The Oregon Coast is a rough, and at times, unforgiving place. It is a place of raw natural power and beauty. The Pacific Ocean relentlessly pounds its way ashore, especially in the winter.

While visiting the Oregon Coast, Menekse and I woke one morning, surprised to find a day without wind, or rain. We quickly decided to take a chance on the weather and put our clubs in the car. When we arrived at the golf course, we were rewarded with perfect blue skies and temperatures in the no-jacket zone- which is worth noting since it was mid-January.

Sitting close to the middle point of the Oregon Coast, Agate Beach Golf Course is an oasis from the restless waves and is the perfect reprieve for a weary golfer.

Agate Beach Golf Course first opened back in 1931. It was purchased by the Martin family way back in 1960 and has been in the family ever since.

We entered the Pro Shop and were immediately warmly greeted as if we were long-time members. Unknowing to us, it was the Martin family that welcomed us so genuinely, just as they have been doing for the past 60 years. We had the pleasure to meet both mother and son and were impressed with how proud they are of their golf course. And rightfully so.

After a very pleasant visit, we made our way to the first tee where a slight dogleg left takes you directly away from the ocean. While the course does not offer the player views of the ocean, the wind is a constant reminder that mother nature is not far away.  And in case you may have forgotten, the second hole turns you 180 degrees back around, and quickly re-introduces you to the wind.

We really liked the third hole, a 157-yard par 3 that runs parallel to the ocean. Another favorite was the 378-yard par 4 fifth hole, which also plays back into the prevailing wind.

For some reason, the par 4 7th reminded us of a shorter version of the 16^th at Pebble Beach. A short dogleg right that goes a little downhill, and then turns the corner to an uphill green. Maybe it was because we played it well off the tee and hit a wedge to about 6 feet and sunk the putt for a birdie, same as at Pebble!

The fairways at Agate Beach are lined with low windswept pines that hug the ground and fit perfectly to the course. Playing to a par of 36, and coming in at just under 3000 yards, it is a beautiful course that isn’t trying to be something that it’s not.

I can remember playing golf here in the summer with my mother and father as I was a kid. It’s a perfect place and we would recommend a stop. You surely won’t find a warmer welcome in golf!

Agate Beach is located just north of Newport, which is a great little town itself. And the surrounding area offers some of the most beautiful parts of the Oregon Coast we’ve ever been to.

Take your son or daughter to play golf at Agate Beach- it’s a memory that they will cherish forever!