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Always Time for 9
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West: 9-Hole Gems

West Central East
Welcome to the my home and the Western part of the country. I have played many 9-hole courses in these states and I hope I am able to help you with your journey. West states include: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii.
  • Kingham Prairie View Golf Course – Cheyenne, WY
  • Fossil Island Golf Club – Kemmerer, WY
  • Fairway Village Golf Club – Vancouver, WA
  • Falcon Crest Golf Club (Robin Hood Course) – Kuna, ID
  • Desert Peaks Golf Club – Madras, OR
  • Highlands Golf Club – Gearhart, OR
  • Forest Hills Country Club – Reedsport, OR
  • Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon Preserve) – Bandon, OR
  • Cedar Bend Golf Club – Gold Beach, OR

Nevada/California/Oregon:  Golfing with the Cartwrights and dining with the Donner Party!

This was definitely a strange pairing. We played two courses that have a connection to the TV show Bonanza and the Ponderosa Ranch. That explains the Cartwright family connection. But dining with the Donner Party? One of our Always Time for 9 staff members has the last name Donner. He is a big man with a hearty appetite. As we traveled over Donner Pass from Nevada to California and eventually to Oregon, we made sure to stop at every rest area and restaurant to make sure his stomach was full. You just never know…

Old Brockway Golf Course, Kings Beach, CA
Ponderosa Golf Course, Truckee, CA
The Links at Kiley Ranch, Sparks, NV
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, OR
Tucker Oaks Golf Course, Redding, CA
Old Back Nine, Bend, OR

***

Wyoming:  80 on 80

If you have ever driven on I-80 through Wyoming, you understand. The speed limit in the western part of the state is 80 mph; the wind is always blowing at 80 mph; there are always 80 semis to every 1 car along the route; you will see 80 herd of antelope grazing along the highway; Little America Resorts have 80 billboard signs littering the landscape; bathrooms are always at least 80 miles apart; and my golf scores are almost always in the 80’s. For all those semi drivers who need a break and want to get in a quick 9, here are a few suggestions:

Sinclair Golf Course, Sinclair, WY
Leaning Rock Golf Course, Pine Bluffs, WY
Little America Resort and Golf, Cheyenne, WY
Kingham Prairie View Golf Course, Cheyenne, WY

***

Southern/Central Oregon:  Back to the Future, Part 2.

The year was 1982. Karen and I had just gotten married and our honeymoon took us down the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. 36 years later, we decided to recreate the Oregon portion of that trip.

Back in 1982, Bandon Dunes wasn’t even on the map. Coos Bay hadn’t changed much in 36 years. In Gold Beach, we could now afford a better hotel. Also at Gold Beach, we were able to recreate a photo of me sitting on the same piece of driftwood at the beach. Of course, I am now an old man instead of a young, vibrant lover. Karen somehow has not changed much.

After a quick stop in Grants Pass and Crater Lake National Park, we arrived in Bend…and decided to stay. We sold our house in Colorado and moved to Bend. I guess you can go Back to the Future.

Hidden Valley Golf Course, Cottage Grove, OR
Forest Hills Country Club, Reedsport, OR
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, OR
Cedar Bend Golf Club, Gold Beach, OR
Applegate River Golf Club, Grants Pass, OR
Old Back Nine, Bend, OR (now my home course)

***

Northern California:  Playing through the Redwoods, while sampling fine wine.

The main focus of this buddy trip was to become one with nature in the Redwood forests and to climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Or was it photo El Capitan and play golf in Yosemite? I know we did one of the two!

The trip started in San Francisco, as we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, sampled Irish coffee and even had time to play a 9-hole round. It was decided that we play golf (at our 2018 Course of the Year) before we started to sample wine in Sonoma. Cruising along the coast on Hwy. 1, our destination was Little River Inn, North Coast Brewery and Humboldt Redwood State Park. Our trip was complete with golf and hiking in Yosemite National Park.

Gleneagles Golf Course at McLaren Park, San Francisco, CA
Northwood Golf Club, Monte Rio, CA
Little River Inn Golf Course, Little River, CA
Big Trees Golf Course, Yosemite National Park, CA

***

Southern California (San Diego):  It’s January; it’s warm; it’s not Colorado; I’m wearing shorts; it’s the desert; and it’s snowing?

A trip to Southern California in winter is always a treat if you live in Colorado. The San Diego trip started in the rain; turned into snow as I made my way to Borrego Springs; and ended in glorious sunshine.

Besides playing golf, I was able to attend the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines; explore Balboa Park; visit La Jolla Cove; and reunite with an old childhood friend.

So many fun places to visit but so little time.

