It was voted the Best New Golf Experience by GOLF Magazine, the 7-hole ridge course has distinctive characteristics that include a strategically-placed beer tree with a well-stocked cooler that can be happened upon after a particularly steep climb. Built on top of a ridge above the other courses, the Gauntlet is meant to be hard, but whats most impressive is just how much fun they make it to get your ass kicked. The 17,000-square-foot facility uses all-natural products and guests can take advantage of staple services such as massages, nail treatments and facials. Though you might visit during the warmer peak summer months, a light jacket is advised since the elevation varies from 4,600 to 6,200 feet above sea level. Immediately one of the first things you notice about both courses is how wide the fairways are. One option of working off meals are to access the gym, an indoor rock-climbing wall and the Olympic-quality swimming pool at the 17,000 square foot state-of-the-art Rocking Heart Spa. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal, Welcome to the Wonderful World of International Ranch Vacations. The landscape and opportunity presented itself at Silvies. Meaning youll know what to expect before you arrive at Silvies Valley Ranch. Do bear in mind that as they are primarily a beef and goat ranch, the menu is ultimately red-meat focused, however they will happily cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. One of my favorite spots on the Hankins course is when you walk up to the drivable par 4, 11th. If the guest catches one we take it right to the kitchen and prepare it for them.. I can only think of one course out there that has the reputation of being so hard, its fun.. The goat caddies are a bit of a gimmick (however, dont pass up the experience with the goats on the Chief Egan course), but the Hankins/Craddock courses are outstanding. And once again, in the spirit of fun, Silvies has added a par 2 bonus hole, right by the beer tree. But the good news, is you have options. Visitors enjoy the golf, cuisine, fabulous spa and lap pool, and total relaxation thats available 24/7. Silvies features a 5,350-foot airstrip to accommodate guests flying in. And fast and a lot of creativity goes into playing these courses. Thank you. Silvies Valley Ranch - Facebook Silvies Valley Ranch - All rights reserved 2023. I cant wait to play the courses again and to see my new friend Bruce another time, but Im equally as excited to talk to golfers from around the world at dinner, take another tour of the property in a sweet side by side, roast smores after dinner, and have a dram of world class whiskey against a ridiculous backdrop. One thing is clear, golfers will be turning westward as word gets out about what this working ranch offers largely as a result of its remoteness. I write with a focus on health and wellness. ), We took Bruce out on the Gauntlet and had a blast. Silvies Valley Ranch, A Western Treat Of A Retreat - 19th Hole Mag Your first impression of Silvies when youre on the way out there, is in fact, wow, we are out here.. Recruited by Silvies Valley Ranch owner Scott Campbell, Major Lee White IV will lead operations and staffing as general manager, joined by Spa Director Tara Colegrove and Director of Golf Roger Porzak. All the buildings had solid wifi, and once you connect the first time, it would seamlessly connect again no matter where you are on the property. Rick Stedman is an avid golfer, RVer, and writer who lives in Olympia, Washington. Even before the pioneers came to settle in the valley, explorers and trappers alike recognized the assets that this unique meadow landscape had to offer. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. But to give you another idea of what to expect, take this aerial photo: The bottom green is the 2nd, and to reach it you have to play 140 over a canyon all carry. Cobalt Q-4 Slope Review: Best Rangefinder Under $300? Nothing but tee boxes and greens. In keeping with the ranchs history and heritage, work on restoration of ranch lands and resources quickly returned Silvies to a productive working cattle ranch with premium hay cultivation. So while the goat caddies may be what gets you out here, rest assured, there is plenty more to experience and discover at Silvies Valley Ranch. Hixsons resume includes designing and building the Bandon Crossings Golf Course on the southern Oregon coast in 2005. Silvies Valley Ranch Review: One of the Most Unique Resorts in Golf There are actually 27 different greens, so each course has a few unique greens of its own, and the Craddock course actually has a 3 hole section on the far end of the resort property that is devoted just to that. And theres also no outdoor pool to relax by and cool off in. Guided fishing excursions are offered and can be included in an all-inclusive package. Nestled in the picturesque mountains of eastern Oregon youll find the sprawling Silvies Valley Ranch. You still have another 20 minutes or so before you actually hit the Links and Spa at Silvies. Rather Dan said he was going to take whatever the land gave him, to create something special. Yes, you read that correctly. If you get above the pin it is like putting on concrete.