A Golfing Gem in the Salmon River Valley
Nestled deep in the Salmon River Valley, at the foothills of Mount Hood, lies one of Oregon’s first and most scenic golf courses. Today, the course is part of a full-service resort, offering luxury amenities, stunning views, and a relaxing escape for golfers and vacationers alike. Mt. Hood Golf Course
Mt. Hood Golf Course – The Beginnings: A Vision in 1928
In 1928, Ralph Shattuck and George Waale envisioned a golf course on Billy Welch’s pasture. They leased the land from Billy Welch with an option to buy and constructed the first nine holes, naming it The Mt. Hood Golf Course. This course became Oregon’s first golf resort, putting Welches on the map as a destination for golf enthusiasts.
The first nine holes, originally known as “The Original Nine,” are now called “Pinecone.” Shattuck and Waale managed the course until 1939, when Billy and Jennie Welch reclaimed the property. After Billy Welch passed away in 1942, Jennie continued to operate the business on her own.
Changing Ownership and Expansion
In 1944, Jennie Welch sold the property to J.P. Lich and his wife, Oberta. Over the next few years, ownership changed hands multiple times:
- J.P. Lich sold the course to Leo Hueval, who later defaulted on payments.
- The property returned to J.P. Lich, who then sold it to Eugene and Peggy Bowman in 1948.
The Bowmans renamed the course to “Bowman’s Golf Club” and added a second nine-hole expansion, known as “Thistle.” This addition, built on land cleared by J.P. Lich, transformed the course into an 18-hole facility. The Bowmans successfully ran the business until 1978.
Further Growth and Resort Development
In 1973, American Guaranty purchased land across the road from the golf course. They built a conference center, restaurant, and lodging facilities, setting the stage for a full-scale resort.
By 1979, they bought out the Bowmans and merged the golf course and resort under the name “Rippling River Resort.” A third nine-hole course, called “The Red Side” (now “Foxglove”), was added, making it Oregon’s only 27-hole course at the time.
The Resort Era: A Scottish Influence
In 1989, Ed and Janice Hopper purchased the resort and rebranded it as “The Resort at The Mountain.” Ed Hopper, who had Scottish ancestry, introduced a Scottish theme throughout the property, giving it a unique identity.
The Hoppers operated the resort until 2007, after which it changed ownership multiple times. Today, the resort is known as “Mt. Hood Resort,” continuing its legacy as a premier destination for golfers and visitors to the Mount Hood region.
Thank you for this history. We have lived off foxglove for 8 years.
It is nice to know all the background history.
I must say, we have been concerned about the future of the resort and the golf course. It has gone in disrepair the last couple of owners. My dream is for a new owners to pump some needed money to renovate. The overlook at Mallards is one of the most beautiful view around.
Very nice story. Thank you!
I, Steve Post, lived near Bowman’s golf course from 1967 to 1991. Kieth Bowman was my dad’s best friend. Dad was the only electrician in the Mt. Hood area at the time. He did a lot of work for the Bowman’s.
I owned my own Real Estate Office (Mountain County Realty) in Wemme from 1976 to 1982 and then sold it to Oregon Realty.
I once caddied for Gene Bowman in a
pro-am at Columbia Edgewater. Gene shot an 84 that day. He paid me $10! lol
I got Jack Nicklaus’ autograph that day.
I’ve played many rounds of golf at what I still call “Bowman’s”. My average score back then was around 85. But one day I scored a 41-35 for a 76. I had 3 birdies on the back 9, including the 224 yard par three 18th! Of which I rarely, if ever, parred. I hit a 4 iron to within 25’ and sunk the putt! My witnesses were my dad, Wes Post, and my college buddy, Denny Bonn. Denny did a cartwheel on the green when my putt dropped! lots of great memories in the Welches valley!
Side note: In college at OSU, Denny would introduce himself to co-Ed’s: “Hi, the names Bonn, Denny Bonn”. lol
But now, at my age, I can’t even hit my driver 224 yards! lol
Steve Post.
Great story, one error, Bowman’s built the third nine before we sold the course to American guarantee
Thank you Gail. Noted. 🙂
I have been looking for this kind of info and photos regarding this course for a long time!
I love these photos.
I am wondering if there are prints showing the original course layout and progressive changes. I play there a few times a week. I remember so many years ago Pinecone 9 green where Thistle 1 Tee is or around now. Would appreciate any info.