National City Golf Course – National City, CA
Balboa Park Golf Course – San Diego, CA
The Springs at Borrego RV Park and Golf Course – Borrego Springs, CA

***

Pacific Northwest: 2020 – The Year of COVID-19

I never thought a year could be crazier than 1968. That was the summer between my senior year in high school and freshman year in college. On our way to Aurora College in Aurora, IL, we drove through Chicago as the protests were happening at the Democratic National Convention. As Bob Dylan would say…the times they are a changin’!

Fast forward 52 years…and it did get worse. Just to highlight: COVID-19; I turned 70; we missed golf trips to Scotland and the New England states; protests; devastating fires; unemployment; business hardships; and political accusations of lies, fake news, hoaxes and conspiracy theories.

But in spite of all this, we were still able to golf the fairways less traveled! We stayed close to home and concentrated most of our playing to the Pacific Northwest. During this time we felt it necessary to help support the small town, family-owned golf courses that may have struggled due to COVID restrictions.

Let’s continue to support these small town courses that can mean so much to their communities. As we move to 2021, think…Support Small Business!

Old Back Nine – Bend, OR
Sunriver Resort (Caldera Links) – Sunriver, OR
Orcas Island Golf Course – Eastsound, WA
Ellensburg Golf Club – Ellensburg, WA
Hidden Valley Golf Course – Cottage Grove, OR
River Ridge Golf Complex – Eugene, OR
The Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills (Blue Course) – Westminster, CO
Pelican Lakes Golf and Country Club (Falls Course) – Windsor, CO

 

Instagram
As we wait for the snow to melt, we travel back to 1998 and Sandpiper Golf Club in Santa Barbara, CA.
One more post from 2000 @pebblebeachresorts.
It’s difficult watching @attproam this time of year. It makes me want to go out and play, but all I see is this outside my door. Time for an Arizona trip.
Standing at the 8th tee box back in 2000. The boys 50/40 Trip. Two of us were 50 that year; two 40.  @pebblebeachresorts
Looking forward to hopefully traveling this summer; golfing with new people; and giving out golf swag. Visit our Always Time for 9 website and YouTube channel to find our tentative travel schedule.
Battlement Mesa GC in Parachute, CO. Back in 1997, @armchairpiper1 hitting into the “V”. A little golf followed by visiting wineries on the Western Slope.
Four years ago while attending the @farmersinsopen, I had the opportunity to play the National City 9-hole Golf Course. Always nice going somewhere warm in January. Course review at www.alwaystimefor9.com.
The White Course at East Potomac Golf Course. #9holes in the morning; visiting our history in the afternoon.
Did they know I was coming or is this sign left over from the President Ford era? #golfsignsunday
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Always Time for 9

4 days ago

Always Time for 9
This is an introduction to the new Travel Series with the Always Time for 9 team. Follow our adventures on my Always Time for 9 YouTube channel; website; and Instagram page. We look forward to playing golf with you during our golf adventures! ... See MoreSee Less

2021 Always Time for 9 Travel Series

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Introduction to the new Travel Series with the Always Time for 9 team. Follow our adventures on my Always Time for 9 YouTube channel; website; and Instagram ...

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Always Time for 9

2 months ago

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Pelican Lakes Golf Club (Falls Course), Windsor, CO our 2015 Course of the Year. It was good to get back to my old home area in #northerncolorado to play this fantastic golf facility in such a beautiful part of the country. I called this area home from 1974-1986 and most of my in-laws still live in Fort Collins. If you are in the area, stop by to play all 27 holes! ... See MoreSee Less

Pelican Lakes Falls Course, Windsor, CO

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Always fun to come back to our 2015 9-hole Course of the Year. An outstanding 27-hole facility in Northern Colorado. Good times were had in "Fort Fun" from...
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El Monte GC in Ogden, UT. We found this hidden gem in 2019 during our pre-COVID 19 golf travels. If you have time, please visit and subscribe to my YouTube channel as you follow my journey around the USA. Remember, there is Always Time for 9! ... See MoreSee Less

El Monte Golf Course - Ogden, UT

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We found this hidden gem in the Salt Lake City area on a 2019 trip. Excellent course; fantastic views; historic clubhouse; and awesome staff.
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alwaystimefor9Scott Springfield@alwaystimefor9·
22 Nov

As we continue the countdown to our 2020 COY, let's visit last years - Old Brockway GC, Kings Beach, CA - 2019 Course of the Year https://youtu.be/_E9rvNo1CI4 via @YouTube #shopsmall #supportsmallbusiness #laketahoe #play9golf #golfthefairwayslesstravelled

alwaystimefor9Scott Springfield@alwaystimefor9·
17 Sep

Always Time for 9/USGA PLAY9 DAY - September 2020 https://youtu.be/e-HrFhOyVEk via @YouTube @AgateBeachGolf The fires are still burning and the air quality is hazardous in the #PNW. Stay safe and #supportsmallbusiness during these times. #play9 #USGA

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