paired young golfers and its sister facility Wildhorse Golfwith rising stars on the Epson Tour, the Course are both owned and operatedfeeder circuit for the LPGA Tour. About by the CTUIR, and are amenities of thehalf of our youth participants are tribal nearby Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Eachmembers, and half of all participants are property is uniquely appointed in scalefemale, Hegarty added.but with a similar scope on how theyThe course is an old-school layout may benefit the community. with modern turf conditions and a mix of Both courses are big advocates ofshot styles and tree lined fairways, said doing everything we can to get youth outRyan Dahl, PGA head professional at the to play, said Mike Hegarty, PGA directorBirch Creek course. Mike Hegarty (left) is the PGA head of golf at the two courses. We are alwaysHolding ponds and Birch Creekprofessional of both Birch Creek and looking to get new golfers into the game.winding through the property help keepWildhorse Golf Course, and Ryan Dahl is the We bring players of high visibility to workthe course green year-round, and meansPGA professional at Birch Creek. with our youth groups.water comes into play for nearly half of 24 PACIFIC NORTHWEST GOLFER| MAR 2024'