Unique Oregon golf resort: Silvies Valley Ranch

Located on the Eastern Oregon frontier, Silvies Valley Ranch offers a vacation experience unique to anything I’ve done before. Guests enter the 220 square miles of this working cattle and goat ranch and make their way to the Retreat, Links and Spa…a tucked-away resort in the pines with unparalleled ranch views. Your first stop is at the Gate House, where you’re met by friendly resort staff, charcuterie and drinks, and the chance to surrender your car for the duration; from this moment forward, you’ll be exploring the ranch via your personally-assigned golf cart.

From the comfort of luxury cabin or lodge room accommodations, you can ponder your many options of activities while on-site. Silvies is not a dude ranch, with all-inclusive activities on the ranch, though it feels as isolated as one. And it’s not strictly a golf resort, because guests can explore the ranch grounds, too. It’s an interesting hybrid of both.

Perfect book-reading spot right out front of the cabins.

Dinners are fairly formal affairs with a nightly eight-course pre-set menu prepared by talented chef Damon Jones, eaten at the communal Ranch Table. Families, I’m told, have the option to eat a la carte during the summer season, should they not wish to spend so long at the meal. Definitely enjoy the Ranch Table experience at least once or twice during a stay, however, as this is where Silvies’ local, organic beef and chevon (goat) is featured best.

Silvies’ famous sourdough bread.

Before each nightly meal, we loved lingering at the impressively-stocked ranch house bar for a pre-dinner cocktail. The bartending and wait staff were all excellent, and I would challenge any guest to come up with any drink they can’t make.

Excellent Old Fashioned.

Note: breakfast and lunch are also offered at the ranch house, as well as lunch at the Hideout, the golf clubhouse. There isn’t any other nearby dining option, due to the remoteness of Silvies, so plan accordingly. Breakfast could easily be made in the room or cabin.

Activities at Silvies:

The main attraction at the Retreat at Silvies is golf. We’re not avid golfers, but we could see at a glance that Silvies’ four courses were different than most. They’re located on a remote and rugged stretch of high desert; you’ll be instantly reminded of Scottish courses, if you’ve been. The courses range from 18 hole to a shorter Par 3 course over 600 acres, and thanks to the remoteness of Silvies’ location, crowds aren’t an issue. Families and beginners are welcome. Every guest we spoke to raved about their golf experience. Best of all, you are offered a ‘goat caddy’ when you golf here: yes, trained goats really do carry your clubs!

Golf at Silvies.

During our three-day stay, we wanted to learn a lot about the ranch side of Silvies, so we signed up for a ranch eco-tour. We were picked up in a Razor and escorted around the ranch’s 120,000 acres, learning about the scope of the cattle and goat business, the ranch’s multi-generational history, and the current owners’ plans for the future (the Campbell family has owned it for the last six years). Several historic homesteads are still in residence on the property, so we saw those, as well as cows getting ready to calve, antelope running, deer grazing, and even elk. We learned about the conservation that’s important at Silvies, such as the restoration of the land’s riparian landscape; slowly, the beavers that had been plentiful before the fur trapping industry of the 1800s are returning.

Polaris Razor eco tour.

We also went shooting at the ranch’s firing range and ‘goat herding’ with a ranch hand. For the latter, we went out to find one of the three 1000-head goat herds on the property and walked among them for a while, talking to the Peruvian goat herder hired by Silvies and meeting the guard and herding dogs in residence.

Also offered: horseback riding, mountain biking, wagon riding, hiking and fishing. Hiking and biking trails are still limited, with plans to build out this part of the ranch.

Rocking Heart Spa at Silvies:

For us, our spa day was our favorite at Silvies. The spa is located directly across from the cabins and main lodge, and houses a lap pool, climbing wall, and exercise room in addition to spa services. Silvies is still in the process of fine-tuning this space, so hours are not always consistent, we found.

Spa services range from multiple massage offerings to facials and mani-pedis, plus a hair salon. We loved the facials we received, which were a relaxing 120 minutes of pampering. We enjoyed the relaxation room and spa and sauna in each locker room, too. Plan to spend a whole afternoon at the Rocking Heart Spa!

