Golf in Portland

There are several public and top-class golf courses within Portland and just outside the city where you can practice your putt or test your swing. Even in the wet months, Portlanders still golf—and you can bet the first clear day after a wet spell will mean courses fill up with those who have so faithfully waited for the sun. Depending upon the time of year, it's not a bad idea to call ahead and verify wait times.

Broadmoor Golf Course. This 18-hole, par-72 course is a pretty fair golfing value with $24 greens fees and $14 per rider. The greens are well tended and rental clubs are available. 3509 N.E. Columbia Blvd., Northeast, Portland, OR, 97211. 503/281-1337. www.broadmoor-1931.com.

Colwood National Golf Club. At the 18-hole, par-72 golf club, the greens fee is $29-$33, plus $30 for an optional cart. The fairways are broad and forgiving. 7313 N.E. Columbia Blvd., East of Willamette River, Portland, OR, 97218. 503/254-5515. www.colwoodgolfclub.com.

Eastmoreland Golf Course. This is a highly regarded 18-hole, 72-par course close to the Rhododendron Gardens, Crystal Springs Lake, shopping in the Sellwood neighborhood, and Reed College. The course opened in 1917 and has a driving range. 2425 S.E. Bybee Blvd., Eastmoreland, Southeast, Portland, OR, 97202. 503/775-2900. www.eastmorelandgolfcourse.com.

Glendoveer Golf Course. There are two 18-hole courses, one par-71 and one par-73, and a covered driving range with heated spaces available here. The greens fees run $18-$34; carts are $13 for 9 holes, $26 for 18 holes. 14015 NE Glisan St., East of Willamette River, Portland, OR, 97230. 503/253-7507. www.playglendoveer.com.

Heron Lakes Golf Course. Two 18-hole, par-72 courses are available to play: the Great Blue, generally acknowledged to be the most difficult links in the greater Portland area; and the Greenback. The greens fee at the Green, as it's locally known, is $26-$37, while the fee at the Blue runs $30-$42. An optional cart at either course costs $26. Rental clubs are available. 3500 N. Victory Blvd., Kenton, North, Portland, OR, 97217. west of airport, off N. Marine Dr. 503/289-1818. www.heronlakesgolf.com.

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club. The club has 36 holes, with the 18-hole Ghost Creek par-71 course open to the public. According to Golf Digest, Ghost Creek is one of the best public courses in the nation. Pumpkin Ridge hosted the U.S. Women's Open in 1997 and in 2003. The greens fee is $150; the cart fee is $16. 12930 NW Old Pumpkin Ridge Rd., North Plains, OR, 97133. 503/647-4747 or 888/594-4653. www.pumpkinridge.com.

Rose City Golf Course. The second oldest course in the city has one 18-hole, par-72 course. Greens fees are $31-$36; carts are $26 for 18 holes. 2200 NE 71st Ave., Madison South, Northeast, Portland, OR, 97213. 503/253-4744. www.rosecitygc.com.