Added bonus. Buck Wolter has posted the routing of both courses at Reply 69 (page 3). Obviously smarter than me on this issue. Additonal (professional) photos are at
http://www.silviesvalleyranch.com/golf.php.You can scroll to the bottom for an enlargable map, or look at replies 24 or 69. You can scroll to the bottom for an enlargable map. Otherwise you need to look at the map at Reply 24.
There was no map or yardage book when I played, but a yardage book is in the works. Garland has provided Google Earth images which I am incorporating, but I must note that the views I've checked do not have finished bunkers, but their placement seems to coincide with the darker spots. Also, there were no yardage markers, so my laser helped. I do not know if it has been GPSed.
The name is the Resort and Links at Silvies Valley Ranch. It is not a links. The elevation runs from 4600' at the lodge to 4800' at the irrigation pond by Craddock #12 tee. The nearest town is Seneca, which has the historical coldest temperature ever recorded in Oregon, -54F. Fortunately it was about 150 degrees warmer when I was there. The owner says Silvies is usually colder than Seneca.
The Hankins course will be in play on odd numbered day. On the interactive map it is the "G" course, its working name was Grant. The Craddock course (ex-Harney) will be in play on even numbered days. I'd avoid booking a two day starting on the last day of July or August. Bent greens and bluegrass/fescue fairways. I played at the beginning of July and experienced grow-in conditions, but a very trusted source says conditions are much better (8/24) . Expect firm conditions and greens running somehere around stimp 10.
At check-in (on the right) you will be transferred to a golf cart. The building on the left is the activities/gift shop. The lodge looms on the left, overlooking a pond. Great food and antler chandeliers. Beyond the lodge are two-bedroom log cabins. The next building on the right was under consruction and will have lodging for the golfers.
When you head out to the course it will be a half mile of dirt road, like some courses in Nebraska. At the lake you will see the short (Egan) course, which has holes from 70-120 yds.. Next to the road at lakeside is a flat area where you can play to every green. Above the Egan you can see the Hideaway (i.m.o. inaptly named). As you continue to the Hideaway there is a no-frill driving range to the left..
Of the courses I have played, these courses are geographically similar to a meld of Rock Creek Cattle Co. and Clear Creek at Tahoe.
Most of the shared greens have about a 25-45 degree difference in angle of attack, from generally the same direction. One green ( 8 Hankins ) has about a 60 degree difference of attack angle and two (Hankins 11, Hankins 16) have a 90 degree approach difference. At best they are medium in size, which was smaller than I expected with greens designed for play in two directions. Contouring was not severe, light to medium movement in putts.
I will return this year.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I shouldn't have to say this but keep you eyes and memory open because it will be very helpful tomorrow.Known too many golfers who aren't sentient when they play.
HANKINS COURSE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 OUT 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 IN TOT
4 3 5 4 5 4 3 4 4 36 4 4 4 3 5 3 5 4 5 37 73
415 150 590 370 550 465 200 410 500 3650 445 305 445 140 505 175 490 330 590 3425 7075
370 150 470 325 490 425 175 385 405 3195 385 285 405 115 490 145 450 365 505 3085 6280
335 105 380 305 420 365 125 320 360 2715 330 270 325 105 385 90 405 270 440 2620 5335
This is the first time I noticed, that the back 9 has a higher par and a shorter yardage. Very interestink.