Lodging at Silvies:

We were situated in a two-bedroom luxury cabin, which included a kitchenette with a very well-stocked mini-bar, large ice machine, microwave, Keurig, and plates and cups galore. You also get an entire cupboard of snacks (for purchase) and a stocked wine fridge (with a wine list and prices). We loved the Western decor throughout, the cozy living room space with fireplace and a huge TV, and the spacious bathrooms (one off each bedroom). Best of all, a hot tub outside! Our only wish: we would have loved a porch or patio, though the views out the wide living room windows were amazing.

There are also one-bedroom cabins and cabin rooms, as well as ranch house rooms (which are actually located across the drive from the ranch house. Find rates here.

Getting to Silvies:

This Oregon golf resort really is remote. It’s about 45 minutes from Burns, Oregon, and it’s best to follow the directions on the ranch website; GPS will lead you astray. You’re about 2.5 hours from Bend or Boise, and about 5.5 hours from Medford/Ashland.

Disclosure: we stayed at Silvies as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Golf vacations with kids: tips for a great resort golf experience

Our kids like to golf, but they’re hardly miniature pros. They’re kids, and they want to have fun on the links. We want them to have fun, too, but also appreciate that other guests may want to enjoy the course without distractions or delays. It’s easy to get stressed when on golf vacations with kids, which is why we’ve compiled the following tips for a great golf resort experience:
pga-tour-kids

1. Pick a resort that’s youth golf-friendly.

When you step into a golf course pro shop and see only adult clubs and apparel, that’s a bad sign. A kid-friendly golf course will have kids’ clubs lining the walls, and even better yet: rentals. Think this is only the case at less luxurious nine-hole courses? Not so. Our favorite golf resort, Brasada Ranch, offers a course for the most sophisticated golfer, and yet staff members still smile when kids come in the door of the pro shop. It’s no surprise to me that Brasada Ranch is pro-youth golfer: this Preferred Hotel is a designated Preferred Family location, which means it offers kid-friendly perks on and off the links. We were able to play nine holes instead of 18 with our kids (not usually allowed for adults on the course), and the starter took extra care to time our start when no one would be crowding us.

Brasada Canyons golf

Likewise, the Coeur d’ Alene Resort in scenic Idaho appeals to kids because of its fun floating green on Lake Coeur d’ Alene, but parents will get more excited that kids golf free. Better yet: sign up for Preferred Hotel Group’s point-based reward program like we have, and Mom and Dad can golf with the kids this time around, and return later on points for a couples’ day on the links. This option extends further than Idaho: to find the best family friendly golf property that’s included in iPrefer, start at PreferredFamily.com/iPrefer. Win-win.

2. Opt for a twilight tee time.

Every golf resort has a least desirable time of day to be on the links; the key is to find out when that is, and book a tee time. Often, twilight tee times are least desirable, as the light gets bad, but depending on the resort location, the least desirable time could be mid-day or late afternoon. If you’re golfing in Palm Springs in summer, of instance, the courses are empty at 3 pm. Golfing at low-crowd periods ensures kids can golf at their own pace, and parents don’t need to worry about backing up pairs behind them. Another perk: twilight tee times are often discounted.

3. Play every other hole with young kids and beginners.

If you’re golfing with a beginner, let the starter know. If you’re indeed at a kid-friendly course, he or she will be able to offer suggestions of holes to pass up. Skipping a hole or two is a good strategy to implement when parents start to notice groups waiting for them to finish each hole, or when kids begin to wilt. Our kids are now tweens, and they’ve yet to finish 18 holes at one time.

tigh na mara

4. Try a golf academy or kids’ camp.

If you have a serious golfer in your midst, consider finding a golf destination offering a PGA Tour Academy lesson.  We had an amazing experience in Central Oregon with the PGA Academy, where our golf swing was recorded on video and we were instructed by the best. If you’re not ready to go pro, look for a resort with a kids’ camp that includes golf. We’ve enjoyed kids’ camp experiences that take kids to the driving range for a one-on-one lesson with the golf pro after-hours.

