The Story of The Mt. Hood Golf Course – From Pasture to Premier Resort
A Golfing Gem in the Salmon River Valley
Mt. Hood Golf Course history – Nestled deep in the Salmon River Valley, at the foothills of Mount Hood, lies one of Oregon’s first and most scenic golf courses. What began in the 1920s on Billy Welch’s pasture has evolved into a full-service resort offering luxury amenities, 27 holes of golf, and unforgettable views. Today, it’s known as Mt. Hood Resort, but its roots go back nearly a century.
This post takes a closer look at the legacy of the Mt. Hood Golf Course — a true piece of local and Oregon golf history.
The Beginnings: A Vision in 1928
In 1927, Ralph Shattuck and George Waale envisioned a golf course on land leased from Billy Welch. They leased 169 acres, with an option to buy, and got to work.
Construction began in January 1926. By August 1928, the first round was played on what became known as The Mt. Hood Golf Course. They built a clubhouse, a putting green, and the original nine holes — now called the “Pinecone” course. It was Oregon’s first true golf resort and helped put Welches on the map as a destination.
The course thrived until the Great Depression hit. In 1939, Shattuck and Waale lost the property when they could no longer make payments. Billy and Jennie Welch reclaimed it.
Changing Ownership and Expansion
After Billy’s death in 1942, Jennie Welch ran the course alone until July 1944, when she sold it to Leo Hueval.
Two years later, in 1946, J.P. Lich and his wife Oberta purchased the course from Hueval. Jennie Welch also sold them an additional 88 acres. In 1948, Lich sold the course to Eugene and Peggy Bowman.
The Bowmans renamed it Bowman’s Golf Club and added a second nine-hole course, now known as Thistle, expanding the facility to 18 holes. They operated it successfully until 1978.
Further Growth and the Birth of a Resort
In 1973, American Guaranty acquired land across the road and developed a conference center, restaurant, and lodging. By 1979, they bought the golf course from the Bowmans and merged both properties into a resort.
They named it Rippling River Resort and added a third nine-hole course, known as The Red Side (now called “Foxglove”). This expansion made it the only 27-hole golf course in Oregon at the time.
A Scottish Touch: The Resort at The Mountain
In 1989, Ed and Janice Hopper purchased the resort and rebranded it as The Resort at The Mountain. Ed, with his Scottish ancestry, introduced a Scottish theme throughout the property, adding character and cultural charm.
The Hoppers ran the resort until 2007. After several changes in ownership, the resort now operates as Mt. Hood Resort, continuing its legacy as a premier golf and vacation destination in the Mount Hood region.
