Oswego Lake at Oswego Lake Country Club

Nestled beside its namesake lake, Oswego Lake Country Club is a testament to early Oregon golf, a place where the echoes of hickory-shafted swings still seem to whisper through the Douglas firs. This is not a grand stadium course, but rather a classic parkland layout, its gently rolling terrain offering a deceptively challenging test. While not overly long, the course favors strategic play and a deft touch around the greens, rewarding thoughtful approaches and punishing the overly aggressive.

A product of the early 20th century, the course's original design has been subtly refined over the years, retaining its old-world charm while incorporating modern agronomic practices. Its character is defined by mature trees lining narrow fairways, demanding accuracy off the tee and precise iron play. It doesn’t host majors, nor does it aspire to. Its reputation is based on being a local establishment, a golf course steeped in a more than century's worth of club lore.

Oswego Lake is known for its tightly knit membership, a collection of families who have called the club home for generations. It’s a place where golf is celebrated in its purest form, and where post-round conversation often centers on the day's near misses and lucky breaks. The club is known for its casual atmosphere and the lack of pretense, a stark contrast to some of the more meticulously groomed courses on the outskirts of Portland. Oswego Lake is a place of comfort.

Perhaps the best reflection of Oswego Lake Country Club is the annual Founder's Cup, a member-only tournament dating back to the club's inception. It's a competition that highlights the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define this enduring Oregon institution. And perhaps the highlight of the day is the club’s famous clam chowder – a hearty, creamy concoction that has become a post-round tradition, a comforting reminder of the club's rich history and enduring appeal.