Stay Dry: Five Places to Golf in Portland Without Needing an Umbrella
Golfing in Oregon can be spectacular. There are few things better than a blue sky and green fairway in the Pacific Northwest. And even in the winter, a rainy day on the course is better than a dry day off it.
But sloshing through wet grass and mud can get old pretty quick.
So if you don’t feel like throwing on your jacket and club protectors, worry not. Portland is home to a bevy of dry golfing options. From driving ranges and mini golf to 3D simulators that let you play Pebble Beach, we’ve got you covered.
TopGolf – Hillsboro
This is the newest golf experience near Portland and it doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re a serious golfer, weekend warrior or even a newbie, they’ve got a game for everyone. It’s almost like a bowling alley meets a driving range, with waitresses to keep you fed and your beer topped off.
The covered 3-story deck keeps out of the elements with heaters above your lounge. You can choose form multiple mini games and play alone or with a group of 6.
You can challenge your friends and family to addictive point-scoring golf games that anyone from the hopeful pro golfer to your neighbor’s 7-year-old kid can play year-round. Just picture a 240-yard outfield with dartboard-like targets in the ground.
Address: 5505 NW Huffman, Hillsboro, OR
Website: topgolf.com/us/hillsboro
Golf in the Pearl – Portland
This place is mainly a golf studio where you can get fitted for new clubs and take lessons, but you can still rent out their full HD 3D golf simulator and hit the virtual links. They utilize the Trackman Indoor Golf Simulator that allows you to play famous courses like Pebble Beach and St. Andrews.
From their website: “Imagine this: Cold beer in your hand (many more in the fridge), your friends are around you and you’re all on the 7th tee at Pebble Beach.”
TrackMan’s precise technology allows you to hit real shots in our state-of-the-art full swing golf simulator. Everything is taken into account, from wind conditions to elevation levels.
Address: 320 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR
Website: golfinthepearl.com
Birdie Finish Golf – Oregon City
Another virtual offering, Birdie Finish Golf offers the X Golf Simulator and touts it as the most realistic and advanced golf simulator in the world. That’s a bold statement, but with 96 courses available and prices starting at $35/hour, it’s certainly worth a shot.
They’re located in Oregon City and claim 3 guys can finish a whole 18-hole course in 3 hours. It includes an automatic ball feed and you can watch a game on TV when you’re not teeing off.
The X Golf Simulator provides a moving lie board, automatic ball feed & tee, impact sensors, 256 sensors for accuracy, swing analysis and high speed cameras.
Address: 14214 Fir St, Oregon City, OR
Website: birdiefinishgolf.com
Glowing Greens – Portland & Beaverton
An indoor golfing list wouldn’t be complete without at least one mini golf offering. And with Glowing Greens, you actually get two — one in downtown Portland and another in Beaverton.
In Portland, you can putt your way through a pirate-themed black light oasis in the basement of the Hilton. It’s packed with animated skeletons, props, CGI videos and wall-to-wall 3D sets with adventure sounds.
Over in Beaverton, you’ll explore an alien adventure and experience their cosmic inhabitants. Themed sound effects, three-dimensional art and video animation combine with animated sets and wild lighting effects to create a unique environment.
Address: 509 SW Taylor Street, Portland, OR
Address: 3855 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, OR
Website: glowinggreens.com
