When Gearhart Golf Links first opened in 1892, there were no trees on the course at all. It resembled the treeless, gorse and heather-lined links courses of Scotland. In 2013 it was decided to initiate a program to restore GGL’s true links character and identity by removing the majority of the interior trees. The result was incredible. The Shore Pines on the course (90% of the trees), were planted after the Depression as a work relief program. This species has a 50 to 60 year life span. In their 7th decade, Gearhart’s trees were dead or dying. With each passing storm, we would lose limbs or entire trees, so in the interest of safety, we were happy to remove the trees. What we were delighted to discover is how normal and natural Gearhart GL looks in its restored state. The natural rolling dunescape is no longer disguised by trees marching in formation down the edges of the fairways. The views from the tees now take in not simply a single hole but the panorama of the golf course.
Removing the trees has made the course seem larger. Without trees determining the playing corridors, players now have options off the tee, the prospect of finding different angles for approach shots, and a chance to use both ground and aerial tactics around the greens….the true essence of Links Golf. Very exciting! The fairway and collection area mow lines have been adjusted, as they are no longer bound by cart paths or trees. As is the case with other golf courses that have taken on tree removal programs, the turf grass quality will improve from greater airflow and sun exposure, as well as from the removal of larger tree root systems. Areas that needed resurfacing were seeded with Fescue, which provide firm, fast surfaces. Most of all, the playing experience went from that of a pretty little Parkland Course, to a fast, unique, interesting, and really fun Links Golf Course! Special thanks the Keith Keranen Excavating for the terrific and efficient work with this extra large project!
John Strawn, at the time president of Hills & Forrest, International Golf Course Architects, oversaw the entire project. John is a Portland resident who’s been involved in course design since the 1980s, both as a partner in prominent golf design firms and as a leading writer about golf course architecture. As someone who was already familiar with Gearhart, John was an excellent resource, and continues to provide assistance as we “Polish the Gem” that is Gearhart Golf Links. John holds a certificate in golf course design from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design’s Office of Special Programs (1988), and was a partner at Arthur Hills, Steve Forrest and Associates between 1991 and 2000, the year he joined the renowned design firm Robert Trent Jones II (RTJII). As CEO of RTJII, John was present for the creation of such celebrated courses as Sweden’s Bro Hof Slott, Denmark’s Lubker Golf Resort, and closer to home, Chambers Bay, where the 2010 Men’s US Amateur, the 2015 Men’s US Open and the 2022 US Women’s Amateur were held.
“It’s been a real joy for me to see Gearhart taking its place again among the Pacific Northwest’s premier golf experiences,” Strawn said. “Working with Tim Boyle, Jason Bangild and Forrest Goodling has been rewarding, because they’re all so passionate about Gearhart and so committed to doing right by the course, its members and the larger community of golf. I know golfers are going to love what they see, especially if it’s been a while since they last played Gearhart.”
Learn more about Strawn & Sampson at www.strawnsampson.com, or feel free to contact John directly at [email protected] or 503-360-5644.