Normally we like to save the best for last at Golfer’s Authority, but we couldn’t wait to play this Chandler Egan course that’s remained largely unchanged since 1896.
We missed the entrance to Waverley twice before we finally found the narrow unmarked driveway.
Our resident writer, who has played the course numerous times before, said that cresting the hill and looking onto the property would be like stepping back into a scene from the Great Gatsby. He was right. The whitewashed clubhouse, cabins and other buildings were overshadowed by oak trees whose lazy branches surely have more stories to tell than the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel mentioned above. Employees and staff casually went about their business, in no apparent hurry.
Upon checking in, we were greeted by the General Manager who was most accommodating as he informed us that the policy for tee times at Waverley was no policy at all. That’s right, it’s up to the members to arrange pairings and starting times amongst themselves. There’s never been an issue.
Eventually, we made our way to the first tee and fell into the rhythm of the round after a few holes. The tree-lined fairways and undulating greens are straightforward. What you see is what you get.
Over the next 15 holes, birdies and bogeys were made but, none of that seemed to matter as our group seemed to fall into a tranquil trance. The serenity of Waverley is something like most in our group had never experienced on a golf course.
As we came to the 15th hole, a downhill par three of some 224 yards, we were greeted by a view of the mighty Willamette River.
The 17th and 18th holes provide an exciting finish along the Willamette as they’re both risk and reward par fives.
At the end of this memorable day, there were a few dollars exchanged but more importantly, memories were made. Even though Waverley is a private club, they do offer reciprocal rounds for members of other private clubs that can be arranged between Head PGA Professionals.