5. Play on the putting course or green.

Everyone knows to start at the driving range, but far more interesting to kids is the putting course. Many resorts now feature these ‘mini courses’, which offer nine or 18 holes complete with rolling hills and sand traps but require far shorter driving distances. In fact, your kids will need only a chipper and a putter. These courses can be completed in an hour, and cost a fraction of the price of the real deal. We tried our first putting course with the expectation that we’d graduate to the regular course right after: instead, we hit the pool, completely satisfied with our golf experience.
The most important step in experiencing a kid-friendly golf vacation is to start with a kid-friendly resort. What’s your favorite?
For more family travel tips, see Spas and Family Vacations: The Perfect Combination by Mother of All Trips.
Disclosure: This post is part of a series about Preferred Hotel Group’s Preferred Family and iPrefer programs.

How to get the most from your golfing getaway

Once upon a time, it would be fair to say that the golfing getaway was almost going out of fashion. Sure, they’ve always had the excitement factor (for those who are obviously into golf), but they often came with extortionate costs.

If you pick the wrong area of the world, at the wrong time, these costs can still exist. However, there’s no doubt that golfing holidays are becoming more cost-efficient, and ultimately increasing in popularity. Whether you head to The Belfry or Sawgrass; the very best courses in the world are acceptable.

pga-tour-kids

In a bid to allow you to get as much as possible from your next golfing vacation, this guide has been put together. Let’s now take a look at some of the best tips to facilitate this.

Think twice about taking your own gear

In the art of saving money initially, it can be all-too-easy to fall for the first prices that airlines charge for your flight. In doing so, you don’t take into account the “extras” they charge – one of which can be for taking your own clubs.

It’s not been unheard of for some airlines to charge in excess of £70 for golf clubs and suffice to say, this adds a considerable amount to your budget.

As such, you need to work out firstly if you really need your clubs, and secondly if it’s more cost effective to just hire them at your chosen destination. In the case of the former, hiring other clubs might not be an option if yours are heavily customized, or if you simply struggle to use others. The second is all about your own research and finding out how much is charged in the destination you are heading.

Is there more to the region than just golf?

It’s a golfing holiday and the general consensus is that you should just think about playing. Of course, it never quite plays out like that. While you will be on the course for four or five hours a day, this is actually a small portion of your entire holiday.

Bearing this in mind, always make sure you ask the question on what you will be doing in those other hours. Is there any sort of nightlife nearby? Does the resort have a spa or pool? Will you simply be satisfied if it’s just your group hanging around the apartment? The answers to these questions can also affect your budget as it goes without saying that if boredom does set in, you’ll be quickly paying for a taxi to take you somewhere else during the spare hours.

How many courses are nearby?

In a similar vein, are you heading to an area with just one course, or are there plenty nearby? This again relates to possible boredom that sets in. After all, if you have arranged for your break to span a week, by the time you reach day four you will probably be tired of teeing up on the same course again.

Some of you might be happy with this, but for those who want a bit of variety, your initial research is of paramount importance.

How to find kid-friendly golf courses from California to Florida

Ever since my three kids–now 14, 12, and 9–took up golfing, we’ve planned some of our family vacations around the sport. Parents who golf–or parents of golfers–understand the unique challenge in finding golf courses for kids: you want to experience unique or famous golf courses while on vacation, but you also need to find courses that meet the needs of your kids. Nothing ruins your concentration (and enjoyment) on a premier golf course faster than feeling the pressure from a golf marshall to pick up your child’s ball or move along faster. If you’re packing your kids’ clubs on your next family vacation, here’s a rundown of kid-friendly golf courses across the country:

pga-tour-kids

Note: hover here for more info on buying golf clubs for kids.

Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club:

Naples, Florida is considered the ‘golf capital of the world’. While golfers will find a dizzying array of course options here, the public course at the Naples Golf Club is low-key and relaxed, perfect for kids. Play nine holes or 18, and rest-assured that you don’t need to stay at the resort to get a good rate. The course enjoyed a full refurbishment in 2011, making it one of the top courses in the city, despite accessibility.