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From the moment you step foot on Silvies property, you feel like family. Many pioneers and cowboys considered the terrain too rugged, but homesteader John Jack Craddock saw its potential. The name of the ranch was immediately returned to its historic name of Silvies Valley Ranch. A 140,000-acre working ranch, raising grass-fed Red Angus cattle and American Range goats, is home to the Retreat, Links, and Spa at Silvies Valley Ranch. See here for more details, Spike's Peeks: The Art of Travel - 8/2022, #3 Family Resort in the US - Golf Magazine. All bread is sourdough, made on the ranch from a 100-year old family starter. In 2007, the ranch was purchased by Silvies Valley Ranch, L.L.C., a private company founded by the Campbell's - a family with pioneer roots in Eastern Oregon much older than the ranch. Silvies should be added to every golfers bucket list. If you dont want to drive five-and-a-half hours from Portland, Oregon or four hours from Boise, Idaho, you can fly into the property. Latins (Italic tribe) - Wikipedia Rick writes a weekly golf blog, The 19th Hole, for RV LIFE. She was the mother-in-law of the Emperor Tiberius, great-grandmother of the Emperor Caligula and Empress Agrippina the Younger, grandmother-in-law of the Emperor Claudius, and great-great . Love Bruce the goat, You can find more reviews for Silvies Valley Ranch on TripAdvisor, 809 Broadway, Suite 1SONOMA The Retreat, Links, & Spa at Silvies Valley Ranch The reversible course concept isnt new. Of the over 60 square miles of deeded property, there are 6,000 acres of mountain meadows, 14,000 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest, 20 miles of the Silvies River, over 20 named creeks and drainages, cattle and horses, as well as native Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, sage hens, grouse, pine martins, quail, black bear, cougar, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, squirrels, chipmunks, porcupines, beaver, raccoons, river otters, hawks, eagles, pigmy rabbits, wild turkeys, cranes, geese, ducks, song birds, woodpeckers, bass, catfish, perch and native redband trout, among other residents. Wake up early and watch the sunrise (researchers say its good for you!) November 14, 2017 Oregon's well-earned status in the new century as a golf mecca should be enhanced by its latest golf resort, which debuted in July and re-opens for play in May 2018 in the state's. 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The quality of the golf, the food, the service and the setting are hard to match. As Curt Sampson of Golf Digest put it, Silvies owner Scott Campbell, a retired veterinarian, is either a visionary or way ahead of his time. That praise comes not only because the golf courses at Silvies Valley Ranch have earned positive acclaim from guests, golf publications and industry professionals, but also because of a very unique feature the goat caddy. Our golf courses are named after the Craddock and Hankins families, both were early homesteaders on the property. He can be reached at rstedman@gmail.com. We are one of just two places in the U.S. that have reversible courses. Even with all of us having perfect layups, no one hit the green . Our Story | The Retreat, Links & Spa at Silvies Valley Ranch Before you arrive at your room, youre also given a radio that has everyone from the golf shop to spa, to an emergency channel so its always easy to get ahold of whoever you need. Mysterious Oregon cattle killings, mutilations alarm ranchers You can be among the first to play the new Tom Fazio golf course at Wynn Las Vegas when it opens this fall. Our Golf Course Superintendent Sean A. Hoolehan, CGCS is helping us to saving between 400,000-600,000 gallons of water a day. One of those people is Jack Craddock, who began buying up property as the railroad moved in, in the early 20th century. safe, mini-bar, fridge, microwave, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes, air conditioning, $85* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Best Places To Stay In Central Oregon: Silvies Valley Ranch - RV LIFE Opening a spa is something you just dont see every day on a real cattle and goat ranch all the cows and does were quite surprised, but are looking forward to their treatments, jokes Sandy Campbell. But I know youre waiting for it, so well revist the rest of the ranch later, lets talk golf! All accommodations feature Western dcor, rain showers, stocked mini-bars, leather furniture and large flat-screen televisions. The luxurious western-themed accomodations include eight two-bedroom spacious Cabin Suites, nine double King Ranch House Suites and nine single King Ranch Suites. This remote Oregon golf course will fascinate you (Psst: And no, it's Silvies Valley Ranch Retreat and Links is a 140,000 acre ranch that offers world class golfing, dining, and lodging in the heart of the Oregon Frontier - Seneca, Oregon. At one dinner we even had the opportunity to sit with Hank Hickox and had a very interesting discussion that covered Bandon, Silvies and other golfing experiences. As trappers moved into the western territories, they too carved out a place in the valleys history. The trails offer stunning views of the 150,000 acre ranch. Officially called The Retreat, Links & Spa at Silvies Valley Ranch, this property encompasses more than 140,000 acres and has been a working ranch since 1883. Seneca, OR 97873, Reservations & Information: Originally from Alabama, Jones is also an avid golfer. The 8th is a dogleg right that gives you a choice on how much of the corner you want to take on. On most holes you have plenty of room to