Established in 1929
Oakway Golf Course is an public 18-hole course in Eugene, OR. Measuring 3576 yards from the longest tees, a slope rating of 91 and a 58.6 USGA rating, the course features 2 sets of tees for different skills.
The best stories are simple ones. The history of Oakway Golf Course is deeply rooted in the history of Eugene, Oregon. Oakway’s heritage is a simple story of local folks who wanted to share a love of golf with friends. Since the beginning, Oakway Golf Course hasn’t tried to be anything other than a friendly, challenging local course where people can play a fun round with friends and family.
Development of Oakway began in 1929, when Cal Young, a local city leader and pioneer, wanted to create a place where anyone could play his favorite sport. Having already sold some land to develop the Eugene Country Club in 1923, Cal Young began to develop his own farm land into a full 9 hole golf course.
Eventually, Ralph Hope Sr., a fellow Eugene Country Club member, saw the potential of adapting the course into an 18 hole executive course. In 1947, Hope purchased the 58 acre parcel of property from Cal Young, and enlisted the help of John Zoller, Eugene Country Club’s Golf Course Superintendent.
Zoller, having already made a name in the Pacific Northwest for designing several courses in Oregon and Washington, managed the redesign of Oakway from a regulation to an 18 hole executive course. After designing Oakway, Zoller went on to become Director of Golf for Pebble Beach Golf Course. Ralph’s son, Robert Hope continued the family’s ownership of Oakway, as well as its tradition of being a local favorite.
Finally, after nearly 50 years of family ownership, John Hammer purchased the course in 1992, recognizing its strong niche of being an approachable golfing experience for a wide range of local enthusiasts. Oakway’s history isn’t one of accolades, awards, and titles. Its charm lies in the simplicity of its story – an authentic, friendly course for friends who love the game.