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		From Teeing Ground To Green Reprinted from August 2006 Issue -by JOE MADAY Course Review: Wildhorse Resort and Casino, Pendleton, Oregon. In his book, Best Places to Golf Northwest, Jeff Wallach touts Wildhorse Resort and Casino by declaring, “Wildhorse isn’t a gamble at all,” and asserting it as an, “…underrated and largely unknown track…” Wallach is right on! Although I don’t know one could say Wildhorse is an “unknown track” any longer. Word of mouth by very satisfied golfers is making this impeccably maintained gem quite well known. Designed by Kennewick golf architect John Steidel (Canyon Lakes, Apple Tree, China Creek), and opened in 1997, the course is nestled just outside Pendleton (83 miles from the Tri-Cities), at the base of the Blue Mountains. The Wildhorse Golf Course is modeled after the traditional Scottish links-style course with plenty of bunkers and tall native grasses. The four sets of tees range from 5,718 yards at the front to 7,112 yards from the championship tees. The course is playable and will test the capabilities of all players at any skill level. Each hole is surrounded by spectacular, uanobstructed views of the Columbia Plateau, gently rolling hills and fairway mounds that reflect the foothills of the nearby Blue Mountains. During construction of the course, over 300,000 cubic yards of soil were moved to add variety to a relatively flat piece of land that had only thirty feet of elevation change. The flatness, and close proximity of tees to greens, makes this an easily walkable course with abundant bird life breaking the pastoral silence with their songs. The rolling fairways are wide-open and, for the most part, will accommodate all but the most erratic tee shots, while the beautifully groomed greens, rolling and sloped, play fast and true. Watch out for water on six of the holes—it’s not accommodating at all. Hole #8 is a long, 197 yard, par 3 with water along the left side. The beauty of the lupine and other wildflowers will distract you on this tough guy. A serenade from the bullfrogs will greet a ball splashing in the water. Hole #16 is another par 3 that will test your accuracy. Although only 172 yards, this has water all around and more sand than most coastal beaches. The capper on a perfect day of golf is hole #18, a 474-yard, par 4 that plays straightaway to a tight landing area. The fairway bordered by water to the right and out-of-bounds to the left, demands precision off the tee. There is one down side to a visit to Wildhorse that can be readily remedied with some planning. As Coleridge said in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, “Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” There is no drinking water on the course, except in vending machines, so bring your own (and on hot days bring plenty). The full service grill also has soft drinks and sport drinks available to quench your thirst. And speaking of beverages, until recently the course was devoid of adult beverages, but a recent change now has beer available for those who care to partake. Be advised that no private coolers are permitted and this rule is enforced. All in all, Wildhorse is a great golfing experience. Add a visit to the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, adjacent to the course after your round, and visit historic Pendleton to round out your day at this great resort destination. My thanks to PGA Professional Laine Wortman and his staff for the courtesies extended during our round. As golfers we should always consider ourselves a guest in someone’s home, remember your golf etiquette. Replace your divots, repair your ball marks, rake the bunkers, and love the game. I’ll see you here, next month, in The Entertainer. About the author: Joe Maday is a member of The Northwest Golf Media Association. He is also the Co-Founder of The Brotherhood of The Dimpled Orb‘, b.o.d.o.‘ Golf, and the b.o.d.o. Tour‘. He was a regular player on the b.o.d.o. Tour‘ and is the former Commissioner of the Tour’s august body of brethren. If you have any comments about this article, questions on where to play, or problems with your game, you can reach Joe at his e-mail address: bodobuddy1@verizon.net.