spray it a bit, which truly makes for a fun golf experience. Today the ranch is made up of 140,000 acres of deeded and leased National Forest and BLM lands in and surrounding Silvies Valley Oregon. Thanks again for your informative article on another great golfing/RVing opportunity. On Craddock, this same fairway serves as the tee box for the 7th hole which plays down to the 10th green of Hankins. Its a 140,000 acre cattle ranch about 3 hours east of Bend, Oregon. Playing down the same fairway with the giant slope as 10 Hankins, you still get the same crazy movement, but then your approach is into the 9th green on Hankins which is one of my favorites on the course. ), too. Im legitimately pretty torn, as they both have some incredible holes on them. . Its 50 yards, just a long green, so you have a choice of putting or try to flop it up there. There are no water holes on those two championship courses. Well then you get a t-shirt or a hat, a horseshoe nail, and to sign the Book of Winners. The mouth-watering cuisine featured at Silvies is certainly worth writing home about. Yes, youll find wildlife roaming freely and birds chirping, but you can also enjoy luxury accommodations, spa services and a one-of-a-kind golf experience before capping the day with a freshly prepared, organic meal. The reversible Hankins and Craddock Courses, are both ranked in Golfweek's top 50 in the USA. But at this point, youve probably got your goat caddie already and dont care! The Silvies River runs through the lush green meadows of the ranch fed by. Its a really fun challenge that we had a blast attempting to partake in. In order to protect a positive experience forour guests, weddings are considered in April through mid-May and mid-September through October. Can be rented as a Log Cabin Suite with one King Bedroom and the Great Room. If that doesnt epitomize the idea of fun golf Im not sure what does. And theyre cool, theyre unique, and taking one is a must do. Starting in the late 1950s, the ranch passed from the Craddocks and for the next half-century was in the hands of a series of eight different owners who were neither ranchers nor native Oregonians, but instead Californians, insurance companies, a grazing association, an investment broker, and even a restaurateur. Scribonia (c.-68 - -16) - Genealogy - Geni.com Maybe its due to the lack of cell service, the totally unique approach to golf, or the fact that the frontier is so different from anything most of know but it is 100% a place I will revisit again probably many times. Rick Stedman is an avid golfer, RVer, and writer who lives in Olympia, Washington. Today, the ranch is in different stages of restoration, with the goal of returning creeks, vegetation and the overall landscape to its former glory. These employees are not union members, but they work the system to their advantage, and they do not work for free. All Rights Reserved. Those temporary spaces offer electrical hookups, water, and full access to all the resort amenities, which includes a golf cart to get around the expansive property. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, cool golf, and snow bikes. Latium at the beginning of the fifth century; the Volsci lived in the south. Inside the Eighty Club weve had a thread going on about the best hangs in golf. Our Ranch House Mini-suites have either one or two king beds, with two flat screen TVs, a small kitchenette and large bathrooms with walk-in showers and bath tubs. So rather than working laterals on outside edge of the arms, we are going to be turning inward, explained Cindy Qual, the spa director. Our Scotch and wine tasting classes are a big favorites of our guests. You can also check out Patricks recap of the trip, which has some pretty fun stories from the week . Silvies Valley Ranch: A Truly Unique Eco-Resort Focused on - Forbes It is in addition to the 7 holes, but comes after the 3rd hole.. And on the par 2 bonus hole that you play after grabbing your tree beer, if you make it in the 7.7 inch hole, then youre able to move the ball 7.7 inches one time later in the round. By the 1920s, Jacks son Chet started the beginnings of what is now known as Silvies Valley Ranch. But also, I think one of my biggest surprises about our experience is the fact that the goat caddies are such a small part of how great the whole experience is. Yoga retreats and private instruction available. They are two entirely different courses.. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. About Scribonia. Tapping into the creative talents of Dan Hixson, Silvies offers a reversible golf course along with goat caddies. We are at 4,500 feet and it is pure links-style golf. For those of you not familiar with your Pacific Northwest geography, that places Silvies in precisely: the middle of nowhere. One of Wilsons prized skills is a special way to prepare a main course using Sous vide French for under-vacuum which is an innovative cooking technique in which food is vacuum-sealed and slow-cooked in water at precise constant temperatures until its perfectly cooked. Are you looking for workcampers? They share nine greens. Migrating to southern Latium, they became one of the four main enemies of archaic Rome. So how do you make a brutally hard course, fun (aside from the obvious use of furry animals that carry your clubs)? Unless they fly in by private aircraft, golfers will spend up to 3 hours on isolated stretches of road from commercial airports to get to the resort (and best to arrive before dark), however they will be rewarded with a unique golf experience. 