Chardonnay Golf Club:

The Chardonnay Golf Club in Napa, California shines for family golf with low-cost rental clubs, golf camps for kids, and golf academies. What this means for visiting families: your kid won’t be the only one out on the links. For adults, the course challenges as it winds through 150 acres of vineyards.  Chardonnay is semi-private.

Mount Snow Golf Club:

Located in West Dover, Vermont, Mt. Snow offers junior golf academies for as little as $12/session, making it easy for vacationing families to join the fun without worrying about spending a lot of cash on an ongoing program. And nearby, Smuggler’s Notch Resort offers a Junior Intro to Golf activity as well as kid-centric mini-golf and driving ranges.

Grand del Mar Golf Resort:

At the Grand del Mar, kids 13-17 golf for half price, and kids 12 and under play free with adults (when availability permits). Junior rentals are complimentary, and golf pros are very pro-family. Despite the welcome of children, the course is very challenging and a destination for serious golfers.

Brasada Canyons golf

Tips for finding a kid-friendly golf experience anywhere:

No matter where you’re headed on vacation, kid-friendly golf courses can be found. Here’s what to look for:

  • Nine hole courses (ideally partnered with a premiere course)
  • Resorts with putting courses (perfect for young children in place of the ‘real’ deal)
  • Clubs with discounted rates for kids (this lets you know children are welcome)
  • Clubs with PGA Tour Academy programming, such as Oregon’s Pronghorn Club
  • Courses designed to circle back to the club house at hole 9 (allowing kids to stop early)
  • Courses attached to kid-friendly resorts, where childcare and kid programming will be on offer

This post is published in partnership with Trivago.com.

Oregon golf resort vacations for kids

Oregon is a wonderful state in which to golf with your kids. The climate is moderate, the scenery is breathtaking, and while the prices are climbing, the crowds are still low. Families can golf at the following Oregon golf resort properties in a leisurely manner, without worrying about slowing down any other guest’s game. Plus, each golf resort below is a full-scale family vacation property, with swimming, hiking, mountain biking, playgrounds, and kid-friendly dining to keep everyone entertained while not on the links.

PGA TOUR Academy instruction at Pronghorn

Brasada Ranch, Powell Butte, OR: We love the remote setting of Brasada, where families stay in luxury cottages along the fairways (try to spot the wild rabbits who come out at night and at early morning to eat the tender grass!). Brasada Canyons is a beautiful course under blue skies during 300+ days of the year. Plus, kid-friendly tee-off areas make the game more fun for little ones. Enjoy a complimentary golf cart and use of a large practice facility. When you’re not golfing, take a horseback ride or swim at Brasada.

Sunriver Resort, Sunriver, OR: With four full golf courses (including championship courses) and plenty of wide-open Central Oregon vistas, golfers can spread out at Sunriver. Plus, kids play for only $10 at Caldera Links, which is a great place to start out after hitting a bucket of balls. Instead of staying in a hotel room or condo, opt for a Sunriver vacation home as a base for family hiking and biking during your off-time. Take a kayak tour from Wanderlust Tours in nearby Bend, or tour breweries on an adults-only trip.

tigh na mara

Club Pronghorn, Bend, OR: Once a private resort for club homeowners, Pronghorn is now open to traveling families. The two award-winning courses (one of which is a Fazio) may be tough for new golfers to tackle, but the Troon Golf Academy is the place to bring kids. Ours got a private lesson including video analysis to help the see what they needed to work on. Kids will also love swimming in the Pronghorn pools and participating in the excellent kids’ club, which includes off-site exploration and on-site themed activities.

Resort at the Mountain, Welches, OR: Families will love the mountain air at Mt. Hood’s Resort at the Mountain, where kids can golf with assurance that they are more than welcome! Family golf is offered Memorial Day through Labor Day from 3-5 pm weekdays, during which families pay only $30 per foursome. Nearby, Government Camp and Mt. Hood offer mountain biking and hiking, and parents can take turns at the spa.

 

This post written in conjunction with a partnership with VacationRoost.