Pros:
The Canyon Course in North Plains, Oregon, was the first course installed at Horning's Hideout by Bob Horning in 2008. This blue level course is a smaller version of the gold course, but similar in regards to the mixed terrain and style of play. The Canyon Course plays through a series of tightly wooded fairways as well as some large open grassy fields. The design of the course utilizes several of the elements on the property, including slight to extreme elevation changes, OB hazards (like the seasonal swamp on hole #18 and other small creeks that meander throughout the course), and strategic pin placements around some massive old growth Douglas Firs, Vine Maples, and massive green Ferns. Holes range anywhere from 227 - 700 feet, averaging 285 feet per hole excluding the 700 foot mammoth at the end. The course has 16 Par 3's and two Par 4's, making par for the course 56. Precision and form will prevail over power. Since many holes incorporate narrow doglegs on the course, controlled shots will land you with multiple birdie attempts.
Like the other two courses on site, the Canyon Course has some vibrantly homemade yellow baskets. Each one is extremely durable, has a large black number on the side to help navigate, and are easily visible from the tee on most holes. The tee pads are all cement, grip well, and are of sufficient in size for a run up. The Houck designed tee signs are phenomenal. Each one shows elevation changes +/-, par, distance, and obstacles down the last tree. The full color signs allow players to see where both pin positions are and their location compared to the tee.
This course seemed to have a few holes that stood out to me while playing including holes #5, #9, and #18.
Hole #5 is a 306 ft. Par 3 that has players throwing from an elevated tee pad across a small creek and ravine through a series of trees and tight fairways toward the pin.
Hole # 9 is a 315 ft. Par 3 dogleg left, that shows off the signature "peace" hand sign carved out of wood just off the middle of the fairway. It makes for a great photo with the basket in the background.
Hole #18 is a 700 ft. Par 4 with a huge mando forcing players left off tee around some massive Firs. From there players must throw several hundred feet over some rolling hills, over a swamp, toward a pin nestled amongst the trees.
This Canyon Course truly was a memorable experience for me, including the albino peacock that followed me around all day. It made me feel kind of awkward!
Cons:
Bob Horning and crew have really done a phenomenal job installing and maintaining the Canyon Course. I would like to see some more benches throughout so players can just stop and take it all in and perhaps a few more garbage cans but really, I couldn't find much wrong with this course. The walk after hole #4 some may feel is a bit unnecessary but once you see hole #5 you will see it was worth it. Over time, I know the Canyon Course will continue to improve and become more developed, but for now I think it is pretty amazing the way it is.
Horning's Hideout is a ways out from the main road so quickly accessing food and supplies won't be easy. Having supplies and a cooler ahead of time is the way to go.
Other Thoughts:
Although each course is unique unto its own, I felt this course had the most personality of the three. As an advanced level player, I felt most comfortable here and therefore had the most fun while playing. The Highland course is a blast but it is what it is, a "pitch and putt". The Meadow Course is like being at school; it is there to teach you how to play the game. It is where I go to challenge myself and work on my weaknesses. The Canyon Course is where I go to challenge myself, but succeed with and build up my confidence.
For $3 a day, this course is well worth the price. Bob Horning and his family have graciously opened up their hearts and their home to us so it is important that we support them in order to keep all our dreams alive! Other amenities include fishing, volleyball, camping, hiking, bird watching, and paddle boating. They put on some killer concerts every year and I have been told that the Dead have performed here as well, so it has a colorful history. Just know that during the summer when they host these concerts that it is near impossible to play.
Enjoy the Peacocks!