2,683 likes. With everyone in such a rush these days, its no surprise that were struggling as a society to manage our emotions behind the wheel. Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say First this place is great to fly into as it is off Oregons beaten path that said they try to accolade you with everything you could possibly want. Over the years, ownership of Silvies Valley Ranch has changed hands several times, but current owners, Scott and Sandra Campbell, have made their shared vision very clear heal the land.. From most vantage points on the property, the serenity is endless as you look out over the grasslands, native bogs, ponderosa pine forests, and fields of sagebrush and buckwheat. A rendition of one of the earliest ranch brands was adopted and recorded to help write this new chapter in the ranchs long history of returning home. At Silvies Ranch, goat caddies were first introduced in 2018 on the 7-hole, 1,177-yard McVeighs Gauntlet course. Location: Upper Silvies River Watershed on the border of Grant & Harney Counties, Oregon. Theres a reason why Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Golfweek have all ranked Silvies regularly in their Top Ten lists. We've got it covered. Even more surprising, Patrick and I both crushed our drivers. Holes range from 247 to 77 yards, notes Porzak. It makes for a cool look and has an interesting green as well. Located in Eastern Oregon on 150,000 acres of scenic terrain, this unique Ranch & Resort features fishing, shooting ranges, horse back riding, Razor tours of the ranch, hiking, biking and a wide assortment of other activities. The name of the ranch was immediately returned to its historic name of Silvies Valley Ranch. Both days we kind of played our own combo and mostly just played up on the longest of par 4s. Your article provided the final nudge to plan a visit there in September while repositioning from Bend, OR back to Phoenix. With horseback riding, trail hiking, mountain biking, shooting, goat herding and wagon rides, to name a few, the activities are nearly endless on the Oregon property that's approximately the size of Chicago! When you think reversible course, you might be thinking that your approach shots are just completely reversed on each course and youd be wrong. There are 18 Ranch House single and double-king rooms, each with a separate entrance onto the grounds for quick access to the spa, golf course and other amenities. In 2007, the ranch was purchased by Silvies Valley Ranch, L.L.C., a private company founded by the Campbells a family with pioneer roots in Eastern Oregon much older than the ranch. Lets throw in a 9 hole par 3 course, and while were at it a 7 hole Gauntlet course that will be the most fun round youll play while absolutely getting your ass kicked! As the ranch got fixed up and the conversation turned to tourism, it was decided that golf had the potential to be a good way to draw people in. This year, however, the goat caddies will also ply their trade on the nine-hole, par 3 Chief Egan Course, which is a mere 875 yards. Cobalt Q6 Slope Review: Most Underrated Rangefinder in Golf? Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal. When you arrive at the first tee, which is straight uphill, all carry 145, to a tiny green, you know youre in for it. The Craddock Course is also an 18-hole championship links-style track that stretches to 7,035 yards from the tips. When Ive been talking about my experience I mention them, but Im just as excited about the Nailed It whole, the reversible concept, the 7 course communal dinner, the signature horseshoe nails, and the wonderful nature of the service that left me feeling like family. There are also cabins available, but I didnt get a chance to take a look at one, although its a pretty safe bet they are very nice. One who came and stayed was John Jack Craddock who bought up many of the smaller places by the late 20s when the railroad was put through the valley. They enlisted the help of local architect Dan Hixson to help them create something special, which is exactly what they did. You can learn more about Silvies Valley Ranch on their website here. The result came to fruition in 2018 when the Hankins Course and Craddock Course officially opened. Incised channels reduce the flow between water in the channel and water in the surrounding soils, which reduces the vegetation available for wildlife habitat and cattle forage. Silvies is 150,000 acres or about 225 square miles. The economic boast to the area has been vital to the growth of the community. Im proud the Campbells have given me the opportunity to prepare menus and dining experiences that showcase our organic grass finished meats, ranch-grown herbs and microgreens, and locally sourced produce in a creative and flexible way, Mike Wilson, the Executive Chef said. A drivable par 4 that may be one of my favorite holes at Silvies. The goats, who weigh between 220-250 lbs., can carry up to six clubs, a dozen golf balls, tees, six cans of refreshments for their customers, and a bag to carry the most important item: Peanuts! Time at Silvies doesnt feel like real life. Dont need a whole cabin? The name of the ranch was returned to its historic name of Silvies Valley Ranch and a rendition of one of the earliest ranch brands was recorded to help write a new chapter in the ranchs long history. As the golf here is so good, you might not see your golf-loving partner too often. 