Chinook Winds Golf Resort

The big attraction for golfers in Lincoln City is the beautifully laid out 18-hole Chinook Winds Golf Resort (3245 NE 50th St., 541/994-8442, http://chinookwindscasino.com, $42–54 for 18 holes). Set amidst towering coastal mountains on the edge of Lincoln City, this course is another venture of the highly successful Chinook Winds Casino, operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

The golf course spans just 5,000 yards with men’s par 65 and women’s 72, though plans include taking the current executive level course to a resort level, which means increasing the course size to 6,640 yards and the par to 71.

The club offers all services with a restaurant, a lounge, a pro shop, and lessons, plus the largest indoor driving range in the Northwest.

Salishan Spa and Golf Resort

The area’s other serious golf resort is seven miles south of Lincoln City at Gleneden Beach. Salishan Spa and Golf Resort (7760 U.S. 101, Gleneden Beach, 541/764-3632 or 800/890-8037, $79–119 for 18 holes) is an award-winning 18-hole course set in the foothills of the Coast Range and bordered by Siletz Bay and the sea.

This challenging 6,470-yard, par-71, championship-layout course has recently reopened following a major redesign by Oregon golf superstar Peter Jacobsen and his company.

The redesign includes 18 new green complexes, an additional 400 yards, and stunning new views. Keep in mind that this is a Scottish-links course, where the roughs are really rough.