2. It wasnt always flourishing, though. So we have 27 greens. Book The Retreat, Links & Spa at Silvies Valley Ranch, Seneca on Tripadvisor: See 34 traveler reviews, 167 candid photos, and great deals for The Retreat, Links & Spa at Silvies Valley Ranch, ranked #1 of 3 specialty lodging in Seneca and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor. The Rangers who accompany guests are extremely qualified horsemen and women, with many years of experience. As you wind through the ranch, you cant help but notice that some serious thought went into everything about it. The G.M. From the golf courses, visitors can absorb the stunning views of Malheur National Forest and the Blue Mountains. Most of the greens are large with a ton of movement, and so when you factor in that there is 27 of them you dont run much risk of things feeling too repetitive. All of the kitchen creations are spearheaded by award-winning Chef Damon Jones. We teed it up at the Hankins Course first. As supply and demand dictates, each goat caddie is outfitted with a custom, Seamus Golf-designed pack. The shared tee complex at No. Couple it with the fire pit outside the lodge, and youve got one of the best apres-golf experiences anywhere in the world. The serenity of Silvies is right outside your cabin. They are the best employees Ive ever had. In keeping with the ranch's history and heritage, work on restoration of ranch . The Hideout overlooks the 17/18th of Craddock (which is 1 and 2 of Hankins), not to mention miles of ridiculous views beyond. Rabbit is the latest goat to be selected for the goat caddie program. The clubhouse is powered by roof-mounted solar panels, with water provided from nearby Paiute Spring. Next year we will work our schedule so that we can play Hankins/Craddock on back to back days. My friend Jamie and I shared one of their standard hotel style rooms, and they were fantastic. A world-class guide to the top 5 most celebrated golf courses in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1883, the ecologically-sustainable ranch and retreat along the Silvies river is home to hundreds of species of wildflowers and wildlife, 4500 cattle, 3000 goats and 50 horses. Silvies Valley Ranch - Visit Eastern Oregon Our golf center is named after Chief Egan, who was the Paiute tribe leader in this territory. In the course of the Iron Age, the people of Central Italy, who had been living in hilltop settlements . Currently there are two goats pulling caddie duties (Bruce and Mike), with three more that are in training. Silvies Valley Ranch: A Luxury Dude Ranch in Eastern Oregon On the Ranch we have 160 species of birds and an abundance of antelope, mule deer and elk. By the 1920s, Jack's son Chet started the beginnings of what is now known as Silvies Valley Ranch. Some of those specialties include ranch-raised organic beef and chevon and other creative ranch tasting menus. Campbell, an immunologist who studied at Stanford and also conducts a popular sourdough-bread making class, oversees a massive bar that features over 220 different types of wine from across the Pacific Northwest, California, and Europe and also boasts the most extensive Scotch collection in the region with over 110 different varieties. Volsci - Livius So what do you have to do? Surrounded by ancient timber forests and fed by snow covered mountain peaks, the river valley was home to one of the most sought after commodities of the 1800s beaver. Designed by Dan Hixson, traversing the ridges that overlook Silvies Valley, the course direction of Craddock (like Hankins) is reversed each day to create a different layout with a variety of pin placements and tee box options, creating thousands of unique rounds. Named for a French trapper, Antonine Sylvaille, who discovered the valley in the early 1800s, the animals outnumber the humans by a vast, vast margin. But on the golf courses or while youre out on the range? Before we left the resort we made our reservations for next year when we will be again be repositioning from Bend to Phoenix. Goat caddies, born, raised and educated about golf on the ranch, are equipped to carry up to six clubs along with balls, tees and more fun refreshments if desired. The first night we were there, Jamie said goat really isnt my thing.. Think, one of the hardest (and most fun) par 3 courses in the world. Also, a cute baby goat named Rabbit was recently selected as the newest member of the goat caddie team. Over the last few months Ive been fairly stressed out, and if Im being honest, the collective 12 hours of driving from Portland and very full days at the resort had me a little on edge. Its crazy to look back from the green and to then be able to visualize what the hole plays like going the other direction on the opposite course. In the late 19th century, many of the pioneers that made their way out to Oregon found this particular area of Eastern Oregon, just a little bit too rugged to create a life and they continued on west. You off load your bags and are given your chariot (or, you know, golf cart) that will get you around for the duration of your stay. The Quivira Golf Club features a spectacular oceanfront Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, a must-play destination for discerning golfers. 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